Subaru Outback Touring – Subaru Outback has been around now for more than 20 years and the current 6th generation is without doubt the best yet. 
With the upcoming launch of the XT Turbocharged version coming in early 2023, we took the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the current top spec Touring Model.
The key to the Outback Touring is that it offers buyers more adventurous practicality with full time AWD than any other SUV and the benefit of wagon styling.
The outback is class leading in many ways, with the patented “Eyesight “safety features, dynamic Matrix Automatic LED headlights, permanent AWD with X-Mode, ground clearance of 213mm, towing capability of 2000kg and cavernous boot space.
One standout feature is the large vertical central screen which is some 11.6 inches tall and operates like a smartphone. There are four distinct zones, at the top is simple information like time, temperature etc. At the bottom the climate controls are always visible, which is great.
By far the best feature of the Outback Touring is the price. For a touch over $50,000 plus the usual costs there isn’t another SUV that comes close to the dynamics, safety, or comfort of the Outback.
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Rob Fraser
TO LISTEN TO THE OUTBACK TOURING RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
Subaru Outback Motoring Minute Video
Quick Subaru Outback Touring Thoughts
- Subaru Outback is class leading in a few aspects, AWD capability, Safety features and ground clearance
- Latest generation EyeSight® Driver Assist system is what you might expect from premium vehicles costing ten’s of thousands of dollars more.
- AWD with Active Torque Split that distributes optimal torque to the front and rear wheels, depending on road surface and driving conditions. Combined with Dual-mode X-MODE and you have the best AWD system for its price on the market.
- 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.
- Its the SUV for genuine adventurous buyers
- Its ideal for the snow trips, that’s why you see so many of them there
- Little things like the roof rails that can form cross members surprise buyers
- I like the fact that the driver can select the adaptive functionality for cruise control when they feel it is needed.
- Unfortunately there is no genuine full Hybrid version
- The Outback is quiet and smooth to drive on almost all surfaces.
- It also makes an ideal long distance touring vehicle.
Also Look At
The Medium AWD SUV segment is packed and the Subaru Outback crosses over between SUV and wagon.
Perhaps you could look at Audi A4 All Road, ŠKODA Superb Scout, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar E-PACE, Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-8
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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Some Other Subaru Outback Articles
- 1 – Subaru Outback XT 2023 model available for order
- 2 – Subaru Outback XT Turbocharged performance version coming in 2023
- 3 – Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring AWD Five best features 2022
- 4 – Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring AWD X-Mode 2022 Motoring Minute Review
- 5 – Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring AWD Infotainment Technology 2022 Motoring Minute Review
- 6 – Subaru Symmetrical AWD and X Mode Takes on Jacobs Ladder
- 7 – Subaru Outback 2.5I Touring AWD SUV 2021 Review
- 8 – Subaru Outback Touring 2021 Byron Bay Trip
- 9 – Subaru Outback 2.5I Touring AWD 2021 Byron Bay Trip
- 10 – 2021 Subaru Outback TOURING 2021 Video Review
- 11 – New Subaru Outback Climbs To Best Seller
- 12 – Subaru Outback 6th generation is now available
- 13 – Subaru Outback 6th Generation Radio Review
- 14 – Subaru Outback gets even more specification in the new model
- 15 – 2021 Subaru Outback breaks cover
Subaru Outback | |
Model | Outback Touring |
| Model Price | $50,990 MLP* |
| Engine | 2.5L 4 Cyl Boxer petrol Euro 6 |
| Drivetrain | 8 Sp Lineartronic CVT AWD |
| Power | 138kW @ 5,800rpm |
| Torque | 245Nm @ 3,400 – 4,600rpm |
| Safety | Five Star ANCAP (Tested Mar 2021) |
| 0-100kmh / Top Speed | TBA |
| CO2 Emissions | 168 g/km |
| Economy ADR | 7.3L/100km / 63L capacity |
| Economy on test | 8.4L/100k |
| Servicing | 12Mth / 12,500km Fixed price |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km |
| Road side Assist | 5Yr. 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)
Overall Rating | 93/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 10 |
| Fit for Purpose | 10 |
| 4WD/Towing Capability* | 10 (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5 ) |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 10 |
*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.
Dimensions | |
| Overall Length | 4870mm |
| Wheelbase | 2745mm |
| Width | 1875mm |
| Height | 1675mm |
| Wheels | 18×7.0 Alloy |
| Tyres | 225/60 R18 |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 213mm |
| Wading Depth | TBA |
| Approach | TBA |
| Rampover | TBA |
| Departure angle | TBA |
| Turning Circle KTK | 11.0m |
| Boot Capacity Min | 522L |
| Boot capacity Max | 1711L |
| Kerb Weight | 1661kg |
| Payload (kg) | 830kg |
| GVM (kg) | 2200kg |
| GCM | 4200kg |
| Towing Capacity | 2000kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 200kg |
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