Is the Outback Turbo worth the extra $$$? (Subaru Outback XT turbo 2023 review)

Рет қаралды 50,460

Күн бұрын

Iain reviews the 2023 Subaru Outback XT Touring wagon with the new 2.4-litre turbo engine and standard AWD, now available in Australia.
The Subaru Outback is a raised station wagon with good ground clearance and Subaru’s AWD system. It competes with SUVs, but also wagons like the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack and Volvo V60 Cross Country.
The problem with the Outback until now has been its slow 2.5-litre engine. Now, you can optionally specify a 2.4T turbo engine with 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The transmission is still a CVT auto.
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Subaru Outback.
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Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Important Changes
1:57 - Interior
4:03 - Back Seat
4:40 - Boot Space
5:10 - Running Costs
5:52 - Driving
16:34 - Verdict
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More Outback content: www.chasingcars.com.au/subaru...
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Пікірлер: 130

@elidanceali Жыл бұрын

3:50 "I'd prefer a normal conventional button" he says, while reaching past the normal conventional temperature buttons on either side of the screen. I do, however, agree that I'd prefer the other AC functions to not be through the touch screen.

@rexthesheep Жыл бұрын

I'm one of those weirdos that's really into physical media so I do appreciate that Subarus still come with CD players. Especially considering this is the sort of vehicle you'd be taking out to remote areas with poor-to-zero radio and data reception. No need to worry about streaming music/podcasts cutting out on road trips! People in cars media comments tend to get really upset with me for saying I like audio CDs though. So to cover my bases, yes I know you could just have offline media stored on your phone or a hard drive too, but i feel like that's intentionally missing the point somewhat. :P And you act like I'm not also the kind of person to take a fat collection of DRM-free digital media on trips too.

@ertcom1 Жыл бұрын

Iain Curry you are an excellent presenter and story teller. Loved your review especially the driving impressions.

@sportxtadventures1992 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for a review without theatrics and is about the car, not the presenter. Great to hear your views on the use of the paddle shifters to help the CVT, and the basic differences between the NA and Turbo versions. A highlight of the differences between the Sport and Touring options would help new buyers. Overall - a sound review. 🙂

@steamroller231 Жыл бұрын

Been waiting for this review. About time these got here. I wish they had a sport model with all the features of the touring. I love me some heated seats, sunroof and premium audio for the beats.

@PH-md8xp Жыл бұрын

Test drove a 2023 Outback a couple days ago over here in the US. It was the top Touring XT trim level with all the bells and whistles. The interior was beautifully appointed in Nappa leather and was very comfortable, just as nice as my 2018 BMW X3, maybe even nicer. As time marches on the safety tech in this car has evolved significantly. I had also driven the naturally aspirated 2.5 L version a week earlier and it was not a bad car to drive, but the XT felt so much more alive and responsive. Yes! This is the WRX wagon we’ve been wanting for a long time. It costs about $41,000 USD, but is really such a great combination of refinement and utility, all in one car.

@australianmade2659 Жыл бұрын

Just got back from a test drive. The performance is effortless. You have to check the speedo to realise how quickly it moves. The sales guy said to me yeah it moves in sports mode. I said what’s sports mode as I had only used standard. So bottom line is this is the outback WRX we wanted

@sl5932 Жыл бұрын

agreed a wrx wagon with a very upscale interior,

@Jase583 7 ай бұрын

Test drove a XT sport and I agree it was so effortless, smooth and surprisingly very quiet. Even on some dirt road that I took it on. The interior is very pleasing. The seats are very comfortable. I loved it. Because it is more of a wagon than a SUV is what makes it so good to drive.

@OzBloke Жыл бұрын

Great review thanks - just ordered might - can’t wait 😎👍

@tadstertrolley7770 Жыл бұрын

Excellent review thanks (apart from not noticing the separate non screen temperature buttons), no bs about water bottles, honest and straight to the point unlike most reviewers. I was expecting more in the terms of power, disappointing to say the least and will now be cancelling my order that i had in since October.

@mrinaldutta90 Жыл бұрын

I don't know who cares about storing water bottles while buying a 60 grand car, just get a smaller bottle if It doesn't fit

@tadstertrolley7770 Жыл бұрын

@@mrinaldutta90 exactly. Test drove one today and the power delivery was very disappointing, so i did cancel my order.

@ichabodjones65 10 ай бұрын

have had our xt ouback for around 2 months now. done about 5000ks. this is one of those cars that i just love to drive. love the ride so comfortable. the power is why i bought it. fuel consumption dont really care. i just love the power this thing has. test drove wrx sports wagon but it was too low for me to get in and out comfortably. outback is no problem. have a prado also prefer my new outback though. you review is pretty spot on . defineitly one of the better reviewers

@carlosortega201 Жыл бұрын

Congratulations, i like a lot your review. I am from Mexico City and here is just arrived the turbo version. I think this is a very complete and interesting car. Regards from Mexico

@TheAmazonamy Жыл бұрын

Im absolutely reassured going with the XT was the best option! Thank you! Although I wish we had sapphire blue in the States

@deganellis Жыл бұрын

Nice work, Iain! To the point, informative and good insights. Thanks!

@chasingcars Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@HyRax_Aus Жыл бұрын

You didn't compare acceleration between Intelligent and Sports SI-Drive modes. Intelligent mode de-tunes the car further for greater fuel efficiency. You don't get the full beans and reduced throttle lag unless you put it in Sports mode. It's unfortunate that S# mode has been removed for this year. Other neat features not mentioned in this review: Tailgate access PIN code (not new, but rarely mentioned by anyone), autonomous emergency steering (new for this year), and Adaptive Driving Beam (improved, and now standard across all variants for night driving). Other than that, good review!

@gene978 Жыл бұрын

Looks so much Better without the Extra Front cladding that we get here in the states. I always thought we should have the option or a Trim choice. Thank You

@rogerbanister5677 Жыл бұрын

I just picked up my XT today and hadn't driven one until today. Night and day between the NA and XT for me. NA felt underpowered, XT feels perfect. Not talking about trying to get speeding fines, just general driving in urban areas and on the motorway. (BTW I don't buy new cars to save money on fuel. I would just keep my perfectly fine older car to save money).

@rsg5850 Жыл бұрын

How can this dude don't do more videos than our kiwi mate? This dude articulate the details very well which is useful rather than all fluffery stuff all the car reviews are out there.

@grantreid8583 Жыл бұрын

Being an engine reconditioner we get to see what"s good and what"s not so good when the mechanics bring the parts into us. Being in a low paying job i tend to keep my cars for a long time so personally i stay away from turbos as a normally aspirated engine will go for a lot longer with basic services. I have dabbled with a falcon turbo and i am pretty sure a subaru with a turbo would be a great disappointment for me anyway. The 2.5 na outback may be my next car and possibly my last as i am a fan of wagons but not suvs.

@oggyoggy1299 Жыл бұрын

3:45. Surely the red and blue arrow buttons change a/c temp (for both driver & passenger), without going into the digital menu?

@MrJBL0 Жыл бұрын

They do

@greg6229 Жыл бұрын

The "keep hands on steering wheel" notice comes up if the system senses no steering wheel movement for a period of time. Its not a touch sensor. I've got an MY22 Outback Touring and come across the same notice if I dont move the wheel

@c.s2001 Жыл бұрын

I’d just add, weather shields, window tint and roof racks. SOLD.

@jsnmrtn Жыл бұрын

A tow test pulling the same weight as the atmo (e.g. Tom's MX5) would be good

@chrisb9478 7 ай бұрын

Yes! The turbo is worth it. We bought a 21 XT Touring. It’s a bargain for what you get. It’s fast with almost diesel like torque & we only lost about 2mpg from our 17 non turbo. It’s a very smooth sleeper for road trips.

@cbrown596 10 ай бұрын

3:46 - "To get in to alter your temperature." As he ignores the Red and Blue physical buttons that alter your temperature.

@Grudlin74 Жыл бұрын

Any hints of a Forester XT model? That would have a wider appeal and make great use of that engine

@loveroos627 Жыл бұрын

Do you get full screen android auto with this version in Australia?

@aerienix Жыл бұрын

Great step, Subie! Now please send down the Wilderness models.

@MrJnew123 Жыл бұрын

They have done the Turbo right. Worth the $$$ different car all together than the Naturally Aspirated.

@mikesubito2345 Жыл бұрын

A bit strange why subaru does not put this same engine on foresters. Should sell more than outbacks.

@nizm0man Жыл бұрын

they flipped the line up, about 5 years ago it was the other way, Forester XT and non turbo Outback

@reflexfilms Жыл бұрын

love the smoothly graded billiard table dirt road you showed it being driven on. Agree that these things handle like a cat on carpet on slippery roads.

@waynereilly9750 Жыл бұрын

I had an XT on order but the price came through at $10k more including the clean car tax in NZ. Just couldn't justify the extra cost for a small amount of extra power. If you want a fast(er) Subaru buy a WRX for less money. Still brought the 2.5 non turbo model instead. Yep it's not quick but most cars are pretty slow. With the good handling the key is to not slow down.

@radiokiller45 Жыл бұрын

Do you know when they're going to add full screen android auto in the my22 models? So annoying having only half a screen

@HyRax_Aus Жыл бұрын

The US are getting software updates that provide that just now, so we should get that soon here.

@ronaldov09 Жыл бұрын

So you can afford the 60k+ buy in (or $250+ a week finance) but worry about the extra $20 a week fuel? I just dont get that

@chriswright5198 Жыл бұрын

I was considering one for a lap of oz but what’s the solution for premium fuel in regional areas that don’t sell it? Can you use octane booster with 91RON instead?

@australianmade2659 Жыл бұрын

The short answer is yes you could. But you will get fuel around Oz. It’s interesting that the USA version uses 87 octane which is 91 Ron

@Aiken47 11 ай бұрын

Can you disable the driver “safety” features

@AmboscottUK 6 ай бұрын

I find the XT suspension slight soft on 100 km county roads but just right on gravel & dirt.

@jimmannella2291 Жыл бұрын

What do you mean about the fuel octane requirements? All that I’ve read and researched has stated it runs on regular octane fuel???

@chasingcars Жыл бұрын

Guess you haven’t read Subaru Australia’s official Outback XT specifications then. Click on ‘engine’ then read ‘minimum fuel requirement’

@twodogswalking840 Жыл бұрын

I ordered an XT touring in September and was told I might get it in Jan 23. Now told maybe April.

@leedaq7767 Жыл бұрын

Jez good luck mate

@wut3358 Жыл бұрын

I ordered a turbo model 2 weeks ago and picked it up yesterday.

@davidarter6271 Жыл бұрын

A CVT? No thanks. Fuel consumption? Worse than my Lexus V8. This car is just not in the ballpark. Excellent review thanks, Iain.

@ohMY03 Жыл бұрын

Can’t even tell it’s a cvt

@rteitel1974 Жыл бұрын

Interesting that the XT in this review requires 95 octane, but the XT in the states runs on regular unleaded. Anybody know why? Are fuel standards different down under?

@chasingcars Жыл бұрын

Fuel standards and sulphur levels are very different

@kingjulian1549 Жыл бұрын

We have a VW Passat 206TSI R-line wagon and it has a bit more power than the Outback and never goes near 12 litres/100. It averages around town about 9-10/100. Subaru engines are quite thirsty.

@chasingcars Жыл бұрын

Great car, that

@tempestv8 Жыл бұрын

Agree, the flat 4 boxer design has never been too fuel efficient, whether naturally aspirated or turbo charged

@grantreid8583 Жыл бұрын

I bet it burns more oil than a subaru!

@australianmade2659 Жыл бұрын

Yeah the VW uses 98 RON versus 95 RON for the Subaru. I looked at the VW and liked it but ordered a subaru because of the need for 98. It costs as much as diesel these days and is not available at some middle of nowhere servos.

@siquanwu3131 Жыл бұрын

$5k for extra kicking power, yes

@tinker1148 Жыл бұрын

It’s strange but in the US the turbo has 260hp, 277 lb/ft of torque and doesn’t require premium fuel. 🧐

@anthonykelly5461 Жыл бұрын

It’s is not them. In the US regular fuel is 95 RON. For some reason we put up with shit 91 RON grade fuel here as standard but pay just as much if not more

@HyRax_Aus Жыл бұрын

Yes, we're 10kw down by comparison, but we also have SI-Drive which they don't. In this case Intelligent mode dumbs the car down further for fuel efficiency and then you get the full beans in Sports mode (and does Sports mode directly replace Sports Sharp with nothing in between?). The US Outback recommends premium fuel when towing.

@rotoehu9266 Жыл бұрын

@@anthonykelly5461isn’t regular 87 octane fuel in the US equivalent to 91 on this side of the world? Our 95 being equivalent to their mid grade fuel (89-90)

@craigsommerville2300 Жыл бұрын

Did he not see the hard buttons for climate control temp??

@tadstertrolley7770 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, noticed that lol.

@leedaq7767 Жыл бұрын

Please Subaru, please give us wilderness version

@mattedmonds1347 Жыл бұрын

Worth mentioning the significantly reduced range of the turbo (over the atmo) given the heavy fuel consumption (assuming the same tank capacity).

@HyRax_Aus Жыл бұрын

The consumption is (edit: better, not identical) to the Gen5 3.6, but the win here is that a T4 is much lighter than an H6 (edit: turns out the T4 is heavier according to the spec sheet). The ground clearance of this Outback is also unchanged at 213mm, while the XV/Crosstrek, Forester and US Outback is 220mm - less air underneath contributes to better fuel consumption as well.

@mattedmonds1347 Жыл бұрын

@Jeff Sereno Despite those gains, after 400km the XT will have about 10 litres less in the 63 litre tank compared to the atmo, which is worth considering. The XT sounds great but is quite thirsty and has limited touring range.

@HyRax_Aus Жыл бұрын

@@mattedmonds1347 The new XT is better than my Gen5 H6 right now (at least on paper - mine is 7.5l min, 14.2l max, 9.9l average on a 60l tank). I'm currently getting 540-560km per tank with a personal best of 770km on pure highway, so if the T4 is similar, then I'm happy. Gen6 XT spec sheet says 63l tank across all variants with the XT consumption listed as min 7.3l, max 12l, average 9. That all said, it is interesting that the Gen6 XT is heavier (1730kg) than the Gen5 H6 (1673kg), so that will also have an adverse impact.

@mattedmonds1347 Жыл бұрын

@Jeff Sereno Sounds positive, will be great to see some everyday numbers by owners. My 2023 atmo, is proving more economical than expected. Car delivered 7 days after order!! XT preferred but could not wait.

@HyRax_Aus Жыл бұрын

@@mattedmonds1347 As long as you're happy with it, that's all that matters! I enjoy trying out the new cars each time I go for service (via service loaners). Am keen to try out the XT - will need to organise a test drive. I plan to upgrade before my current warranty runs out.

@wodka15 Жыл бұрын

When will it get electric?

@fredwalsh4108 Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't call it an SUV station wagon yes

@TheIcool76 Жыл бұрын

Prices are wrong. Base $47k, sport $51990, so on

@tonycoz2309 Жыл бұрын

Thank god we haven't got the American Outback front! Its one ugly front. Now will Subaru Australia bring back the Forester Turbo?

@yslee1401 Жыл бұрын

Isn't this car a bit dated? I would that thought that Subaru would introduce a brand new model for 2023

@zaamuro8408 Жыл бұрын

When they launched it only three years ago? No. The North American market has the ugly facelift that we thankfully haven't received yet (due to Japanese production sticking to pre-face for now).

@conalodonoghue7147 Жыл бұрын

Nice review. Pity the fuel economy is so terrible.

@jasonlewis2990 Жыл бұрын

Nobody buys or even looks at a Subaru if they are worried about fuel economy

@subazealand9158 Жыл бұрын

If you compare in general any Subaru with their competition, they are not much thirsty, and in some cases on top of many others. Mazda CX-5 Turbo is thirsty too

@vn9528 8 ай бұрын

More power means more fuel? More fuel meaning it's a very expensive one to maintain

@brianclarke1695 6 ай бұрын

Years ago we were driving falcons and comodores with close to 200kw, since there demise we have only had the choice of gutless suv's, the xt turbo should have been around years ago, and 183kw is nothing startling for a heavy suv, Ford's small Escape suv has a 2 litre 183kw, so a standard 2.4 turbo should be capable over 200kw, dudded again Subaru

@darkartsteacher 11 ай бұрын

If town based as he comments, then the Forester will suit.

@perryburns6515 Жыл бұрын

Why do all the manufacturers use CVT's! They are terrible! Subaru's version isn't the worst going around but still not great. Bought a forester. The boss didn't want to drive a big ute style 4wd around 😔

@limewhite71 Жыл бұрын

One speed automatic CVT? You don't see one speed and continuously variable as an oxymoron?

@chasingcars Жыл бұрын

CVTs have one gear or ‘speed’ that has a continuously variable ratio. It isn’t a multiple speed/gear transmission.

@robertceroli3512 Жыл бұрын

CVT 👎 should have used a DCT transmission

@shaneandersen1316 Жыл бұрын

DCT are worse

@quinsoe-win9516 Жыл бұрын

Good reviews but I found the random variation in your voice level really annoying. Just randomly shouting some words distorted the levels.

@craigelliott5028 Жыл бұрын

Subaru should have released a 0-100 time how hard is it. The standard is a bit slow at 9.6 to 100 in sports mode…. The review suggests a 0-100 time of 8.5 seconds (subjective mind you which is always dangerous)…. If that’s true I’ll be cancelling my order Subaru Australia (I can’t believe it is as the heavy wilderness in the US does 6.2 to 100). Facts on serving are incorrect….. check out the Carsales review that Sam has put out… 10 times better

@tadstertrolley7770 Жыл бұрын

Test drove one today and was bitterly disappointed with the power delivery and lag, cancelled my order.

@kodessa Жыл бұрын

Subaru can put a massive screen in the middle of the dash, but cannot put in digital gauges.

@HyRax_Aus Жыл бұрын

The Japanese Gen6 Outback has had a full digital combination meter option in the Touring model since 2021 (and it looks great). I suspect it's not validated for use in Australia yet, so we get the analogue gauges for now. It might also not be here as a cost-saving measure.

@zaamuro8408 Жыл бұрын

@@HyRax_Aus Cost saving and that it has no added benefit feature set wise so why bother? Looks good only in the spec sheet.

@HyRax_Aus Жыл бұрын

@@zaamuro8408 Says the guy who is pretending that fancy looking tech never sells cars...

@zaamuro8408 Жыл бұрын

@@HyRax_Aus I guess they are the target market for the Outbacks. Wonder if Subaru australia did any market research to see what their buyers want...

@HyRax_Aus Жыл бұрын

@@zaamuro8408 Well, given that Australian Outback doesn't have it, I guess that means all those potential target market customers will be marching right out to all the other brands out there that already have full digital combination meters on AU-delivered vehicles then. Look at 'em go. Damn, Subaru really missed that boat, didn't they?

@zwen3763 Жыл бұрын

Take anything good connects it with a CVT it turns to shit instantly. I've owned a CVT forester, and my brother had a CVT WRX, both shitboxes. I have my manual WRX but its not staying either cuz its 2023 who with a family drives a manual? SUBARU ffs make a AT transmission please.

@jonathoncalabrese2035 Жыл бұрын

Paying top dollar for more & more black plastic

@user-ds5ce2bu9j 2 ай бұрын

The The transmission turned me off caught once never again may go Mazda CX5 as a geared Trans Auto 6Speed mantained or second hand sum thing start looking tomorrow on with a good diff and axels not interested in toys at a price you can not jump over ,cheers

@craigsommerville2300 Жыл бұрын

Maybe Iain is too sensitive as he looks like he”s just gotten off a long ride of his horse!

@emmett3067 Жыл бұрын

At least a few years too late, CD Player, CVT. Subaru really are asleep.

@aussie8114 Жыл бұрын

Dead Pedal 😒

@MaxFromSydney1 Жыл бұрын

Definitely something to look out for during a demo drive.

@daweigo6851 Жыл бұрын

To me looks sold old and fussy with no style at all

@imwithname843 Жыл бұрын

eka

@andyb7719 Жыл бұрын

very ordinary car

@beniciodeltoro4956 Жыл бұрын

Overpriced

@djizzah Жыл бұрын

its a dog, really old body shape, 10 years? fuel hog no hybrid expensive, yer, nah, rav4 kills it for less money

@chasingcars Жыл бұрын

This gen is only 3 years old, but it looks similar to the old one

@nigelmacquillan7211 Жыл бұрын

Good luck getting one

@mikeperr8701 Жыл бұрын

No proper throttle control, pos junk. Crappy stiff ride. Junk

@peterthompson99 Жыл бұрын

Too expensive, too thirsty, and a CVT. I think I’ll pass.

@rc70ys Жыл бұрын

Outdated Machine with over the top pricing

@tassadar1977 Жыл бұрын

Perfect for my needs.

@peterthompson99 Жыл бұрын

@@tassadar1977 That's great. I understand not everyone enjoys driving and cars are just a commodity (not unlike a dishwasher). Outback fits the bill perfectly. Did you buy a white one?

@tassadar1977 Жыл бұрын

@@peterthompson99 don't know why you're upset at people really liking the Outback 🤣 I'm very impressed with your refined taste. Do you drive a Porsche or something? I wonder if it's white?

@peterthompson99 Жыл бұрын

@@tassadar1977 Upset? Not me. I think it’s great. The 80% of boring cars sold allow the other 20% to be interesting. It’s called the Pareto Principle (you can Google it). Enjoy your Outback, no matter what colour. 😉