Almost three decades ago, Subaru took a Legacy wagon, jacked up the suspension, slapped on some cladding, and invented a vehicle class no one knew they needed. And like your dad’s cargo shorts, it just won’t go out of style. Every other brand has tried to muscle in on its turf, yet the Outback remains the vehicular equivalent of a Labrador retriever—loyal, slightly scruffy, and always up for an adventure.
If you parked a 1996 Outback next to this 2025 model, you’d probably think one was just a well-preserved version of the other. The shape hasn’t changed much since Bill Clinton’s presidency, but that’s part of the charm. It’s still a lifted wagon with a big grille, more cladding than an 80s aerobics instructor, and a roofline that makes it easy to load up whatever outdoor gear you pretend to use on weekends.
It’s one of those cars that doesn’t care about trends. While other automakers are busy making their SUVs look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, Subaru is over here giving us the automotive equivalent of a good pair of hiking boots. You don’t buy an Outback to make a statement—you buy one because it will still be running long after the neighbors’ crossover has been traded in for something with even more fake vents or even a post-Apocalypse, which sadly some say might not be too far away.
Inside, it’s spacious and comfortable, but annoyingly it seems Subaru ruined it by putting nearly every function into an 11.6-inch touchscreen. Want to change the temperature? That’s a menu. Adjust the heated seats? Another menu. Subaru seems to think fewer buttons make life easier, but instead, you just get the privilege of stabbing at a laggy screen while trying to keep the car between the lines. It’s like trying to defuse a bomb while doing 70 mph.
Under the hood, you get two options: a 182-horsepower four-cylinder that’s as exciting as lukewarm oatmeal or a 260-horsepower turbocharged version that finally makes the Outback feel like it’s had a cup of coffee. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission that does its best impression of a real automatic but still has that rubber-band feel when you push it hard. If you value your sanity, get the turbo.
Having driven the 2025 Forester not too long ago, the Outback feels like the more refined, grown-up sibling. The Forester sits higher and is more of a traditional SUV, but the Outback rides better, handles better, and—if you get the turbo—moves better. It’s less of a box on wheels and more of a long-haul road trip machine.
Subaru gives you nine different flavors to choose from: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT. That means there’s an Outback for everyone, from budget-conscious adventurers to folks who want leather seats and Harman Kardon audio while pretending they’ll one day use the roof rack for something other than Christmas decorations.
I had the top-of-the-line Touring XT for a recent week, and that turbocharged engine which was sluggish but adequate. I shudder a bit to imagine what the non-turbo version would be like.
For those who want even more off-road credibility, the Wilderness trim is the Outback after binge-watching a survival show—chunkier tires, extra ground clearance, and a desperate need to prove it can rough it in the wild. There’s also a roof rack that can hold a rooftop tent for all those times you say you’ll go camping but never do. It’s not a Wrangler, but it’ll get you far enough into the woods to regret not bringing bug spray.
At the end of the day, the Outback isn’t trying to impress anyone, and that’s why it works. It’s not the fastest, flashiest, or most high-tech SUV out there. But it’s honest, dependable, and ready for whatever life—or the weather—throws at it. If you need a vehicle that will happily trudge through snow, dirt, and potholes for the next 15 years while carrying your dog and a week’s worth of groceries, the Outback is still the obvious choice. Just be prepared to yell at the infotainment screen once in a while.
After my week with it, I’ve added it to my list of favs. Just remember that I am a dad, and I own a drawer full of cargo shorts.
2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT
MSRP: $42,795
MSR(as tested): $44,431
Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 260 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm,277 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT)
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 22 city / 29 highway / 25combined
Fuel Mileage (as tested, mixed conditions): 29 mpg
Base Curb Weight: 3,946 lbs
Exterior Dimensions
Length: 191.1 inches
Overall Width with Mirrors: 82.0 inches
Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.0 inches
Height: 66.1 inches
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches
Interior Dimensions
Front Headroom: 40.1 inches
Front Legroom: 42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room: 58.1 inches
Rear Headroom: 39.1 inches
Rear Legroom: 39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room: 57.4 inches
Cargo Capacity All Seats in Place: 32.6 cu.ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 75.6 cu.ft.
Warranty
Basic: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust: 5 years / Unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance: 3 years / 36,000 miles
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