Subaru Outback Touring XT: EXTRA TERRESTIAL

Subaru’s Outback Touring XT

EXTRA TERRESTIAL

The vehicle I tested for a week was a Cosmic Blue Pearl 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT, with a sticker price of $44,331.00.  It was powered by a 260 hp, 2.4 liter turbocharged Boxer engine mated to a standard Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with an eight-speed manual shift mode.  This type of CVT allows drivers to simulate eight different ratios (gears) using the paddle shifters attached to the steering wheel.  EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the Outback Touring are 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.  

The Touring trim sits at the top of the Subaru Outback lineup. It is built on the equipment level found in the Outback Limited, adding a Wide Angle Mono Camera to the dual-camera EyeSight system, a full LCD Smart Rearview Mirror with auto-dimming, compass, and Homelink. The Outback Touring has exclusive interior and exterior accents and Slate Black or Java Brown Nappa Leather upholstery inside. 

The Outback I drove was equipped with Subaru’s DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.  This feature uses an infrared camera that monitors eye and head position continually while not in park.  It’s capable of alerting the driver and passengers if the driver’s head seems to nod off if they are falling asleep or if they are distracted and not facing front while stopped. Yes, you can turn it off. 

I understand that these systems are popular. My question: How long will it be until this information is something your car insurer can download without your consent. I’ve never liked backseat drivers. And everyone I’ve asked, most really never liked backseat drivers, either. But we’re now buying cars with them built into the infotainment centers. Don’t get me wrong – I like a good nav system. But hearing that alarm go off while driving 5 miles an hours looking at Christmas lights doesn’t float my boat. And I know I sound a bit crazy about this feature. But it’s all data. And data breaches are happening more frequently these days. 

Subaru is known for building reliable vehicles.  That claim is backed up by the fact that more than 97% of all models sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today.  It’s a brand that holds high residual value. And honestly, this car meets or exceeds all of my car dreams. It’s kind of like a station wagon without being that big. It drives like a sedan. It’s works great as a daily drive or a road trip cruiser. The backseat has great leg room that doesn’t take anything away from the cargo space behind it. Of course, that backseat folds down for hauling your great adventures. 

It’s important to mention the Subaru Love Promise, their charity organization that almost makes the whole nanny cam/backseat driver issue bearable. If you believe (like I believe) that at the end of the day our only real power is how we invest and spend our capital, then this is the car company for you. Subaru was included in Forbes Best Brands for Social Impact in 2024. Through their retailers and corporate-led events, Subaru has given away over $320,000,000 to what the company calls its 5-pillar program, encompassing the Environment, Health, Education, Pets and Community. As you can imagine, these five categories extend to most things we have contact with on a daily basis. 

Not to get too preachy here, but in my opinion it just makes good business sense to create strong relationships with future and current car owners by positively impacting the things that impact their lives outside of their cars. 

OK. I’m off my soapbox now.