2025 Subaru Outback
For years, the Subaru Outback has been the go-to vehicle in its lineup. It offered the balance of capability, space, and versatility. It also has the most loyal customers who trade-in their older Outbacks for newer ones at a rate more than equal to some luxury brands.
As more competitors try to outdo Subaru in offering active vehicles with standard all-wheel drive, the Outback remains steady as a rock. Recent updates to its longest-running model have kept it fresh as ever.
That freshness is noticeable up front with a new larger grille and bolder front fascia. This compliments the profile that is lower than a typical SUV with a higher ground clearance – 8.7 inches off the ground. The doors open wide, as does the liftgate out back. You can argue whether to call it a wagon or a crossover, which makes the Outback a unique offering that continues to be popular.
Our top-of-the-line Touring XT tester is a nice place to be. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels finish up the enhanced look of the 2025 Outback.
Inside, the instrument panel includes a clear digital information screen set in-between two large analog dials. Our tester is also equipped with the 11.6-inch STARLINK infotainment screen. The screen is responsive and quick. Overall, the materials are of good quality and the controls are also good to the touch and easy to use.
What makes the Touring XT a special place is its Nappa leather upholstery. The front seats have solid bolstering for front seat occupants. Power adjustments are available for rake, height, front cushion tilt, recline, and lumbar support. Rear seat room is quite good. The cargo area provided 35.7 cubic feet of space with the second-row seatbacks up. Fold down those rear seatbacks, and you have up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Powering our tester is a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter “boxer” four-cylinder engine. This engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission driving all four wheels. The engine and transmission are responsive and fluid, getting up to speed effortlessly. For fuel consumption, the Environmental Protection Agency rated the Outback with the turbocharged engine 22 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highway.
The ride quality is 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. The EyeSight Driver Assistance Technology system is actually very good in the way it keeps you on the road.
There are ten trim levels available for the 2025 Subaru Outback. Four of which are equipped with the turbocharged engine upgrade. Pricing starts at $29,010. Our Touring XT tester came with a sticker price of $44,358.
Competitors to the Subaru Outback have come and go, but only a few remain that compare directly with the Outback. These vehicles include the Mazda CX-50, Toyota Crown Signia, Audi A6 allroad quattro, Volvo V60 Cross Country, Volvo V90 Cross Country, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain.
The Subaru Outback continues to provide its owners with a useful, practical, and capable vehicle that loves to go anywhere. Whichever you call the 2025 Outback, it will serve you well for years to come.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
