2023 Subaru Outback XT new car review

This Japanese brand known for its reliability has developed a potent new version of its family favourite that ticks a lot of boxes.

Subaru Outback Touring XT.

Subaru’s long-serving and popular Outback is now available with a turbo kick. Here are five things you should know about the Sport XT.

This Outback Sport’s been to the gym

Subaru has added turbo power to its Outback wagon.

Underwhelming. That’s a kind word for the Subaru Outback’s performance. But now, at last, here’s one with a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four petrol engine to deliver the performance many Aussies demand. These boosted Outback XTs deliver 32 per cent more power and 42 per cent more torque than regular 2.5-litre non-turbo Outbacks. The tow rating jumps from 2000kg to 2400kg.

Such numbers better suit the Outback Sport’s rugged good looks. Note the adventure-ready roof rails, sporty colour flashes, black alloys and handsome wagon style, a welcome antidote to blobbier SUV rivals. The new engine adds bite to the bark, but also $5000 to the asking price. This Sport XT is $52,190 plus on-roads, while a fancier, leatherier Touring XT is $55,990 plus charges.

The drive experience is brawnier, but dents the wallet

The added power comes at a price.

The engine’s a detuned version of Subaru’s WRX turbo motor – a nice brag when your mates giggle about your “sensible” family car. There’s 183kW of power and an impressive 350Nm of torque, the latter all there by 2000rpm for pleasing low-down shove.

We’re told the previous generation Outback 3.6R – a hero Subaru – inspired this new turbo engine’s character. There’s not quite the buttery, easy power of the 3.6R’s much-missed flat six-cylinder, but the Outback XT’s not far off. There’s serious pull on tap. Its CVT auto gearbox – as in the WRX – is a good one, but doesn’t help driving joy. Paddle shifters with artificial gear “steps” improve things and feel sharp in Sport mode. But prepare for a shock at the bowser. Turbo Outbacks need 95 fuel and drink at a rate of 9.0L/100km overall. In town, that climbs to a guzzling 12.1L/100km. Throw in $2673 for five-years/62,500km servicing and it ain’t cheap to run.

It’s a five-seater highly suited to Aussie family life

The Outback XT’s an automotive Swiss Army knife: an all-rounder to rival an in-form Pat Cummins. It has gutsy performance, with a roomy well laid out, well equipped cabin and it’s comfy on- and off-road.

Highlights include a 11.6-inch tablet-style infotainment screen that runs wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, power heated seats and water-repellent faux-leather trim. Useful safety items include radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Kudos to Subaru for calibrating its lane-keep system so I don’t immediately scramble to turn it off.

There is plenty of room inside for the whole family.

Instead of compromising cabin space by fitting (rarely used) third-row seating, Subaru’s prioritised a wagon-like lengthy boot, full-size spare and vast rear passenger space. Kids out back get heated reclining seats, endless leg and head room, USB ports, vents and elbow-cushioning arm rests.

Grumbles? The dashboard’s too plain, there no wireless phone charging and no sliding rear seats.

Despite lacking low range, it’ll take you deep into the scrub

Adventurous Aussies often dismiss the Outback because it isn’t a low range 4WD. Instead, they unnecessarily buy lumbering, uncomfortable dual-cab utes for biannual camping trips. But sandy road surf spots, snowfields and wild camping areas are happy Outback hunting grounds.

There’s competence in spades with Subaru’s smart X-Mode controlling traction control and torque, while 213mm ground clearance sees you sail over gravelly climbs and washouts. I pushed it through soft sand, wet mud and some mighty, undulating climbs and it never faltered. But such ability means its on-road handling’s wobblier than many rival five-seat SUVs. This being the “Sport” XT model, it could do with slightly stiffer suspension and a lower ride height.

Unlike other all-wheel drive family wagons the Outback will actually handle some light off-roading.

With sensible hat on, just buy the non-turbo Outback instead

This Outback XT has a problem, and it’s friendly fire. The non-turbo Outback Sport has otherwise identical spec (dual tailpipes aside) for $5000 less and drinks cheaper regular unleaded at 7.3L/100km. The turbo premium here is high, especially if most of your driving is urban. And while the performance leap is marked, the turbo’s still no outright thrill-bringer with a soulful soundtrack. So, the Outback XT’s a comfy commuter, safe family hauler and eager adventurer, but then so is the regular and cheaper Outback. It just does so at a more leisurely pace. And for many buyers, that’ll be just fine.

Originally published as 2023 Subaru Outback XT new car review