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Last week I spent seven days driving the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT/SDL, and when I handed back the keys, I couldn’t help but think that Subaru has once again refined a formula that didn’t really need fixing. From the moment I got behind the wheel, the Touring XT impressed me with its smoothness, its composure, and the subtle but meaningful touches that elevate it above the everyday crossover crowd.
Subaru knows its audience. The Outback is a car for families, adventurers, and anyone who wants year-round confidence in a vehicle that blends wagon practicality with SUV capability. In my week-long test, I was reminded why the Outback is still one of the most distinctive vehicles on American roads.
What’s New in the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT/SDL
Subaru didn’t reinvent the Outback this year, but it did make some thoughtful upgrades. For 2025, the Limited trim gets a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, driver attention monitoring, and the larger 11.6-inch infotainment screen with built-in navigation. Those are features that used to require a bigger jump up the trim ladder.
The bigger change is that the optional XT package, with its more powerful turbocharged 260-horsepower 2.4-liter boxer engine, is now available on the Limited trim. Before, you needed to spring for the Touring or Onyx XT to get that extra punch.
Otherwise, the Outback continues with the formula that has made it one of the most loyalist-loved vehicles in America: standard AWD, rugged utility, and a reputation for comfort and safety. It remains one of the few vehicles that’s truly at home in snowy or rough terrain, and every Subaru Outback comes right out of the box with all-wheel drive, making it one of the best SUVs for snow and winter driving.
Exterior Design: Wagon DNA Meets SUV Utility
The 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT doesn’t make radical styling statements, but it doesn’t need to. It’s instantly recognizable, with its raised stance, rugged body cladding, and wagon proportions. Subaru has always struck a balance between form and function with the Outback, and this Touring trim leans a little more premium with chrome accents, satin-finish mirrors, and elegant 18-inch alloys.
That’s not to say it’s flashy. The Outback isn’t designed to turn heads—it’s designed to look timeless, capable, and ready for adventure. Subaru’s thoughtful touches, like wide-opening doors and integrated roof rails with swing-out crossbars, show how much they prioritize utility.
Internationally, Subaru sometimes experiments with special trims that make the Outback look even more upscale or rugged. In fact, there’s a Subaru Outback XT Special Edition sold outside the U.S. that feels like a rare gem compared to our trims here. While we don’t get those exact editions stateside, the Touring XT feels like Subaru’s answer to buyers who want a dash more luxury in their Outback experience.
Interior Comfort and Infotainment: Spacious and Familiar
Step inside the Touring XT/SDL, and you’re welcomed into a cabin that feels both rugged and refined. Subaru has leaned into premium finishes here – stitched leather, woodgrain accents, and ventilated front seats make the Touring XT feel more upscale than most of its midsize SUV competitors.
Rear passengers get generous legroom, and cargo space is another highlight, with over 32 cubic feet behind the rear seats and more than 75 cubic feet with them folded flat. That’s a huge advantage for families or anyone who wants to load up bikes, camping gear, or a week’s worth of groceries.
The 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen dominates the center stack. It looks impressive, though I did find some lag when swiping through menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration help smooth the experience, and the built-in navigation is handy if you prefer not to rely on your phone.
But what stands out the most is comfort. After a week of daily driving, I can confidently say this is one of the most relaxed, quiet, and pleasant cabins in its class. And if you’re wondering whether Subaru can make the Outback even more plush, you’re not alone. In fact, Consumer Reports has gone as far as saying that the Subaru Outback cannot get any more comfortable than it already is.
Powertrain and Engine: Why the Turbo Makes a Difference
The big reason to choose the Touring XT is the engine. The turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and in practice, it makes the Outback feel far more confident than the base 2.5-liter. Whether merging onto highways or passing on two-lane roads, the turbo engine gives you that extra burst of power you’ll appreciate.
The CVT transmission is still the limiting factor – it drones when pushed hard—but overall, this engine transforms the Outback into a much more versatile family hauler. It’s rated at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, which is competitive given the performance and standard AWD. In my own week with the Touring XT, I averaged close to 27 mpg in mixed driving, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size.
Looking longer term, there’s an interesting wrinkle: Subaru has confirmed the Outback will eventually leave its U.S.-based production home in Indiana. That raises questions about what will replace it in the factory lineup, and what changes could come in future Outback generations.
Fuel Economy of The 2025 Outback and Real-World Efficiency
On paper, the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT fuel economy comes in at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, which is reasonable for a turbocharged 2.4-liter AWD crossover. In my weeklong test, I found those numbers held up fairly well, especially on longer highway stretches where the CVT settled into a calm rhythm. Around town, however, fuel economy dipped into the high teens, something to consider if your driving is mostly stop-and-go.
That said, the trade-off is worth it if you want stronger passing power and towing ability. Many buyers accept a slight drop in MPG in exchange for a vehicle that feels more confident merging onto highways and tackling mountain grades. For those prioritizing efficiency over speed, Subaru still offers the base 2.5-liter engine, which improves mileage but sacrifices the satisfying punch of the XT.
Maintenance Costs and Reliability Expectations
Subaru has a reputation for long-term reliability and affordable maintenance, and the 2025 Outback Touring XT largely continues that tradition. Routine service like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake jobs are competitively priced compared to rivals like Honda and Toyota. The CVT transmission has proven durable in recent model years, and Subaru backs it with a standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The one area some shoppers wonder about is the turbocharged engine. While more complex than the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbo has been in the lineup for several years without widespread reliability issues. With proper maintenance, owners should expect the XT to deliver the same longevity that has helped make Subaru a brand known for cars reaching 200,000 miles or more.
Resale Value Of The Subaru Outback and Ownership Experience
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One factor that’s easy to overlook when buying new is 2025 Subaru Outback resale value, and it’s an area where Subaru shines. Year after year, Outbacks rank among the top in their class for holding value, often outperforming rivals like the Ford Edge or Jeep Cherokee. That means buyers can expect a stronger return at trade-in time, which helps offset the Touring XT’s higher upfront price.
Beyond dollars and cents, the Outback offers a unique ownership experience. Subaru owners form an active community, and the Outback has become almost synonymous with outdoor adventure. Whether it’s ski trips, road-tripping to national parks, or daily commuting with extra confidence in the snow, owning an Outback feels like joining a lifestyle club. That connection adds intangible value to the ownership experience.
Trim Level Value Comparison
While the Touring XT brings the most features and the stronger turbo engine, some buyers may wonder: which 2025 Subaru Outback trim is best for the money? For many, the Limited trim strikes a nice balance, especially since it now offers the XT package with the upgraded powertrain. It delivers premium comfort without pushing into the highest price bracket.
That said, if you plan to keep your vehicle for many years, the Touring XT makes a compelling case with its full suite of tech, Nappa leather seats, and top-tier safety equipment. Subaru’s trim strategy allows buyers to find their sweet spot, but the Touring XT remains the Outback at its most refined and most capable — a combination that justifies its price tag for those seeking the best the model has to offer.
Ride and Driving Impressions: Smooth, Quiet, and Capable
What impressed me most about the Touring XT wasn’t the specs—it was the way it drove. Over my seven-day test, I found it to be one of the smoothest and most composed rides in the midsize crossover segment. The suspension effortlessly absorbed potholes, broken pavement, and highway expansion joints, all while maintaining a sense of stability and control.
Visibility is excellent, thanks to large windows and thoughtful sightlines. The Outback feels reassuringly planted in corners without losing its comfort-first personality. Off the pavement, the 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode traction settings make it more capable than most of its rivals.
This composure makes the Outback a strong competitor against other midsize SUVs. For example, in the long-running debate of Subaru Forester vs. Outback, both vehicles offer strengths, but the Outback’s added size, cargo space, and turbocharged power make it the better choice for families who want a single vehicle that does it all (you can read our head-to-head analysis here).
And it’s not just Subaru vs. Subaru. Some shoppers will compare the Outback to the Honda CR-V. While many outlets give the CR-V high marks, the 2025 Subaru Outback vs. 2025 Honda CR-V comparison has sparked debate, with U.S. News even claiming the CR-V wins convincingly. But if you value all-weather confidence, towing capability, and wagon-style versatility, the Outback makes a strong case.
Why the Outback Still Stands Apart
The midsize crossover field is crowded, yet the Outback continues to carve out its own space. It’s one of the last wagons on the American market, and that unique profile gives it a blend of car-like drivability with SUV-level practicality that few competitors can replicate.
Subaru’s loyal following proves that the formula works. And if you want to go deeper into the details of the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring review experience, we’ve already broken down key takeaways from real-world driving impressions (read the full review here).
Subaru Outback Safety Features in 2025
One of the biggest reasons buyers choose the Subaru Outback is its reputation for safety, and the 2025 Subaru Outback safety features continue to deliver peace of mind. Every trim comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. In real-world driving, I found these features to be intuitive and rarely intrusive, something that can’t be said for all automakers’ systems.
The Touring XT trim also benefits from Subaru’s DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which uses a camera to monitor driver alertness. If it senses drowsiness or inattention, it prompts you to refocus. While some might consider it a little “big brother,” the truth is that this feature could prevent accidents caused by fatigue or distraction. Subaru has built a loyal following among families, and these advanced safety features show why the Outback consistently earns Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS.
Subaru Outback Towing Capacity and Utility
Shoppers considering the Outback often want to know: how much can the Subaru Outback tow in 2025? The answer depends on the engine. Models equipped with the base 2.5-liter engine can tow up to 2,700 pounds, while the Touring XT with the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine ups that number to a confident 3,500 pounds. That’s enough to pull a small camper, a couple of jet skis, or even a lightweight utility trailer, giving families more flexibility for weekend adventures.
Beyond towing, the Outback remains one of the most versatile midsize crossovers thanks to its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard roof rails, and integrated crossbars. Whether you’re loading up bikes, kayaks, or a rooftop cargo box, the Outback makes outdoor life easy. For shoppers who want a vehicle that transitions seamlessly between weekday commutes and weekend getaways, the 2025 Subaru Outback towing capacity and utility features are major selling points.
Subaru Outback vs. Competitors in 2025
The midsize crossover market is full of strong choices, but comparing the 2025 Subaru Outback vs. competitors highlights why it continues to stand apart. Against the Toyota RAV4, the Outback offers more cargo space and standard AWD, while the Honda CR-V edges it in fuel economy but can’t match the Outback’s ground clearance or towing ability. These subtle differences matter when families are deciding between long-term ownership and weekend lifestyle needs.
Another often-overlooked competitor is the Jeep Cherokee, which does offer rugged capability but falls short in interior space and long-term reliability. Meanwhile, the Outback’s wagon-style proportions give it a unique blend of car-like handling with SUV practicality. For buyers who want comfort, capability, and a design that’s proven itself for decades, the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT comparison with rivals usually swings in Subaru’s favor once real-world needs like snow driving, cargo hauling, and fuel economy come into play.
Concluding This Review
After a week with the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT/SDL, I walked away convinced that Subaru has perfected its approach. It doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it sharpens what already works: smooth ride quality, class-leading comfort, practical cargo space, all-weather capability, and turbocharged performance for those who want more power.
The Outback is not the flashiest choice in its class, but it remains one of the most versatile and confidence-inspiring. Subaru continues to prove that sometimes, evolution – not revolution – is exactly what loyal buyers want.
- If you were shopping today, would you spend more for the turbocharged Subaru Outback Touring XT, or stick with the base engine to save money?
- Do you think Subaru should keep refining the Outback in small steps, or give it a more radical redesign for the next generation?
Drop your answers in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
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Source: torquenews.com
