Things we like
- Extra performance is welcome
- Space and practicality
- Off-road capability
Not so much
- Infotainment graphics functional but not pretty
- Heavy fuel consumption
- No third row seating option
In Australia, the Subaru Outback AWD Touring XT is celebrated for its versatility, skill-fully handling both city drives and challenging off-road conditions. Since its introduction in the mid-1990s, it has built a reputation for reliability and safety.
Popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the Outback features all-wheel drive, spacious interiors, and advanced safety systems. Its design smartly combines comfort and functionality, making it ideal for both everyday commutes and adventurous excursions.
Over the years, the Outback has become a symbol of durability and flexibility, perfectly reflecting the adventurous Australian ethos.
Pricing & Features
The Subaru Outback Touring XT AWD is the best Outback money can buy, priced at $55,990 excluding on-road costs.
2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT key features | |
---|---|
11.6-inch central touchscreen | Heated, ventilated and powered front seats |
18-inch gloss alloy wheels | Keyless entry and start |
360-degree camera | Nappa leather upholstery |
9-speaker Harman Kardon audio | Powered tailgate |
Adaptive cruise control | Rain sensing wipers |
Automatic LED headlights | Reversing camera |
DAB+ digital radio | Roof rails |
Dual-zone climate control | Satellite navigation |
Front parking sensors | Sunroof |
Heated rear seats (outboard) | Wireless Android Auto |
Heated steering wheel | Wireless Apple CarPlay |
The Outback Touring XT gets a punchier 2.4-litre e-Boxer four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 183kW and 350Nm of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive.
Safety
The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT was awarded a five-star ANCAP rating in 2021.
It stands out for its exceptional safety, achieving high ratings in adult (88%) and child (91%) occupant protection.
The range comes equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features as standard. These include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction assist, emergency steering autonomy, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and traffic sign recognition.
Key Rivals
The Subaru Outback competes with medium-sized SUVs and crossovers like:
- Volkswagen’s Passat Alltrack
- Toyota RAV4
- Mazda CX-5
- Hyundai Santa Fe (new model coming 2024)
Should I put it on my shortlist?
The Outback itself consistently meets the needs its enthusiasts value — ample space, practical design elements, commendable off-road capabilities and a distinctive boxer engine.
If you're in the market for a new Outback, the Touring model XT offers some upscale touches akin to those in European competitors for less money.
Additional performance is also great but this does come at the cost of some hefty fuel consumption figures.
If the extra power is what you're after, the XT Outback could be your pick of the bunch.
Things we like
- Extra performance is welcome
- Space and practicality
- Off-road capability
Not so much
- Infotainment graphics functional but not pretty
- Heavy fuel consumption
- No third row seating option
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