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

[@elidanceali]

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]

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]

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

[@australianmade2659]

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]

agreed a wrx wagon with a very upscale interior,

[@Jase583]

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.

[@PH-md8xp]

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.

[@oggyoggy1299]

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

[@MrJBL0]

They do

[@tadstertrolley7770]

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]

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]

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

[@ichabodjones65]

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

[@cbrown596]

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

[@HyRax_Aus]

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!

[@carlosortega201]

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

[@chrisb9478]

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.

[@OzBloke]

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

[@TheAmazonamy]

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

[@rogerbanister5677]

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]

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.

[@mikesubito2345]

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

[@nizm0man]

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

[@jsnmrtn]

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

[@deganellis]

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

[@chasingcars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gene978]

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

[@grantreid8583]

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.

[@ronaldov09]

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

[@Grudlin74]

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

[@c.s2001]

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

[@radiokiller45]

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]

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

[@GirlWandering]

I test drove both the other day (turbo and non turbo). The turbo was a nicer drive and quieter from the engine noise but the non turbo is enough for most people. Honestly unless you like higher power in your cars or are planning on towing something on the heavier side then the non turbo is plenty enough power.

[@Aiken47]

Can you disable the driver “safety” features

[@aerienix]

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

[@AmboscottUK]

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

[@craigsommerville2300]

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

[@tadstertrolley7770]

Yeah, noticed that lol.

[@jimmannella2291]

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]

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

[@davidarter6271]

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

[@ohMY03]

Can’t even tell it’s a cvt

[@greg6229]

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

[@reflexfilms]

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.

[@twodogswalking840]

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

[@leedaq7767]

Jez good luck mate

[@wut3358]

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

[@wodka15]

When will it get electric?

[@loveroos627]

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

[@tinker1148]

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

[@anthonykelly5461]

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]

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]

@@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)

[@rteitel1974]

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]

Fuel standards and sulphur levels are very different

[@waynereilly9750]

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.

[@vn9528]

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

[@kingjulian1549]

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]

Great car, that

[@tempestv8]

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

[@grantreid8583]

I bet it burns more oil than a subaru!

[@australianmade2659]

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.

[@yslee1401]

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

[@zaamuro8408]

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).

[@leedaq7767]

Please Subaru, please give us wilderness version

[@limewhite71]

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

[@chasingcars]

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

[@chriswright5198]

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]

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

[@mattedmonds1347]

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

[@HyRax_Aus]

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]

@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]

@@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]

@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]

@@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.

[@siquanwu3131]

$5k for extra kicking power, yes

[@TheIcool76]

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

[@tonycoz2309]

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

[@fredwalsh4108]

I wouldn't call it an SUV station wagon yes

[@conalodonoghue7147]

Nice review. Pity the fuel economy is so terrible.

[@jasonlewis2990]

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

[@subazealand9158]

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

[@kodessa]

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

[@HyRax_Aus]

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]

@@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]

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

[@zaamuro8408]

@@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]

@@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?

[@brianclarke1695]

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

[@quinsoe-win9516]

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

[@darkartsteacher]

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

[@perryburns6515]

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 😔

[@robertceroli3512]

CVT 👎 should have used a DCT transmission

[@shaneandersen1316]

DCT are worse

[@craigelliott5028]

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]

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

[@zwen3763]

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.

[@JohnBrowne-e4o]

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]

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

[@jonathoncalabrese2035]

Paying top dollar for more & more black plastic

[@emmett3067]

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

[@daweigo6851]

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

[@aussie8114]

Dead Pedal 😒

[@MaxFromSydney1]

Definitely something to look out for during a demo drive.

[@djizzah]

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

[@chasingcars]

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

[@nigelmacquillan7211]

Good luck getting one

[@peterthompson99]

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

[@rc70ys]

Outdated Machine with over the top pricing

[@tassadar1977]

Perfect for my needs.

[@peterthompson99]

@@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]

@@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]

@@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. 😉

[@imwithname843]

eka

[@mikeperr8701]

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

[@beniciodeltoro4956]

Overpriced