2023 Subaru Outback XT new car review

This car has always been popular with Australian families with a sense of adventure, but one thing has held it back … until now.

The Subaru Outback has always been one of the most well-rounded cars on the road, but it’s been let down in one key area … not anymore.

Subaru has launched the new turbo petrol-powered Outback XT.

It’s the Outback we’ve always wanted

The Subaru Outback has always been a great car. It’s comfy and safe with plenty of interior space but it has traditionally been let down by an underwhelming engine and transmission.

That’s no longer the case, as Subaru has added turbo power to its big wagon.

Gone is the 138kW/245Nm naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol motor and in its place is a detuned version of the WRX’s 2.4-litre turbo unit making 183kW and 350Nm.

The extra grunt ups the Outback’s towing capacity by 400kg over the regular Outback to 2400kg.

Paired with Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive grip, it makes a winning combination for weekend adventurers and holiday road trippers alike.

It has more ground clearance than a regular wagon, giving buyers the higher seating position that make SUVs so popular.

The new engine boosts towing capacity to 2400kg.

It shines on the road too

The extra muscle under the bonnet is instantly noticeable.

On the open road the engine is unstressed, with plenty left in reserve for overtaking at speed.

Before the Outback felt out of breath tackling steep hills but now it bounds up them with ease.

The CVT auto remains but it does a good job of accessing the engine’s deep power reserves.

Soft suspension soaks up bumps and road imperfections of all sizes with ease, but the trade-off is less control through corners.

Meaty and direct steering provides confidence, while all-wheel drive grip adds composure in the wet.

Soft suspension makes for a smooth ride.

The price is right

Adding turbo power costs about $5000 extra and it’s only available on the mid-tier Sport and range-topping Touring versions.

The Subaru Outback Sport XT we tested is priced from about $57,500 drive-away. That sounds expensive but you get a lot of car for the money.

It comes with class leading safety equipment that covers all bases, while its butch styling suits the vehicle’s rugged underpinnings.

The Outback forgoes a mass of flashy chrome highlights for chunky black body elements and shuns the giant alloys found on rivals for respectable 18-inch wheels.

There are LED headlights, roof rails and a full-size spare tyre, too.

Turbo power is only available on more expensive variants.

It’s not all rosy, though

The turbo engine, while punchy, is very thirsty compared to motors found in other brands.

Subaru claims the Outback XT drinks 9.0L/100km but you’ll use a lot more than that around town. In stop-start traffic you’re likely to see mid-teens.

It also requires pricey premium unleaded petrol, where the regular Outback uses cheaper regular unleaded.

Servicing is on the expensive side. Owners can expect to pay more than $2600 over five years and service intervals are shorter than industry standard at 12 months or 12,500km.

A giant tablet-style screen is a nice feature.

Cabin quality is top notch

The Outback is well built, with quality cabin finishes and upmarket materials.

The seats on the Sport variant we tested have nifty wet-suit-like material that is water repellent. The front pair are heated and electronically adjustable and the rear window seats also have a heating function.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather gear shifter add to the appeal.

Our test car had water-repellent wetsuit like material on the seats.

A giant tablet-style 11.6-inch central screen is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth, a six speaker stereo and two USB charging ports boost connectivity.

The back seat has ample head, shoulder and leg room for full-sized adults.

The Outback has a big 522-litre boot and one-touch folding rear seats make it easy to load large items.