Subaru Outback XT AWD SUV 2023 Review

Subaru Outback XT Touring tow test

Subaru Outback XT Touring with Pod Allroada profile 4

Subaru Outback XT – Subaru released the more powerful Outback XT earlier this year. We took the opportunity to have a longer drive in one.

Subaru Outback XT Touring with Pod Allroada profile 1

The Outback XT is powered by the 2.4-litre horizontally opposed Turbo Boxer 4-cylinder petrol engine, that delivers a healthy 183kW of power at 5,200-6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2,000-4,800rpm.

These figures aren’t much different from the old V6 engine, but with greatly improved economy.

The revised suspension settings also make the XT more responsive to driver inputs, with better ride and handling. It also allows easier towing.

The XT Outback will tow up to 2400kgs with ease. We took a smaller Pod All Roada camper trailer. Hardly a heavyweight, but the Outback towed it with absolute ease.

The Pod All Roada is essentially a luggage storage trailer with the ability to add a roof top tent.

We have towed these Pods through forest trails, in the deep outback, the iconic outback tracks like Birdsville track, Strzelecki track, on the beach and Simpson desert.

The XT Outback is what the Outback should be. Its more powerful, more responsive, has more towing capability and rides and handles better than the standard Outback, which is good in its own right.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Subaru Outback XT Touring with Pod Allroada profile 4

You can find out everything you need to know about the Outback XT HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE SUBARU OUTBACK XT RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Subaru Outback Touring XT Sapphire Blue X Mode and reverse cameraOther Subaru Outback articles

Subaru Outback XT Camperact

Some quick thoughts about the Outback XT

  • More power and torque is always a good thing
  • Revised suspension means improved handling without compromising ride
  • Its needed for greater towing performance.
  • 2400kg is about best in class for towing.
  • We towed a light weight Pod trailer, but we are lining up for a heavier camper trailer later in the year.
  • The POD All Roada trailer we used was supplied by Camperact . They know what they are doing and have a number of brands they can supply to buyers. 
  • The POD All Roada trailer we towed is a good base camper trailer that will go anywhere the car will go with ease. We have taken one through forest trails, on the beach, outback travels and many famous tracks like the Birdsville Track, Strzelecki Track, Cordillo Downs, Ooodnadata Track and more.

Subaru-Outback-Touring-XT-Sapphire-Blue-central-screen

What is good?

  • Awesome value for money
  • Infotainment and connectivity Technology
  • AWD capability

What is not so good?

  • Would love 225kW/400Nm version
  • No HUD
  • No massage seats

Subaru Outback XT Touring with Pod Allroada profile 3

Also look at

The Outback crosses a few categories. full on AWD SUV, family wagon or city runabout.

Buyers could look to  Nissan PathfinderHyundai Santa FeMazda CX-8Skoda Kodiaq RSKia Sorento

As an alternative there is the Audi A4 All Road, Landrover Discovery Sport, Skoda Superb Scout AWD

Subaru Outback XT Touring with Pod Allroada hitch1

Subaru Outback XT Final thoughts’

I am a fan of the Subaru Outback. The Outback XT is better.

In some ways the more powerful engine overcomes the shortfalls in the original Outback model. Its adequate but the XT is substantially better again.

You can buy a Subaru Outback XT and a decent all terrain camper trailer or hybrid van for about the same as a full 4WD in many instances.

For most people this will completely satisfy their adventurous spirit.

Subaru Outback XT Touring with Pod Allroada engine

Subaru Outback

Model

Outback XT Touring

Model Price $55,990 MLP*
Engine 2.4L 4 Cyl Turbo Boxer
Drivetrain 8 step CVT Symmetrical AWD
Battery Capacity / type N/A
Power 183kW @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 2,000 – 4,800rpm
Fuel ADR 9.0L/100km
Fuel on Test TBC
Fuel capacity 63L
Range (WLTP) / efficiency 863km Max
Fast Charge / Home (240V) N/A
Safety Five star ANCAP (March 2021)
CO2 Emissions 204g/km
0-100kmh/Top Speed TBA
Servicing 12 Mth / 12,500km – Capped Price
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT Sapphire Blue front interior

Overall Rating    

94/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 9
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 10
Fit for Purpose 10
4WD / Towing * 10(5/5 – 5/5)
Technology/connectivity 9
Value for Money 10

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

2023 Subaru Outback Sport XT Autumn Green boot

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 4870mm
Wheelbase 2745mm
Width 1875mm
Height 1675mm
Wheels 18×7.0 Alloy
Tyres 225/60 R18
Max ground clearance Up to 213mm
Wading Depth TBC
Approach TBC
Rampover TBC
Departure angle TBC
Turning Circle KTK 11.0m
Boot Capacity Min 522L
Boot capacity Max TBC
Battery Weight N/A
Kerb Weight 1770kg
Payload (kg) 430kg
GVM (kg) 2200kg
GCM 4600kg
Towing Capacity 2400kg
Tow Ball rating 240kg

Subaru Outback XT Touring with Pod Allroada rear 1

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