Subaru Outback XT 2023 Review

The new turbocharged 2023 Subaru Outback is available in two grades in Australia, the Subaru Outback XT Sport ($52,190 plus on-road costs) and the flagship Subaru Outback XT Touring ($55,990 plus ORCs).

Each uses the regular Sport and Touring grades of Subaru’s existing Outback as their base, commanding a $5000 premium for not just the more powerful engine but reworked suspension and increased towing capacity, which grows from 2.0 to 2.4 tonnes (braked).

The addition of two XT variants takes the number of grades in the Subaru Outback range to five for 2023: the eponymous Outback ($42,690 plus ORCs), Outback Sport ($47,190 plus ORCs), Outback Touring ($50,990 plus ORCs) and the new Sport XT and Touring XT.

You can read our pricing and specifications news article covering the full model walk here.

While the Subaru Outback is officially classified as a large SUV like Toyota Prado, we think the new XT variants are more likely to be cross-shopped against large crossovers and wagons like the Skoda Superb 4x4 Sportline (from $66,590) and Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake ($65,990), and car-based SIVs such as the Kia Sorento ($50,790) and Hyundai Santa Fe ($46,050.

Watch the new 2023 Suburu Outback XT video

Specifications and equipment in the 2023 Subaru Outback XT mirrors the regular Outback line-up, specifically the Sport and Touring variants.

For the Subaru Outback Sport XT, that means 18-inch alloy wheels, heated electric door mirrors, heated seats (front and outboard rear), dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate with gesture control, leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, six-speaker audio system, trip computer with 4.2-inch display and keyless entry and start.

For its $3800 premium, the Outback Touring XT brings automatic mirror adjustment, automatic driver’s seat adjustment (with two-position memory), automatic power fold-in mirrors, a sunroof, gloss-finish alloys, steering wheel heating, nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio with CD player (remember those?!) in the storage bin, front seat ventilation and Nappa leather seat upholstery.

We’ll get into the details of safety and infotainment in the sections below, but these elements are shared across the two grades.

Subaru goes against the grain of most (but not all) manufacturers by offering metallic paint at no added cost on Sport and Touring grades.

The Outback XT is backed by Subaru’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and one year of roadside assist. In a big win for the end user (and for common sense), every Outback model gets a full-size alloy spare wheel stowed underneath the boot.

Whereas the regular, non-turbo Subaru Outback features shorter servicing intervals (12 months or 12,500km), the Subaru Outback XT gets more generous 12-month/15,000km intervals.

What’s more, Subaru says the XT is cheaper to service using its capped price program, at $2579 over a five-year/75,000km plan (against $2675 over five years/62,500km for the non-turbo variants).

The 2023 Subaru Outback XT shares the same five-star ANCAP safety rating applied to the regular Subaru Outback in 2021.
Standard across both models is a full suite of airbags and the usual driver-assistance systems.

These come as part of Subaru’s all-encompassing EyeSight safety suite, which in this case brings driver fatigue monitoring/distraction warning, reversing camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse), lane change assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency steering, traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring.

The 2023 Subaru Outback XT gets an updated infotainment suite for 2023, with wireless phone charging now standard plus a redesigned 11.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto and enhanced sat-nav and voice command recognition.

Subaru has also installed a USB-C outlet up front to complement the traditional USB-A outlet.

As you might have guessed, the new 2.4-litre turbo-petrol boxer engine in the 2023 Subaru Outback XT is shared with another well-known Subaru product, the recently renewed WRX.

The force-fed flat four has been slightly detuned from WRX guise, with the Outback outputting 183kW and 350Nm, equating to a handy 47kW/105Nm jump over 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated Outback variants.

Another key talking point is the increase in claimed towing capacity, to 2.4 tonnes braked (up 400kg from non-turbo Outback models).

The Outback XT models feature a slightly lower final drive ratio, which increases from 3.900 to 4.111 and helps to bring a claimed 22 per cent improvement in acceleration, according to Subaru.

The extra shove continues to be sent to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and is supported by a bespoke new suspension tune and gripper brake pads.

However, XT models share the same basic suspension configuration as regular Outback models, with a MacPherson strut arrangement up front and a double wishbone set-up at the rear.

Combined fuel consumption climbs to 9.0L/100km in the 2023 Subaru Outback XT – up from 7.3L/100km for non-turbo variants.

However, treat those figure as a rough guide. Extended time in the older 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol Outback has shown it to be quite thirsty, and at this month’s Outback media launch the two models were lineball in terms of real-world fuel consumption, at 10.5L/100km apiece in mostly conservative country driving conditions.

Taking in the 63-litre fuel capacity, those efficiency figures equate to a real-world range of about 600km.

It is worth noting the new turbo-petrol models require minimum 95 RON premium unleaded fuel, whereas non-turbo models can run 91 RON regular unleaded.

The new 2023 Subaru Outback XT represents a healthy uptick in performance over non-turbo Outback variants, which equates to a more refined, enjoyable and rewarding drive.

The engine itself brings a welcome boost in torque, which in turn places less reliance on the CVT transmission to keep the four-cylinder at its sweet spot.

Whereas the regular Outback will constantly hunt for torque via transmission inputs, the turbo offers a more tractable and accessible spread of forward urge, equating to more expediency off the mark and ability to build speed on the open road, as well as a quieter cabin environment.

Subaru claims 22 per cent better acceleration, but the more relevant figure is the more effortless way in which the engine delivers its additional mumbo. It feels comparatively nonchalant and under stressed compared with the languid and anaemic naturally-aspirated 2.5.

Without labouring the point, we reckon the more powerful powerplant transforms the Outback driving experience and we look forward to sampling the new model under tow, but the early signs are promising.

Elsewhere, the Subaru Outback XT extends the virtues of Subaru’s popular high-riding wagon. Its large footprint delivers strong roadholding and its competent dynamic skillset is underlined by symmetrical all-wheel drive.

This press launch brought a thoroughly honest driving program comprising broken road surfaces and heavily pockmarked sections – the result of extensive rainfall. The Outback revelled in the conditions with tremendous bump absorption and cabin comfort and acoustics.

The Outback body recovers swiftly from harsh road imperfections and always feels controlled through corners, balancing its circa 1700kg mass quite commendably.

The key controls (steering, brake pedal and accelerator) are considered in their tuning and weighting, and there is a real user-friendly premise to its overall character.

Think open glasshouse, cavernous interior proportions and legible, easy-to-use interfaces. This feels like a well-rounded wagon that provides a compelling argument to a more traditional SUV on-road.

It can! So long as your definition of off-road comprises light firetrails and gravel roads, not hard-core bush-bashing.

We sampled the Outback XT on a short off-road course at the launch and found its X-mode off-road settings delivered tangible improvements in traction, making scaling light obstacles easier than they would otherwise have been.

The standard Bridgestone tyres ultimately dictate the Outback’s off-roading ability, but it will likely venture further than you think.

The full-size spare, tyre pressure monitoring system and 213mm of ground clearance are all noteworthy features if you’re regularly planning on unsealed road adventures.

The 2023 Subaru Outback XT is spacious, well-appointed and cosseting inside the cabin.

The front seats are broad and supportive, and it feels as though additional attention has been paid to the small, one per cent features that help distinguish a vehicle, such as lush carpet and an accommodating layout for rear occupants.

The same theme permeates the driver’s cockpit, with noticeable elbow row and knee room, and an inherent legibility in the presentation of information. In the Touring XT flagship, soft materials and high-quality contact points imbue the Subie with a true sense of occasion and an air of class.

The updated 11.6-inch touch-screen is easy to use and navigate once you’re accustomed to its menus, and thankfully there remains a good spread of physical buttons, placing less reliance on the centre screen for basic on-the-go functions.

About the only exception to the rule is the recirculated air-conditioning function, which requires a two-step process via the touch-screen rather than a simple hard-wired button.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are likewise present and functional, though only once you’ve navigated the set-up process, which seemed needlessly complex in the cars we drove.

It’s a similar theme with safety and the interventions of the different driver aids. As good as Subaru’s EyeSight suite is, it can at times detract from the driving experience, such is the frequency of audible chimes.

The Outback wins plenty of points for its rear seat layout and boot space as well. The former is thoughtfully presented, with ample knee room, shoulder room and headroom, plus the presence of rear air-vents and additional power outlets.

Furthermore, the installation of ISOFIX attachment points on the outbound pews, and three top-tether points across the second-row bench reaffirm the Outback’s family-friendly pretensions.

Meantime, the cavernous 522-litre boot features a flat floor (with the 60/40-split rear seat stowing flat to liberate a decent 1267 litres of space), quick-folding levers for the second row, netted compartments, luggage hooks, a full-size spare wheel underneath and a 12-volt power outlet. Very, very practical indeed.

Although $5000 is a lot of freight in anyone’s language, we reckon the 2023 Subaru Outback XT more than justifies its premium over lesser Outback grades.

The performance improvements are tangible and welcome, the servicing provisions are improved and yet the inherent appeal of Subaru’s venerable AWD wagon remains intact.

And, as ever, the Outback remains a healthy antidote to the ubiquitous SUV.

2022 Subaru Outback Touring XT at a glance:
Price: $55,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.4-litre turbo-petrol flat four-cylinder
Output: 183kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 9.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 204g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP – 2021)