Subaru’s Outback Touring XT Just Leveled Up in All the Right Ways

There’s a reason the Subaru Outback has long held its place as a go-to for people who want adventure capability, comfort, and confidence in one reliable package. But the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT? It doesn’t just continue that legacy—it refines it. After spending some serious time behind the wheel, I can confidently say this is the best Outback Subaru has ever made. And for drivers who value versatility and comfort in equal measure, it hits the sweet spot.

The biggest surprise for me? Just how comfortable this Outback is. I’ve driven nearly every generation of Outback, and while they’ve always been capable and practical, they didn’t always prioritize the in-cabin experience. That’s changed. Subaru has made leaps and bounds with the Touring XT’s interior. From the first moment you sit down, you notice the upgrade—softer materials, improved seat ergonomics, and a cabin layout that finally feels as premium as the price tag suggests. I gave it a 9.5/10 for interior and comfort in my Chris Score, and that’s not an easy number to earn.

Comfort and Practicality Meet Power and Poise

Under the hood, you’ll find Subaru’s 2.4L turbocharged BOXER engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to a CVT, which Subaru still leans heavily on across its lineup. While I’m not the biggest fan of CVTs in general, I’ll admit this one gets the job done. Acceleration is smooth and responsive, and the turbo power gives you enough punch for confident highway merging and passing. It’s not a sports car—but it’s not trying to be. I’d call it “good enough pickup,” and that’s exactly what most Outback drivers are looking for.

That power is also managed smartly through Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Whether you’re taking it on a weekend road trip or through a rainy Seattle commute, it feels planted, composed, and—most importantly—safe. You can thank the 8.7 inches of ground clearance and that always-on AWD system for much of that confidence. While I didn’t take this Touring XT on any serious off-roading, it easily handled a gravel backroad detour without blinking.

Functionally, this is still very much an Outback, and that’s a good thing. The Touring XT retains the wagon/SUV blend that lets you load it with gear, bikes, groceries, pets—whatever your lifestyle demands. The power liftgate, generous cargo area, and wide-opening rear seats make it a favorite for families, weekend warriors, or just about anyone who needs room without wanting a full-size SUV.

An Interior That Finally Feels Luxurious

What really sets the 2025 Touring XT apart from earlier Outbacks is how grown-up the interior feels. Subaru has historically focused more on utility than luxury, but this version strikes a balance. From the Nappa leather-trimmed seats to the stitched dash materials and new acoustic glass, it’s clear Subaru wanted to impress. I noted in my review that it’s a HUGE leap from previous Outbacks, and I stand by that.

Where I still feel Subaru has work to do is with the infotainment system. Starlink remains the brand’s weak link. The 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen looks impressive, but it can be clunky to navigate, with too many submenus for simple tasks like seat heat or climate control. I gave the user experience a 7/10—passable, but not great. It’s something Subaru loyalists may overlook, but newer drivers coming from more polished systems may feel the friction.

That said, there’s no denying the Outback packs in a ton of features for the money. From the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system to ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, the Touring XT checks almost every box on the comfort and convenience front.

Fuel Efficiency That Doesn’t Feel Like a Sacrifice

One of the other standout points for this car is fuel economy. Despite the turbo engine and AWD, the Touring XT pulls off 25 MPG combined, with 22 in the city and 29 on the highway. For a midsize SUV with this level of comfort and power, that’s commendable. In fact, it earned an 8.5/10 on my scorecard for fuel economy. You’ll see better numbers in a hybrid, sure—but few will give you this level of refinement and off-pavement confidence at the same time.

The Drive: Refined, Easygoing, and Surprisingly Fun

Driving the 2025 Outback Touring XT is one of those experiences that doesn’t scream for your attention—but that’s part of its charm. The suspension is tuned to soak up bumps without losing composure. Steering is on the lighter side but feels direct enough for confident cornering. And while it won’t carve canyons, it handles itself well on twisty roads, especially for a tall wagon. I scored it an 8/10 in both driving experience and performance—because while it’s not thrilling, it’s consistent, predictable, and enjoyable to drive. Plus, there’s a classic Subaru engine note that longtime fans will appreciate.

Chris Score: 93.5/100

This may not be the fastest or flashiest vehicle I’ve reviewed this year, but it is absolutely one of the most well-rounded, and I think that's exactly what Outback buyers want. It’s the kind of vehicle that delivers satisfaction in the long run. It’s a car you’ll enjoy taking to work, road tripping in, or throwing bikes in the back of for a weekend escape. That’s why it scored an 8 in Smiles Per Hour—a nod to how often I found myself simply enjoying the drive.

Link to Score

The Bottom Line

The 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT is more than just a refresh—it’s a full-on upgrade. Subaru’s done the work to elevate this model to meet the expectations of today’s drivers, and it shows in nearly every area. Whether it’s the newfound interior refinement, the confident turbo performance, or the thoughtful utility baked into every design choice, this Outback hits the mark.

At a price point just north of $42,000, it’s a buy that offers tremendous value. You get serious comfort, proven capability, and long-term reliability—plus a cabin that finally feels as good as the rest of the car drives. I gave it a 93.5 out of 100, and I mean it: this is one of the best Subaru packages on sale today.

If you're in the market for something that’s ready for anything—and makes sure you're comfortable every mile of the way—give the 2025 Outback Touring XT a serious look.