The Subaru Outback won’t appear to be a big SUV however I promise you, it’s… in response to our gross sales charts.

As new automobile consumers gravitate in the direction of tall and boxy household vehicles, many constructed on ladder frames, Subaru continues to shift lifted wagons with DNA stretching again many years.

The Japanese carmaker has bought 6643 examples of the Outback regionally to the top of July, making it the third finest promoting giant SUV going round.

It’s not like Subaru has pulled a rabbit out of a hat to realize that, both. The Outback entered 2024 comparatively unchanged, apart from worth rises throughout the board.

Talking of worth, on check right here is the Outback Touring AWD XT, the flagship of the vary. Nicely, form of. A particular version Sport Touring XT is at present accessible, however just for a restricted time.

The Touring XT has primarily all of the tools Subaru has to supply, with WRX energy underneath the bonnet.

However within the absence of year-on-year upgrades, has it dropped again to the ever-growing pack?

How does the Subaru Outback evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Subaru Outback in opposition to equally sized automobiles.

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Outback

How a lot does the Subaru Outback price?

The Touring XT often takes delight of place on the high quality, however for now it has surrendered that honour to the restricted run Sport Touring XT.

To see how the Subaru Outback stacks up in opposition to a its rivals, take a look at our comparability device.

What’s the Subaru Outback like on the within?

The inside of the Subaru Outback received’t win any awards for innovation, however it’s sensible and properly outfitted in Touring XT specification.

Upgraded equipment and supplies set the almost-flagship Touring XT other than fashions additional down the meals chain, because the cabin tech throughout the vary isn’t what you’d name standout.

Comfortable Nappa leather-based seats set the scene right here, full with heating and air flow features for the motive force and entrance seat passenger.

Temperature management? Test. Electrical adjustability passes the comfort check. However what about consolation? That will get a tick as properly – the seats have loads of squidge like your favorite armchair, simply don’t anticipate a lot lateral help for spirited driving, not that you need to want it in a automobile like this.

The steering wheel has the same really feel, it’s gentle with a premium end. Likewise the armrest, door playing cards, and sprint.

Sadly gloss black plastic makes an look across the shifter, which is a cloth that’s recognized to scratch up simply.

The plastics used for the buttons and different trim are rather less tactile, however that’s to be anticipated from a automobile on this worth bracket. A sunroof retains the area feeling vivid and ethereal regardless of the dominance of black supplies.

Whereas the surfaces within the Touring XT do loads of heavy lifting, the expertise doesn’t assist elevating the inside. All variants are fitted with a 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system. Measurement isn’t the problem right here, nevertheless.

The display is busy, cut up into three sections – prime for stay car information, a primary center part, and local weather controls under.

The cluttered format creates explicit points when wi-fi smartphone mirroring is lively, as Apple CarPlay suits awkwardly within the space accessible. Icons are too small, and it turns into troublesome to make use of contact performance on the transfer.

I get the sensation a separate, bodily set of local weather controls would clear up this drawback. In any case, Subaru has included buttons and knobs for temperature, audio quantity, and radio tuning alongside the display.

On a number of events throughout our testing interval it appeared as if there was a ghost within the machine, with the radio coming to life seemingly of its personal accord.

The infotainment display additionally has a dated look, with cartoonish graphics and an getting old navigation system. It checks out, given the Outback nonetheless has a CD participant.

There’s no doubting the simplicity of the devices within the Outback, which come within the type of analogue dials and a small centre show. It’s a practical setup, however not one which’s overly engaging or configurable.

You may flick via a couple of readouts by way of buttons on the steering wheel. Connectivity up entrance is roofed by a USB-A outlet, USB-C outlet and an auxiliary jack, one other function you don’t see fairly often lately.

Whereas the Outback isn’t a frontrunner on the expertise entrance, it stays as sensible as ever.

Objects of assorted styles and sizes may be saved in shallow door bins, a big glovebox, giant centre cupholders, a shallow tray above the glovebox, a two-tier armrest bin, plus a sun shades holder.

Second row passengers are additionally properly catered for.

There’s sufficient leg- and headroom for taller adults, and gentle seatbacks to guard cramped knees. Each outboard seats are heated, too.

USB-A and USB-C retailers be sure that smartphones and tablets won’t ever run flat. Youngsters can load up on books, toys and electronics for lengthy roadtrips, with the power to stash issues away in two-tier map pockets and small door bins.

Youngsters of all ages are welcome; ISOFIX anchors are fitted to the outboard seats in addition to top-tethers on the again of all three rear seats.

Suitcases or giant canines will possible be relegated to the boot, the place there’s 522L of cargo area.

That’s not an enormous quantity when in comparison with seven-seaters in five-seat configuration, however the numbers don’t inform the total story.

The Subaru Outback will swallow nearly every thing you want for a weekend away. It has a powered boot lid, the aperture is giant, and a low load lip makes it straightforward to position and slide gadgets.

Simply accessible levers drop the rear seats, increasing boot capability to 1267L. The Touring XT comes with a full-sized spare wheel.

To see how the Subaru Outback stacks up in opposition to a its rivals, take a look at our comparability device.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

To see how the Subaru Outback stacks up in opposition to a its rivals, take a look at our comparability device.

How does the Subaru Outback drive?

The Subaru Outback makes life straightforward on the highway.

From the second you get behind the wheel, you get a way that the automobile needs to work with you somewhat than in opposition to you – it’s approachable in a manner that not all trendy vehicles are.

A press of the beginning/cease button fires up the acquainted Subaru boxer four-cylinder with its distinctive tone, though it’s fairly muffled right here.

The driving place is low sufficient for the Outback to look sporty and agile, however elevated sufficient to supply the safe feeling of driving an SUV.

Setting off, the Outback is surefooted, providing all-wheel drive grip in all situations. Particularly on moist roads, it’s confidence inspiring to have the ability to speed up and alter instructions with out shedding any traction.

Subaru and all-wheel drive go hand in hand – it’s a promoting level for the model, setting the Outback other than equally outfitted SUVs that ship energy to 2 wheels.

Round city, the drivetrain on this turbocharged model of the Outback additionally contributes to a easy driving expertise.

With 183kW and 350Nm the Touring XT isn’t missing grunt, and people outputs are simply drawn on in on a regular basis driving.

Acceleration from site visitors lights and cease indicators is instantaneous and linear – the CVT transmission delivers energy with out an excessive amount of fuss.

Altering lanes isn’t a lot enjoyable although, because the indicator stalks don’t click on into place, usually leaving you guessing which setting they’re in.

The turbo Outback is under no circumstances quick, or occasion sporty, however it covers floor effortlessly like a great tourer.

Extreme engine/exhaust noise is frequent in Subaru engines and CVT automatics whenever you put your foot down, however that’s not the case right here.

The CVT right here is easy and intuitive, maintaining revs inside an appropriate band. No whining racket to be heard underneath this bonnet.

When navigating metropolis site visitors, auto maintain is readily available to ease the driving load, whereas auto begin/cease provides each NVH and gas saving advantages.

That’s to not say the Touring XT is environment friendly, as a result of it isn’t. Common gas consumption throughout our check was 11.1L/100km, which doesn’t fairly minimize the mustard within the age of electrification.

It’s a small blemish on the Outback’s in any other case glorious report card. Which brings me to journey consolation.

The Outback offers with imperfections within the highway with a gentle, supple journey that isn’t upset no matter floor and pace. It retains the world outdoors in a manner we’ve come to anticipate of larger, dearer vehicles.

The aforementioned cumbersome, soft SUVs aren’t as succesful as an Outback on a winding nation highway, although.

A decrease centre of gravity and all-wheel drive helps it to stay comparatively flat via corners, whereas steering is direct and well-weighted.

Whether or not it’s a rural highway or busy freeway, occupants are properly insulated from highway and wind noise. Enjoyable is one of the best phrase that I can discover to explain what it’s prefer to pilot an Outback.

The Outback is supplied with lane centring, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, all of which work successfully.

You’ll discover cameras in all places, entrance, aspect and rear, so parking is a breeze regardless of the 4.87m size of the car.

Nonetheless, there’s one system I wasn’t so keen on. In my expertise adaptive cruise management struggled to keep up a constant pace, usually falling 5-10km/h under the set pace. The system was significantly sluggish in site visitors, which I used to be uncovered to often all through our check interval.

Likewise, the EyeSight system was too usually accountable for an abundance of annoying beeps and bongs that shortly will get in your nerves. With that stated, pace digital camera alerts are helpful when supplied in a palatable manner.

To see how the Subaru Outback stacks up in opposition to a its rivals, take a look at our comparability device.

What do you get?

Outback AWD commonplace tools:

• 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• 4.2-inch journey pc
• DAB+ digital radio
• Material upholstery
• Physique-coloured mirrors
• Roof rails with built-in cross bars
• Gray 18-inch alloy wheels
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Paddle shifters
• 6-speaker sound system
• 4 x cargo hooks within the boot
• Computerized windscreen wipers
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

Outback Sport and Sport XT add:

• Water repellent sports activities seat trim
• Heated entrance seats
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Entrance- and side-view cameras
• Black exterior highlights
• Fingers-free energy tailgate
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Darkish metallic 18-inch alloy wheels

Outback Touring and Touring XT add:

• 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• CD participant
• Nappa leather-based upholstery
• Ventilated entrance seats 
• Manually-adjustable driver’s seat thigh help extender 
• Electrical sunroof
• Heated steering wheel
• Silver roof rails with built-in cross bars
• Gloss end 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black inside (commonplace), or Black/Ivory (no-cost possibility) or Tan ($590)
• Removes black exterior highlights

Outback Sport Touring XT Particular Version provides:

• Unique Geyser Blue exterior paint
• Inexperienced exterior accents
• Black boot badges
• Darkish metallic alloy wheels
• Crystal Black rear spoiler

Is the Subaru Outback protected?

The Subaru Outback has a five-star ANCAP security ranking, primarily based on testing performed in 2021.

Commonplace security tools consists of:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian, Bicycle owner detection
  • Junction help
• Rear AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep help
• Autonomous emergency steering
• Site visitors signal recognition
• Reversing digital camera
• Rear parking sensors

Outback AWD Sport provides:

• Entrance-view monitor
• Facet-view monitor

How a lot does the Subaru Outback price to run?

The Outback is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, like the remainder of the Subaru vary.

Service intervals differ relying on variant, however turbocharged XT fashions require upkeep each 12 months or 15,000km.

To see how the Subaru Outback stacks up in opposition to a its rivals, take a look at our comparability device.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Subaru Outback

The one fixed in life is change, and anybody who doesn’t progress shortly dangers being left behind. Nonetheless, the Subaru Outback reveals that there’s nonetheless room for vehicles which are extra yesterday than space-age futuristic.

It doesn’t have the latest and finest expertise or loopy design language, each of which wow punters at product launches.

However that’s okay. It’s a cushty and sensible household automobile with loads of area, sufficient trendy luxuries, and a best-of-both-worlds wagon physique fashion.

In Touring XT guise the Outback additionally performs properly on the highway, with a strong turbocharged engine, easy transmission, and compliant suspension.

The Outback additionally manages to be protected with out counting on intrusive nannies.

SUV alternate options are aplenty, however few current with the identical mixture of traits listed above. The checklist narrows even additional in the event you’re after a wagon.

With that in thoughts, this timeless Subaru is certainly value your time. What’s extra, that is the variant I’d purchase.

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