Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT
Specs
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gasoline Economic system | B |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A- |
| Tall Man | A |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 260-horsepower 2.4-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4-cyinder |
| Transmission | CVT automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Class: Midsize Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: U.S.
Shade: Crimson Crimson Pearl
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 136
Actual-world gas financial system: 24.6 mpg
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 22/29/25 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Common Fuel
Base value: $42,795 (not together with $1420 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: All-weather ground mats ($141)
Worth as examined: $44,356
Audio-System Model
Harman Kardon
Audio-System High quality
Poor Truthful Good Very-Good Glorious
Professionals and Cons
The good: Roomy, properly completed cabin, off-road/foul-weather prowess
The great: Ample energy from turbocharged engine; wagon utility
The not so good: Energy supply uneven at low speeds
Evaluate
There was some argument about whether or not or not the Subaru Outback is a station wagon, or as an alternative a crossover. Right here at Shopper Information, we’ve been slightly inconsistent in our labeling of Subaru’s standard woodsy mannequin, however we lean in the direction of calling it a compact crossover. However, if you wish to name it a midsize automotive, we’re cool with that, too.
However no matter you name it, the Outback is, and has been, primarily based on the maker’s now discontinued Legacy midsize sedan, and, all advertising and marketing and segmenting apart, is, in actuality, a station wagon. A very nice and purposeful station wagon.
Why this issues a lot proper now could be that the Outback is being utterly redesigned for the 2026 mannequin yr, and the brand new ‘Again seems way more like a traditional crossover than the present instance.
And, if you happen to thought-about the Outback a station wagon, it was the final non-premium-brand station wagon obtainable within the U.S. When the final 2025 Outback is bought, wagons will grow to be the unique purview of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo—and none of these carmakers promote very lots of them. Lengthy reside the station wagon.
Because the final Wagon, the Outback deserves credit score for representing the breed so properly. Subaru’s most carlike crossover is famously refined, comfy, and purposeful, and has earned a popularity for reliability and resale worth. The Outback is admittedly the whole lot a cautious shopper may need from a private or household automobile.
For these not within the know, the Outback is positioned in dimension and value between Subaru’s standard Forester compact crossover, and fewer standard Ascent midsize 3-row crossover. Subie’s subcompact Crosstrek anchors the crossover lineup.
Because the Outback is being utterly redesigned for 2026, Subaru made just a few modifications to the mannequin for ’25, none of which have an effect on our common impressions of the automobile.
For 2025, the Outback is obtainable in a staggering 9 trim ranges, all of that are outfitted with Subaru’s branded Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Right here’s a breakdown:
- Outback ($31,415)
- Premium ($34,480)
- Onyx Version ($39,390)
- Restricted ($41,140)
- Onyx XT ($42,645)
- Wilderness ($43,130)
- Restricted XT ($43,480)
- Touring ($43,700)
- Touring XT ($46,150)
Engines
Most Outbacks are powered by a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Fashions together with the XT designation benefit from the added increase of a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4. Each engines mate to a CVT-style automated transmission. And, each engines run superb on regular-grade gasoline.
Shopper Information not too long ago spent per week behind the wheel of a 2025 Outback Touring XT in Crimson Crimson Pearl. Together with vacation spot cost, our check automotive got here to $44,356.
Cabin Trim
Our complaints relating to the inside supplies of the subcompact Subaru Crosstrek don’t prolong to the Outback, a minimum of not in Touring trim. The black-leather-based trim in our check automotive, punctuated tastefully with brilliant accents, felt upscale, and completely on model for Subaru. And although designed on automotive structure, the Outback is crossover roomy with large doorways, giant and welcoming seats, and loads of glass space. Rear-seat area is equally beneficiant.
Connectivity
We’ve grow to be accustomed to Subaru’s “Starlink” infotainment system, and customarily discover it accommodating. The big, vertically oriented console touchscreen is simple to achieve and straightforward to learn, even in brilliant gentle. As in different Subaru’s of current classic, we did endure a lot of Bluetooth “disconnects,” forcing us to delete our gadgets from the system and relink. This can be a time-consuming annoyance we hope the manufacturing unit has a repair for.
As soon as related, the system operates properly, and we’ve solely good issues to say in regards to the Harman Kardon sound system, which punches above the Outback’s value class.
Journey and Dealing with
On the street, the Outback feels tight and substantial, in the absolute best approach. The experience is agency but compliant, lending itself to sporty conduct, do you have to be so inclined. The steering has some old-school heft to it, and communicates street circumstances successfully. Likewise, the Outback consists in corners, and the brakes are responsive and really feel sturdy.
Energy and Efficiency
Energy from the burly turbocharged engine is greater than ample, although the CVT automated transmission might be gradual to answer throttle inputs, a situation which might show irritating in heavy site visitors. The answer is to use further throttle, which usually expedites issues, however probably on the expense of gas financial system. This, by the way in which, is admittedly our solely Outback criticism.
Gasoline Economic system
Talking of gas financial system, our check automotive averaged 25 mpg. We’d name that respectable mileage given the Outback’s energy and heft.
Worth
Like all Subarus, the Outback is one way or the other greater than the sum of its components, particularly in luxurious Touring trim. We suggest stepping as much as the turbocharged engine on trim ranges on which it’s obtainable. And sure, we all know the Outback is mostly a automotive, however who cares? It’s elevated experience top will assist in deep snow or throughout informal off-road adventures, and the roomy wagon physique serves up crossover-style utility. Additionally, at comfortably lower than $50,000 totally loaded, the Outback Touring XT additionally represents actual greenback worth.
If you happen to’re not on the lookout for greater than 5-passenger area, and don’t have to tow, the Outback completely deserves a spot in your procuring record. And, if you wish to personal one of many final actual station wagons, you’ll have to hurry. The all new, much-less-wagonny Outback goes on sale later this yr.
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2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT Photos
Click on under for enlarged photos
