2025 Outback Touring XT: Ready for the Ranch, Comfortable on the Commute

Subaru’s Outback has been a mainstay in the lifted-wagon segment for nearly three decades. And while the formula hasn’t changed all that much—raised ride height, standard all-wheel drive, and just enough rugged styling to differentiate it from a traditional crossover—the details have certainly evolved.

I’ve reviewed my fair share of Subarus over the years—everything from the rally-bred WRX to the all-electric Solterra. But strangely enough, this is my first full review of the Outback. And in true TXGarage fashion, we’re not starting small. I spent a week in the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT, the top-of-the-line trim, finished in a striking Cosmic Blue Pearl.

So the question becomes: in a world where hybrid crossovers, three-row SUVs, and off-road-ready Broncos dominate headlines, is the Outback still relevant? More importantly—is this Touring XT the right balance of comfort and capability for Texas drivers looking for one vehicle that can do it all?

Spoiler: Yes. But let’s get into why.

A Familiar Face – But That’s Not a Bad Thing

From the outside, the Outback still looks like… well, a Subaru Outback. That’s either a compliment or a criticism, depending on who you ask. In my case, it’s a little of both.

Subaru hasn’t radically updated the Outback’s exterior, but that’s intentional. The Touring XT keeps things refined, practical, and unmistakably Subaru, with black cladding around the wheel arches, roof rails, and a slightly aggressive stance. The Cosmic Blue Pearl paint adds a premium edge—it’s subtle but sharp in person.

This isn’t the tougher, trail-hungry Wilderness trim. But it’s still ready for gravel roads, bad weather, and that sketchy parking lot at your kid’s soccer tournament.

Inside the Touring XT: Subaru Gets Fancy

Here’s where things got unexpectedly good. The Java Brown Nappa leather interior on this Touring XT is genuinely impressive—easily one of the nicest cabins I’ve seen in a Subaru. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and the materials throughout the cabin feel appropriately upscale for a top-trim model.

Subaru’s vertical 11.6-inch STARLINK infotainment screen dominates the center stack. The interface itself isn’t flashy or especially modern-looking, but it works well, and that’s what counts. During my week with the vehicle, wireless Apple CarPlay connected without issue, and I appreciated the split-screen functionality for maps and media.

Cabin noise is well-managed, the ride is comfortable, and visibility is excellent—a Subaru hallmark. The Smart Rearview Mirror is a nice touch, turning into a full digital display when needed, and front and rear seat heating adds to the luxury feel.

Rear passengers will find plenty of legroom, and cargo space behind the second row is generous. I had five people in the car at one point, and everyone fit reasonably well, though the middle seat in the rear is compromised by a raised hump due to the AWD system’s driveshaft tunnel. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if you regularly haul a full crew.

On the Road: Peppy Enough for Texas Roads

Powering the Touring XT is Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed through a CVT (continuously variable transmission) to all four wheels, thanks to Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: a CVT? Really?

And yeah—it’s still a CVT. But in daily driving, it’s surprisingly well-behaved. It doesn’t whine, it doesn’t hunt around, and unless you’re pushing the Outback hard, you’ll barely notice it’s not a traditional automatic. Acceleration is smooth, and passing power is more than adequate for highways and on-ramps. Around town, the turbo makes this wagon feel much more responsive than the base 2.5-liter engine.

It’s not a sports car, but it drives with confidence—and that’s really what matters here.

Practicality on Point

This is where the Outback earns its keep. Versatility is baked into every part of this vehicle. You get:

• A massive, usable cargo area
  
• Split-folding rear seats
  
• Sturdy roof rails
  
• A power liftgate
  
• A low load-in height that makes unloading gear or groceries a breeze
  

Whether you’re hauling camera equipment, camping gear, or a weekend’s worth of kid-related chaos, the Outback handles it all with ease.

It’s a vehicle that feels just as at home on a dirt road as it does in rush-hour traffic, and that’s not something you can say about every crossover in this price range.

Safety First (and Second… and Third)

The Touring XT comes loaded with Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver-assist suite, including:

• Lane centering
  
• Adaptive cruise control
  
• Automatic emergency braking
  
• DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
  

I used lane keep assist and adaptive cruise quite a bit and found both to be effective, if not especially refined. This is not a Super Cruise or BlueCruise competitor—it won’t let you take your hands off the wheel—but it will help keep you safe when fatigue sets in or traffic gets heavy.

That said, Subaru’s safety tech can get a bit overzealous. If you leave a heavy backpack in the back seat, expect to get nagged about buckling it up. It’s well-meaning, but definitely on the “nanny” side of the spectrum.

Fuel Economy & Value: The Fine Print

Subaru says the Touring XT is good for 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, for a combined 25 mpg. Over my full week of mixed driving, I averaged 22.6 mpg—right in line with expectations. That’s respectable for a full-time AWD vehicle with a turbo engine, though not jaw-dropping in an era where hybrid crossovers can top 40 mpg.

The MSRP for my test vehicle? $44,331.

That’s… a lot. And while you are getting a lot of vehicle for the money—premium materials, safety tech, all-wheel drive, and decent power—it’s hard to ignore that this price point puts the Outback Touring XT up against some strong competition.

If off-roading isn’t your priority, the Honda CR-V Hybrid I recently reviewed might be the better buy—it’s more efficient, almost as spacious, and costs less. Want more driving excitement? Check out the Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus. Looking for something a little more traditional? The Toyota RAV4 Adventure is a worthy rival.

Still, none of those vehicles feel quite like the Outback. And that’s where Subaru carves out its niche.

Final Thoughts: Adventure Refined

So, after a full week behind the wheel—what’s the verdict?

The 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT may not be the flashiest option out there. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the fastest. But it nails a very specific sweet spot: practical adventure.

If you’re someone who wants one vehicle to handle the weekday commute and the weekend escape, this trim—though not as trail-focused as the Wilderness—offers a refined, well-equipped package with true all-weather and light off-road ability.

Is it ready for the ranch? Absolutely.

Comfortable on the commute? No doubt.

Subaru knows its audience, and with the Touring XT, it’s delivering exactly what Outback buyers want—just with a little more polish.