The 2025 Subaru Outback maintains the long-lasting bundle of a high-riding wagon with nice packaging, comfy experience, and easy powertrain. And as we close to the subsequent period for the automaker it’s noticeable this household cruiser nonetheless doesn’t have a hybrid mannequin, the protection techniques overreach, and my youngsters took fault with an odd design quirk.
Because the next-generation Subaru Outback comes into view for 2026 it’s clear the automaker’s transferring previous the wagon bodystyle. The Outback’s transferring to SUV territory.
After spending a vacation week roadtriping via the Midwest with the household, listed here are the professionals and cons I uncovered on the 2025 Subaru Outback.
Professional: The 2025 Subaru Outback is a lifted station wagon
That’s the professional. There isn’t a different mainstream non-luxury-badged station wagon nonetheless on sale within the U.S. immediately. The Subaru Outback is it. Desire a wagon that received’t break the financial institution? The Subaru Outback prices $30,430 together with a $1,420 vacation spot cost. The loaded Touring XT mannequin I examined with a Harman Kardon sound system, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, and leather-trimmed seats value $44,330. There isn’t a wagon to cross-shop right here, and all-wheel drive comes customary.
Con: Subaru’s changed into an absolute helicopter mother or father
And I imply that within the worst approach. Dwelling with the Outback can really feel like being in a nanny state with the bings, bongs, dings, and dongs. The lively lane help ping-pongs like a drunk attempting to stroll the road. The system needs to look at the driving force’s eyes always, and don’t dare look away from the street or it’ll yell at you. Following somebody too shut? There’s a lightweight for that. Loosen up, Francis. Within the phrases of F1’s Kimi Raikkonen, “Depart me alone, I do know what I’m doing.” And if you need the automobile to stay in its lane, Subaru, it must not sway backwards and forwards.
Professional: Clean, highly effective, turbocharged powertrain
It took till the top of the lifecycle, however the powertrain’s lastly been smoothed out. The Touring XT mannequin, and many of the remainder of the lineup, doesn’t have the Wilderness’s ultimate gear ratio, which is definitely out of the Subaru Ascent. That change alone helps the Outback ship energy extra easily off the road. The CVT’s programming is progressive, although it—unconvincingly—mimics gear shifts from a standard transmission. It’s wonderful and habitable at this level. The turbocharger doesn’t kick in like an afterburner because it spools up. The two.4-liter flat-4 huffing a turbo checks in with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Outback solely weighs between 3,600 and three,946 kilos, relying on the trim. Good luck discovering a midsize crossover that weighs lower than 4,000 kilos.
Con: Subaru Outback wants a hybrid powertrain
There’s a good likelihood the upcoming 2026 mannequin, which seemingly will appear like an SUV, will likely be obtainable with a hybrid powertrain that simply debuted within the 2025 Forester on the 2025 Chicago auto present. For now, the two.5-liter flat-4 and a pair of.4-liter turbo-4 are the choices. The bottom engine has respectable EPA gas economic system scores of 26 mpg metropolis, 32 freeway, and 28 mixed, however it’s mediocre at finest whereas accelerating. The extra highly effective turbo-4 examined lowers these scores to 22/29/25 mpg. It’s a decent freeway score on paper, however I fared worse within the Minnesota chilly. In blended suburban driving the turbo-4 averaged 22.1 mpg. However over the course of 538 miles of freeway driving the Outback solely averaged 23.0 mpg with cruise management set at over 70 mph. That’s bordering on V-6 crossover territory.
Professional: Subaru is comfy
That’s all encompassing. The Outback has a smooth, comfy experience from its raised suspension—which delivers a powerful 8.7-inches of floor clearance—and quiet Yokohama Geolander all-season tires. The supportive entrance seats virtually characteristic a pocket for the tush to cradle in whereas the entrance seat backs supported my sides in the precise locations. Completely street journey authorized. My youngsters didn’t complain concerning the room within the second row regardless of normally loving three-row crossovers and minivans. The big 33-cubic foot cargo space with its large opening simply held all the bags related to a household of 4 on a protracted vacation weekend street journey. The children, naturally, overpacked. Who doesn’t want that blanket?
Con: Rear seatbelt packaging points
Each my youngsters complained about the way in which the rear seat belts retracted. Almost each time the youngsters unbuckled, the seat belts would get tangled when retracting. For some motive, unclear if it was the angle of the scenario or the way in which each my youngsters unbuckled, however the seat belts themselves would twist round. This resulted in two youngsters getting pissed off, shortly, and complaining loudly concerning the scenario. I wouldn’t advise attempting responsible the kids and inform them they’re doing it flawed. From expertise, that doesn’t go over effectively.
Regardless of ingesting a bit extra gas than marketed, continually getting pissed off with me if my eyes occurred to go away the street for seconds, or my youngsters complaining about their seat belts getting twisted round, the Outback made for, and makes, an exquisite household hauler. Particularly within the chilly and snow. It’s comfy, moderately priced, effectively packaged, and did I point out it’s a wagon? As a result of in the long run, it’s the one choice left, and it’s a terrific choice. However time is (seeingly?) operating out.
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2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT
Base worth: $30,430 together with $1,420 vacation spot cost
Value as examined: $44,356
Powertrain: 260-hp 2.4-liter turbo-4, constantly variable transmission, all-wheel drive
EPA gas economic system: 22/29/25 mpg
The hits: It’s a wagon, comfy, well-packaged, not loopy costly, turbo-4
The misses: Not environment friendly, no hybrid, rear seat belts saved getting twisted, overactive security techniques
