2025 Subaru Outback Review: A Solid Choice for Practical Luxury
Subaru, and especially the Outback, rarely delivers surprises. The 2025 model continues to offer a familiar formula: capability, convenience, practicality and, arguably, a touch of understated luxury. The Outback is a consistently reliable choice for families, whether they’re human or of the furry variety. My family, for example, has owned a Subaru Outback since 2015.
When the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT arrived for review, it felt like seeing an old friend. Having reviewed the 2024 model just a year prior, the 2025 edition offered much of the same appeal. Subaru notes that the most significant changes this year are confined to the Outback Limited trim, which gains a few more premium options such as a heated steering wheel. This review cycle, however, gave me the chance to put the Outback through some challenging winter conditions.
Is the Outback a True Luxury Car?
Like its 2024 counterpart, the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT presents the brand’s best take on what a luxury car means. It boasts Nappa leather heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Harman Kardon sound system. These premium features, coupled with the vehicle’s overall feel, certainly give the impression of a luxury car. However, compared to brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, it lacks some of the cutting-edge technology. The infotainment system, in particular, could use some refinement, as addressed further below. It also lacks suspension tweaks and premium price tag of higher-end luxury vehicles. Still, the Outback offers a compelling value proposition in its category.
The “XT” in the Touring XT model designates the turbochargged 2.5-liter horizontally opposed boxer engine, which punches out 260 horsepower, a substantial upgrade from the base model’s 182 horsepower. While not the fastest car I’ve driven recently, it’s surprisingly quick for a family-oriented station wagon and a major upgrade over a base Subaru.
A Winter Weather Warrior
The extra power of the XT trim proved incredibly useful in the snow. The Outback handled snow banks and poorly maintained roads with ease.
Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive (AWD) system performed flawlessly. Even in single-digit temperatures with several inches of snow on the ground, the Outback remained completely controllable. It doesn’t seem to acknowledge the weather at all.
Practical Perks and Potential Drawbacks
While a base model Outback would likely perform just as safely, the extra power and added luxury features made the ride more enjoyable and, yes, more fun. The fuel efficiency is moderate, with an expectation of 25 miles per gallon that may drop with spirited driving. On the practical side, the Outback XT offers 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, and 32.6 cubic feet with the seats in place. The base model is rated for 2,700 pounds of towing, while the XT trim is increased to 3,500 pounds.
However, a significant drawback is the Starlink infotainment system. It’s not very intuitive. Tasks like pairing a phone or adjusting the climate control require more steps than one might expect, and the system sometimes seems to forget settings; I couldn’t keep my phone paired reliably.
Verdict: A Strong Value Proposition
Despite the technological shortcomings, the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT is a compelling package, particularly when you consider its price. With a base price of $42,795, the review model’s final cost was $44,356 with the addition of floor liners ($141) and a $1,420 destination charge. For comparison, the base model starts at $28,895.
While other vehicles, such as the Volvo V60 Cross Country, may offer more refinement, the Subaru Outback Touring stands out as a top option considering the price offering leather seats and all-weather competence for the price.
Ultimately, if you are looking for leather seating and a vehicle that performs exceptionally capable in the snow, the Subaru Outback is a serious contender. While some might nitpick that a hybrid engine like the one offered in the Forester would be a great addition, overall, the Outback remains a strong choice, especially for those seeking value and all-around usability.
