2023 Subaru Outback Reviews

Subaru has finally released a turbo-petrol engine for two of its Outback models and the Sport XT sits second from the top in the line-up. Are the new engine specs enough to satisfy those wanting the grunt or will the thirst be its downfall in a market that is slowly being dominated by more fuel-efficient options?

The Touring is the top grade in the Outback line-up and has a list price of $55,990.

The Touring is the top grade in the Outback line-up and has a list price of $50,990.This isn’t the most expensive Outback in the range, however. The Touring XT is more expensive because it’s the turbocharged version of the Touring.The Touring has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 138kW and 245Nm, with a continuously variable auto transmission. Like all Outbacks the Touring is all-wheel drive, too.Subaru says that after a combination of open and urban roads the 2.5-litre engine should use 7.3L/100km.Coming standard on the Touring are LED headlights, LED fog lights and LED running lights, roof rails, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside there’s an 11.6-inch central touchscreen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, a proximity key, push-button start, 'X-Mode' drive modes, paddle shifters, power tailgate, heated front seats and sports pedals.The Touring grades also has nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a heated steering wheel and Nappa leather seats. The Touring also comes with a CD player… yes, really.All Outbacks come standard with an excellent array of advanced safety tech including Subaru’s 'Eyesight' system which uses two cameras to scan the road ahead. There’s AEB, autonomous emergency steering, lane keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert with reverse auto braking and blind-spot warning. 

The Sport XT is the turbocharged version of the Sport grade and lists for $52,190.The Sport XT has a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 183kW and 350Nm, with a continuously variable auto transmission. Like all Outbacks the Sport is all-wheel drive, too.Subaru says that after a combination of open and urban roads the 2.4-litre turbo engine should use 9.0L/100km.Coming standard on the Sport are LED headlights, LED fog lights and LED running lights, roof rails, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside there’s an 11.6-inch central touchscreen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, a proximity key, push button start, 'X-Mode' drive modes, paddle shifters, a power tailgate, heated front seats and sports pedals.A cool feature of the Sport grade is its water repellent seats. All Outbacks come standard with an excellent array of advanced safety tech including Subaru’s 'Eyesight' system which uses two cameras to scan the road ahead. 

The Sport grade sits above in the entry model Outback in the range with its list price of $47,190.Don’t confuse the Sport with the Sport XT. While both have the same standard features, the XT is the turbocharged version and costs more.The Sport has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 138kW and 245Nm, with a continuously variable auto transmission. Like all Outbacks the Sport is all-wheel drive, too.Subaru says that after a combination of open and urban roads the 2.5-litre engine should use 7.3L/100km.Coming standard on the Sport are LED headlights, LED fog lights and LED running lights, roof rails, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside there’s an 11.6-inch central touchscreen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, a proximity key, push-button start, 'X-Mode' drive modes, paddle shifters, a power tailgate, heated front seats and sports pedals.A cool feature in the Sport grade is water-repellent seats. All Outbacks come standard with an excellent array of advanced safety tech including Subaru’s 'Eyesight' system which uses two cameras to scan the road ahead. There’s AEB, autonomous emergency steering, lane keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert with reverse auto braking and blind-spot warning. 

The Subaru Outback has been loved by those looking for a bit of adventure and now the new updated range has added a turbo engine which offers better towing capability and faster acceleration.