Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring AWD X-Mode 2022 Motoring Minute Review

We explore Subaru X-Mode

Subaru Outback Touring – In our ongoing discussions of the Subaru Outback Touring, this week we explore what makes the Outback so good in all road conditions.

2022 Subaru Outback Touring front

The first thing to note is that unlike many other AWD SUVs, the Outback has all four wheels driving constantly. It Active Torque Split AWD that distributes optimal torque to the front and rear wheels, depending on road surface and driving conditions.

This is evident when often three wheels are slipping yet the fourth wheel will drive the outback out of difficult situations.

Added All-Wheel Drive Ability come from Dual-mode X-MODE which optimises off road performance.

One mode is optimised for snow and dirt, the other for deep snow and mud.

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2022 Subaru Outback Touring central screen 2

X-MODE functions are incorporated in the Centre Information Display (CID) monitor where vehicle tilt and other status can be checked.

Snow/dirt mode – Perfect for slippery, snowy roads, black ice, gravel and unpaved surfaces, this mode uses Traction Control.

Deep snow/mud mode – Perfect for surfaces where the tyres can become partially buried, such as deep snow, mud, sludge and dry dirt. Traction control is turned off, while torque control is activated to quickly generate maximum torque and produce a moderate amount of slippage in the driving wheels.

This improves escape performance on road surfaces where tyres can become stuck

On top of this the outback has an impressive ground clearance of up to 213mm which is almost the same as a Toyota HiLux SR5.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

2022 Subaru Outback Touring central scfreen

Some Other Subaru Outback Articles

2022 Subaru Outback Touring interior

Also Look At

2022 Subaru Outback Touring Profile

What is good?

What is not so good?

  • Selectable adaptive cruise control
  • Technology user interface easy to use
  • AWD and towing capability
  • Central screen clarity in direct sunlight
  • NO HUD
  • No turbo version

Subaru Outback 2.5i Touting 2022 front engine

Model   

Subaru Outback Touring AWD

Model Price$48,990 MLP*
Engine2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl
DrivetrainCVT 8 Step manual mode, Active Split Torque AWD with X-Mode
Power138kW @ 5,800 rpm
Torque245 NM @ 3,400 to 4,600 rpm
SafetyFive Star ANCAP (tested 2021)
CO2 Emissions168 g/km
Economy ADR7.3 L/100km
Servicing12 Months / 12500 km  (62,500 KM) Capped Price Service Plan
Warranty5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

2022 Subaru Outback Touring rear seat

Overall Rating    

93/100

Behind the Wheel9
Comfort9
Equipment9
Performance8
Ride and Handling9
Practicality10
Fit for Purpose10
AWD/Towing Capability*10
Technology/connectivity9
Value for Money10

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

2022 Subaru Outback Touring boot

Subaru Outback Dimensions

 
Overall Length4870mm
Wheelbase2745mm
Width / Height1875mm / 1675mm
Unladen ground clearance / wading depthUp to 213mm / TBA mm
Approach / Rampover / Departure (degrees)TBA
Fuel Tank  / Turning Circle63 Litres / 11.0mts KTK
Boot Capacity Max / Min (L)1711 / 522
Kerb Weight /  GVM / GCM1661kg / 2200kg / 4200KG
Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating2000kg / 200kg

2022 Subaru Outback Touring rear

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Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. That’s over 750,000 listeners a week.

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Motoring Minutes are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia

  • 9/10
    Behind the Wheel - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Comfort - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Equipment - 9/10
  • 8/10
    Performance - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Ride and Handling - 9/10
  • 10/10
    Practicality - 10/10
  • 10/10
    Fit for Purpose - 10/10
  • 10/10
    AWD/Towing Capability* - 10/10
  • 9/10
    Technology/connectivity - 9/10
  • 10/10
    Value for Money - 10/10
9.3/10

Summary

Subaru Outback Touring – In our ongoing discussions of the Subaru Outback Touring, this week we explore what makes the Outback so good in all road conditions.

The first thing to note is that unlike many other AWD SUVs, the Outback has all four wheels driving constantly. It Active Torque Split AWD that distributes optimal torque to the front and rear wheels, depending on road surface and driving conditions.

About Rob Fraser 2492 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.