2025 Subaru Outback Review

We can credit Subaru for starting the jacked-up wagon movement in 1995 when it slapped some body cladding on the Legacy wagon, raised its ride height, and dubbed it the Legacy Outback.

OK, the AMC Eagle preceded it by about 15 years, but the Outback breathed new life into the niche segment. It was followed by similar entries from Volvo, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen; but with the former two nearing the end of their life cycles — and the latter two no longer available — it’s likely this Subaru will be the last one standing. 

Granted, Subaru would rather we refer to the Outback as a crossover. Fine. Whatever you call it, the 2025 Subaru Outback is a jack-of-all-trades machine that, with models ranging from about $37,000 to $50,000, is well within reach of the practical-minded progenitors and proletariat alike. Tested here is the top Premier XT trim that dips its toe into the near-luxury pool.

Styling 7/10

During my week with the Outback, I also had a Volvo V60 Cross Country wagon in my driveway — the latter being one of the prettiest cars on the road. Next to that sexy Swedish wagon, the Subaru looked a tad ungainly, festooned with plastic lumps and bumps and sporting unstylish overhangs. But they’d say that about me if I was sitting next to Brad Pitt, so I get it.

Anyway, nobody buys an Outback for its appearance. It’s an honest look that conveys what this tall, all-wheel-drive wagon is all about: practicality and mild off-road capability.

The Premier XT’s cabin is a different story, playing the posh card quite convincingly with lovely brown Nappa leather seats and matching trim, a stitched dash, and quality detailing. The large central screen is nicely integrated into the dash, and the airy cabin benefits from a sunroof, too. It’s an elegant design that’s devoid of frippery, and it will likely age well.

Power 8/10

Lower trim levels run with a rather anemic 182-hp flat four-cylinder engine. Moving up to the Wilderness, Limited XT, and Premier XT nets a turbocharged 2.4L that kicks out 260 hp and a robust 277 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 4,800 rpm. Hooked to an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that makes a noble attempt at impersonating a conventionally geared unit, the turbocharged Outback doesn’t exactly jump off the line, but once the engine and transmission come to an agreement it moves smartly.

All in all, it’s a commendably smooth and unobtrusive drivetrain that delivers its output in a linear fashion. If you feel like shifting, the transmission is quick to respond to paddle inputs through eight simulated gears. 

Fuel Economy 8/10

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the 2025 Subaru Outback Premier XT at 10.6 L/100 km in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.5 combined. My wintry week of mixed driving netted an indicated average of 10.1 L/100 km. The Outback runs on regular-grade gas.

Driving Feel 7/10

The Outback is no sportster, but it’s a pleasant vehicle to drive on a day-to-day basis. Its wagon architecture gives it friendly, car-like performance. With natural steering feel, strong, linear brakes, and competent, no-surprise handling, the Outback — like all Subarus — melds into a holistic, confident driving experience that gives the impression of always having your back. This sense of relaxed security is what folks love about Subies, and the Outback delivers — especially with this more powerful turbo engine.

Comfort 9/10

What a revelation to drive a vehicle with a comfy, compliant ride — a rare quality in this time of stylishly oversized wheels and stiff, sporty suspensions. The Outback Premier XT soaks up most road imperfections with nary a ruffle to the passengers. Sure, it’s a bit tippy in the corners, but I’ll take that over a choppy ride any day. Credit the Outback’s long suspension travel and tall sidewall tires for its excellent ride quality.

The Premier XT’s leather-wrapped seats are soft on the derriere yet provide long distance comfort. The back seats are good, too, and all occupants enjoy plenty of head- and legroom, while the driver benefits from fine outward visibility. The top trim is fitted with a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and heated and ventilated front seats.

Practicality 9/10

With its full-time all-wheel drive and 220 mm (8.7 in) of ground clearance, the Outback is ready for some light off-roading, helped along by snow and mud drive modes, and hill descent control. It will tow as much as 1,588 kg (3,500 lb). The Premier also gets a robust roof rack that, with a weight capacity of 295 kg (650 lb) while parked, allows for safe rooftop tenting.

Subaru has its own take on the automatic tailgate. Instead of waving your foot under the rear bumper, it’s operated by waving your hand in front of the badge on the tailgate. The opening is large and the liftover height low when compared to more traditional crossovers. Behind the rear seats, there’s a useful 923 L of cargo space that expands to 2,141 L with the split rear bench folded. It doesn’t fold quite flat, but it’s pretty close.

User-Friendliness 8/10

The portrait-oriented 11.6-inch central touchscreen does a good job of laying out functions — namely infotainment and HVAC — in an array of large, easy-to-read tablets and touch points. The graphics aren’t particularly chic, nor are they super sharp, but it’s a user-friendly system overall. And kudos to Subaru for fitting knobs for volume and turning. The large and legible instruments are nice analogue holdovers, as is the mechanical gear selector. The steering wheel controls are also of the physical button variety.

Features: 8/10

The Premier XT gets Subaru’s top infotainment system that features the aforementioned 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display with navigation, dual USB-C ports, and an auxiliary audio input, the latter of which is a rarity these days. Compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system comes with an average-sounding 12-speaker stereo. Also included is wireless phone charging. Buyers get a three-year subscription to Subaru Starlink connected services — a suite of services that brings more convenience, safety, and security.

Safety 9/10

Subaru throws all its safety kit at this top-tier Outback, starting with its comprehensive EyeSight system that incorporates forward collision warning, cyclist and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, drive attention alert, and automatic emergency steering. There’s also blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

Value 8/10

In any of its seven available trim levels, the Subaru Outback offers competitive value. With a price hovering around $50,000 before tax, this Outback Premier XT lines up with other top-trim rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD and Mazda CX-50 GT. When looking at the other rugged wagons on the market — the pricey and premium Volvo V60 Cross Country and Audi A4 Allroad – the Subaru Outback is a veritable bargain.

The Verdict

The Outback’s enduring appeal comes from the fact it doesn’t look like any other crossover out there, and it performs its duties with a decidedly car-like demeanour. Blending agility, surprising comfort, and unassailable utility with its rugged hiking boot aesthetic has been a winning combination, garnering the Outback a loyal following.

Decked out in Premier XT guise, the 2025 Subaru Outback gets the power it needs from the turbo motor, and occupants enjoy its laundry list of premium features. It’s hard to argue against this Outback’s do-it-all bandwidth of capabilities. Oh, and it’s a wagon, too.