Our Rides: Just Call It An Outback

We love Subarus. LGBTQ+ customers have helped the growth of this brand by embracing its charms, as they embrace us. It is a mutual “love promise.”

Whenever I talk to our Subaru owners, there seems to be a shared appreciation for its three volume-sellers in the lineup — the Forester, the Crosstrek and the Outback. In 2024, all three models have led Subaru’s sales success, accounting for 78% of all Subaru sales in the U.S. In addition, customer loyalty is strong — especially amongst our community.

This is a story that is worth repeating. It is rooted in that combination of all-wheel drive, nimble sizing, interior space and utilization and the horizontally opposed BOXER engine that still does the job for us.

At its essence, it used to be that Subaru was different enough for us to embrace its charms. Nowadays, it seems that everyone else has caught up to us. Or, that more people are discovering how versatile a Subaru can be.

If there is one vehicle in the Subaru lineup that has defined the trajectory of this brand — it would be the Outback.

Since 1994, the Outback has become an invitation to adventure lovers of all kinds to find what’s out there beyond the highway. It began as a version of the Legacy station wagon. From there, it became its own mix of wagon design, overall practicality and SUV capability.

For 2025, the Outback continues to be one of the go-to models for those who would rather have something that is not an SUV but acts like one. While the popular Wilderness model fills that bill perfectly, not everyone wants the ruggedness of one. Sometimes, being refined while extolling its capabilities is just the right move.

What I have here is the top-of-the-line Touring XT model. Certainly, it is a few cuts above your average Subaru Outback, but it still does the job, rather nicely.

It starts with a shape that is very familiar to us. The current generation model was updated back in 2023 and continues to look the part. The large grille has an aggressive design that fits within the bolder front fascia, extending onward to the rest of the exterior. This profile is augmented by its 8.7-inch ground clearance. It is a tall vehicle that is not as tall as, say, a typical SUV. This is what attracts people to the Outback.

The 18-inch alloy wheels give the Outback Touring XT a perfect mix of an upgraded look with a purpose. Ages ago, it used to be that 60-series tires were considered “low profile.” On the Outback, there is more than enough sidewall to protect it from curbs while giving more flexibility when it heads onto a rough trail.

Stepping inside, you are greeted with touches of luxury. Nappa leather upholstery is wrapped across two rows. The front seats have solid bolstering and provide overall comfort up front. The rear seat room is also quite good.

The driver has a clear and informative digital information screen set in between two large analog dials. Everything else is what you expect in a Subaru with plenty of tactile controls on the steering wheel and throughout the cabin. That includes the “short throw” automatic transmission shifter. Materials are of good quality throughout the cabin.

In the middle of the dashboard is the 11.6-inch STARLINK infotainment screen. This is the hub for many functions, including smartphone integration, navigation and so forth. The screen is responsive and quick. A 12-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system keeps the sound flowing throughout the cabin.

Before you fold down the rear seats, you still have 35.7 cubic feet of cargo space as soon as you open the liftgate. Fold down those rear seatbacks, and you have up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

If there is one thing that makes this Outback very enjoyable to drive, it is what’s underneath this tester’s hood. That would be the 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally opposed BOXER four-cylinder engine. If you think that’s a mouthful, get it and take it for a drive. You’ll love the extra power this turbocharged engine gives the Outback — in particular, its 277 pound-feet of torque.

The driveline is complete with Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, along with its Symmetrical all-wheel drive system. In all, this is a wonderful combination. The power delivery was smooth, as was highway cruising. There was no hesitation when it came to lane changes and on-ramp climbs.

For fuel consumption, the Environmental Protection Agency rated the Outback with the turbocharged engine at 22 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway.

There are plenty of expectations that were met when it came to the Outback’s driving experience. For starters, the ride quality was very smooth, helped by the 8.7-inch ground clearance. Handling is good and responsive, and cornering is very smooth. The brakes are solid with an equally solid pedal feel. The Outback stopped very well in normal and panic situations.

The steering system starts with a thick-rimmed wheel for the driver to work with. The turning radius is very good, although it tends to feel light on-center. There is a button on the steering wheel that helps hold the wheel within the lane when the Adaptive Cruise Control is on. In regard to safety, the EyeSight Driver Assistance Technology and the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation system do a very good protecting you from harm.

You are certainly pipped for choice when it comes to trim levels available for the 2025 Subaru Outback. There are ten trim levels to choose from, with four of them powered by the turbocharged engine. Pricing for this model starts at $29,010. Our Touring XT tester came with a sticker price of $44,358.

The Outback is one of the most important models in the Subaru lineup. It continues to be one of our favorite vehicles. Although you have choices, pick the right Subaru — rather, the right Outback — and you’ll win the hearts of everyone year-round.