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The 2025 Subaru Outback Touring.
Is the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT an SUV or a station wagon? The answer is yes. We know that’s a double-barreled question but the new Outback blurs the lines between utility and comfort. The result is a vehicle that can be almost everything to every person in your family. Those of us at Napleton News have watched the Outback get better through the years.
The Outback remains mostly unchanged except for the addition of some new trim and more equipment.
It’s the latest version of a well-respected, award-winning cult favorite. That’s right, Subaru owners and fans are cult-like in their devotion to the brand. A two-row, five passenger vehicle, the Outback Touring is available in nine different versions. They are powered by versions of Subaru’s boxer four-cylinder engine: The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
The alternative to that is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Subaru Outback Touring XT and the Wilderness versions. This higher-intensity mill delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is a standard part of Subaru lineup, so all of them have it! It also includes X-Mode, which is also a standard offering. It maximizes traction while off-road. The Onyx and Wilderness versions have advanced dual-function X-Mode for added capabilities. Our 2.4-liter turbo is matched to a Lineartronic CVT transmission with 8-speed manual shift mode.
Imagine a sleek-looking station wagon that has been inspired by a hiker’s boot. We know, it’s a stretch but that’s what Subaru claims. Hey, it is theirs to live with, if that’s the case. In other words, they’re owning it!
Besides all the fluid-like sheetmetal, the Outback features an updated grille, and plenty of matte black cladding around the lower bout of the body. Starting with protective parts around the front grille, to protect from ricocheting rocks and gravel. Side panels help protect against scrapes, and bumps you may encounter off-road or even in a Target parking lot. The company has your back.
The beauty of the Subaru Outback is in its well thought out interior. A new large screen holds sway over the center console with Subaru’s Starlink navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The leather seats supply significant support and are comfortable for the long haul. Ours even brought the ventilation feature that blows cold air up this Floridian’s back.
In the rear seat, six footers will find nearly 40 inches of legroom. And that doesn’t even cover the rear cargo space. With seats in their upright position, there is 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold them forward and that space grows to 75.6 cubic feet.
Technology inside is a mixed bag. There are the welcomed features like SiriusXM Satellite radio Cellular connectivity through Apple and Android. Then there are safety features we rely upon. These include the Subaru EyeSight driver assistance suite with automatic braking, lane departure and more. But there is also the annoying. Take, for example, the driver awareness warning. It is so touchy that if you glance over at the infotainment screen for just a second, it will sound. A message on the driver info display will tell you to pay attention. It’s one of the most intrusive we’ve encountered and one that we will disable every time we get in.
Starting this baby up is no nonsense, like most cars these days. Just step on the brake, push the button and you’re ready to roll. Engine response from the turbo 2.4 was on point and got us going with what felt like little effort. We were at cruising speed in no time. Handling was well-tuned and presented no surprises. Kudos to the X-Mode traction management system for that.
If there is a shortcoming in the Subies we’ve managed to test drive, it would be with noise isolation department. It just seems they are scrimping on the sound deadening material. A $45,000 car shouldn’t be loud on the highway. But true to Subaru form, it is.
That’s a shame because it manages to do everything else well.
| Engine Type | 2.4-liter turbocharged gas four-cylinder boxer engine |
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic CVT |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy) | 25/22/29 mpg |
| Suspension F/R | MacPherson Strut / Double Wishbone |
| Turning Circle | 36.1 ft. |
| Also Available | Various trim levels, 2.5-liter flat-four engine |
| Specs | |
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | five-star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 191.9 inches |
| Width | 74.2 inches |
| Height | 66.4 inches |
| Cargo Room (Behind 1st, and 2nd row) | 75.6 / 32.6 Cubic Feet |
| Headroom, 1st | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd | 39.1 inches |
| Legroom, 1st | 42.8 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd | 39.5 inches |
| Shoulder room, 1st row | 58.1 inches |
| Shoulder room, 2nd row | 57.4 inches |
This post was published on July 9, 2025
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