Outback XT vs. Outback 2.5 (OWNER EXPERIENCE!)

[@paindoc7]

I have a 2024 Subaru Outback XT with about 7,000 miles on it. My commute to work is 28 miles, close to sea level, and is about 2/3 highway rush hour driving. So far my fuel mileage is 25.1 mpg. My previous car was an 2021Audi A6 Allroad which had many more features but cost twice as much. The fuel mileage was about the same but the Audi used premium fuel. I think turbo's using regular gasoline are not common. The cargo space is a little different in the Subaru despite it being a slightly smaller car allowing me to pack more stuff without removing the privacy screen. There is no comparison regarding the premium sound systems between the two cars but all in I think The Subaru Outback XT offers everything I need at half the price of the Audi A6 Allroad. Lastly, if you want an Audi A6 Allroad good luck as they are almost impossible to find.

[@lewismartinez5130]

Thanks--so great to hear from someone who's owned both.

[@bear_momo]

I trade my onyx 2.5 to a wilderness. MPG in 2.5 is around 19-21, wilderness is around 20-22...60% city driving

[@minnybiker4505]

Thank you for this video. I bought the 23 limited 2.5. occasionally, I wish I'd bought the turbo. But I was playing the long game and thinking the non turbo might be more reliable, and the better fuel economy helps. Glad to hear your feedback... Sounds like you prefer the 2.5, which is a little relieving.

[@loriwitkop1389]

Exactly! I just bought a '21 2.5l with 7,784 miles on it three weeks ago. I love the car but was wondering if I should move to a '24 Turbo. This weekend came to the conclusion for me to stay with the 2.5l. This video confirms the 2.5l decision for me. Besides, I've got better warranty with my Gold CPO warranty package than you get with a new vehicle! And I saved WELL over 10K by going used, and with those miles, it's practically brand new anyway!

[@myckeee]

I have a 2.5 2018. Bought with 5mi on it and I have 142,000miles on it now. I think I earned the right to say that up until this moment it is reliable. It has always started (except one time I delayed changing the battery years late) and got me where I want to go. I drive it daily. I can't speak for the future but I hope to go to 200k in this reliable state that it is in! Enjoy your 2.5 guys treat it well

[@mickeybrumfield764]

I have a 2024 limited with the 2.5 liter engine, and I can tell you there is a big difference in the performance at high altitude. I visit Colorado in the summers, and I really had to push the car going over Hoosier Pass. I previously had a the 2.5 liter in a Forester and don’t remember as much difference going over the high passes. The Outback is heavier, though. I think the power is fine, though in the Outback, it does fine for my purposes. It isn't a driving enthusiasts car. For the 6,000 miles I've owned the car, it's averaging 34 mpg, I do take it easy with the accelerator, though. That is about what I got in my Forester. You may never know if you live in Colorado, but the car performs a little better at sea level, I notice it in the Outback and didn't really notice it in my Forester. I really like the car much better riding car on the highway over my Forester.

[@Freddie-gv1yg]

@mickeybrumfield764, How come you did not get the Outback XT? They say it has much more power. I have a 2019 2.5 liter engine and I find it very peppy. Before I bought the Outback, I read many reviews on the car. Many said it was more than enough power. Many said it had no power at all, you need the 6 cylinder. My 2.5 is peppy. My sister drove it one day and she said is your car peppy.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

@@Freddie-gv1yg I am happy with the gas mileage my 2.5 gets.

[@nope1918]

@@Freddie-gv1yg I think it feels peppy due to the fact that it's got low-end torque, but even so it's not great. But it's not terrible either, the best way I can describe it is "adequate." It has enough power to be practical but that's it. If you want practical AND somewhat fun to drive, you're gonna need the 3.6 or the 2.4t.

[@Freddie-gv1yg]

@@nope1918 It's definitely more than adequate. I was on the highway one day and I hit the gas to pass someone and that car moved with no problem.

[@nope1918]

@@Freddie-gv1yg That certainly hasn't been my experience. The acceleration is quite poor, especially when you're already going highway speeds. Most tests I've seen give it a 0-60 time of about 10 seconds, it is NOT a fast car. It is an adequate and very practical car.

[@randyreynolds1045]

The XT rocks❤

[@devilefan]

I just bought an outback premium very recently (11-1-24) and I absolutely love it... I've been wanting to get one for the past three years and finally pulled the trigger so to speak.... in terms of the sound system, mine has the basic, not the Harmon Kardon and quite frankly, I don't want or need that kind of sound system... I realize everybody is different and in my case, the basic system is more than adequate... I don't need my car shaking from the vibrations of the sound system, and I'm not out to impress anybody, also the sound system held very little to no value in my decision to get an outback, the main things that sold me on the outback was the look, versatility, and above all safety features that the outback is known for... a higher end sound system is not going to help me in an accident, or help me prevent to get in one for that matter , it is not going to make a difference on snowy roads, or any other kind of road conditions... on the subject of the auto stop/start, I couldn't agree with you more... it is the only thing I can't stand about, not just the outback, but any of the newer cars.... it is annoying to say the least and I'm seriously considering buying something to disable it so I don't have to worry about shutting it off every time I start it... They say it's there to improve fuel economy...BULL!!!.... for the very, very very minute amount of gas you are going to "save ", you can now put that money towards the purchase of a new starter, a lot sooner than expected, now they say that's not the case, but I don't buy that... if your car is starting and stopping, let's say 20 times every time you go out somewhere, that's taking a toll on your starter, PERIOD.... I think this is the most useless., annoying, and above all, eventually, the most costly "feature" to have

[@jamar959]

Really good descriptions. Cheers!

[@michaelwhite5834]

When i bought a new Subaru a few months ago, the XT was never on my list of priorities. I had a Harley already, so in my mind fun was taken care of. My previous car (Forester) was also the 2.5 and I knew it does ok on the highway. An Outback is a station wagon, not a hot hatch, and that's how I use it--for comfort, mileage, utility, reliability . . . .

[@johnsmith-sw7ii]

Good review! Everything you say here is true but I would not trade my 2021 Onyx XT for the 2.5 EVER!!

[@hardtailhero6289]

Tnx for sharing comparison. Waiting for my 2024 Onyx. Will enjoy better fuel economy and usable power off the line. Glad to hear refinement in newer models

[@stevem4560]

Absolutely LOVE my 2025 XT Limited. Very quick car. So fun to drive!

[@oxirosmusic]

Agreed 100% with the power delivery curves with the turbo engine. I have the wilderness and I feel it everyday lol

[@lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

Thanks for the review. Do you know if is possible to update the old infotainment and have the new features? the hardware looks the same, probably it is just a software update? Thanks

[@josneaka4866]

I had the 2017 Forester XT Touring, and it always felt smooth and quick. Zero complaints. But maybe I was just used to a rougher ride, since I was driving a WRX before that. 😅 Still, after driving a NA Toyota for a few years, I would gladly trade smooth slowness for jerky-ish quickness all day, every day.

[@geepee4134]

Can't the simulated gear hunting and turbo lag be circumvented by using the manual mode and paddle shifters?

[@craigpatches]

Great video. Question: have you encountered any fit/finish issues with squeaks/rattles/thumps, etc.?

[@oliverroo59]

No squeaks, rattles, or thumps in either Outback.

[@craigpatches]

Thanks again for your insights and review!@@oliverroo59

[@InsigniaEngravingAustralia]

Just replaced my 2021 Outback 2.5 with a 2023 2.5, definately much better software control of the cvt. I'm lucky & old enough to have owned a 2006- 2.5 turbo, a 2010- 2.0 turbo diesel, and 2014- 2.0 turbo diesel, but the 2023- 2.5 is by far a much more refined driving experience. I only run mine on 98ron and it easily zips through heavy Melbourne traffic and has suprisingly good towing capacity, compared to older gen boxer engines.

[@johnfarel3152]

I just got the 25 wilderness OB and traded in my 22 2.5 OB. Haven’t driven it enough to tell you whether or not I agree with the driving dynamics. I will say this, speed is so relative. My “slow” 22 2.5 OB would be one of the fastest sedan’s around in the early to mid 80s and the xt would nearly be on par the early 80s Lamborghini countach in terms of 0-60 times. So I always chuckle when people say the 2.5 is slow since my parents drove me around in the 80s in a Chevy citation. Eyesight has definitely improved between 22/25. I use the adaptive cruise and lane centering app the time and I don’t have to fight the lane cetering all the time to keep in the middle. It does a much better job staying away from traffic in the next lane over

[@jeffsuenissen4720]

Any thoughts on towing with an NA versus the turbo XT? Seems like I'm all to often renting a 5x8 Uhaul trailer. Does fine with my 2015 NA Outback. Certainly sluggish, but it gets me there with the stuff. 2700 versus 3500lb towing doesn't mean much for me. The trailer I always rent has a maximum load of 2700 lbs. I'm sure I never approach that.

[@kippywylie]

Been thinking of upgrading my 2015 Premium to a new OB and honestly the touchscreen has had me hesitate with the newer models. Good to hear you are happier with the 24. Thanks for the tip on the wireless phone charger since I go on very long all day drives and need to keep the Pixel charged

[@m3rdpwr]

Yeah that big touch screen is a little bit weird to get used to. I have a 2014 ram 1500 with a large touchscreen, but has tons of buttons and I find them by feel not by looking. It's going to be quite an adjustment when I pick up my touring XT next week.

[@MSE9107]

What you’re describing about the XT is what is called Turbo lag. All turbos have that, and yes it makes driving a bit unpredictable. It’s one of the downsides. Compared to a naturally aspirated with a cvt, which in Subarus I think it makes a super smooth and predictable ride, turbo lag will feel uncomfortable if you’re not used to operate it. I’ve have both Subarus and yes, turbo lag is always a bit unpredictable. However, other brands are far worse than Subaru in that aspect.

[@oliverroo59]

It's a combination of turbo lag and CVT tuning.

[@RareGenXer]

I had a VW Tiguan with 2.0 turbo and "real" transmission for a long-term rental once, and it was an awful driving experience. Such unpredictable power delivery. Surge, then pokey. Repeat. All the time. It made me nauseous.

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

2.5 more reliable in my humble opinion

[@jimwilliams7136]

My Samsung S24 Ultra phone fits in the wireless charger just fine. And the charger has built in overheat protection.

[@fe9245]

Hi there I got 2018 Honda crv 1.5 turbo engine I’m thinking passing my daughter or treading in, .. those engine has warm up issues , take while if too cold outside cause turbo I believe, just wondering Subaru Outback xt does same problem ??which is I’m thinking the purchase..If anyone can answer that question I really appreciate

[@geepee4134]

Other than cosmetics, a few icons on the screen, and some of the steering wheel switches, the '21 and the '23 are the same. Why did you get rid of the 2021?

[@amcurtis1]

You mention that the screen interface is better for 2024 than the older models. It sounds like you never manually upgraded the software in your old car to get the touchscreen updates which are available.

[@ucanduit7961]

I have a 21 Legacy Touring XT which has the same infotainment system as the Outback and I applied the available updates. I have full screen AA and it is much more responsive. I had a 21 2.5 Outback as a loaner and just too doggy for me.

[@Wrang15]

Not all will update. My 21xt wont accept any updates. Its out of warenty so its on my dime to have the CCU replaced. I have had 3 dealers at least try while it was in for outher services. I even tried myself. It just wont load them.

[@Gruntsworth]

Yup. I have a 21 XT Touring, and when I first got it the screen annoyed the hell out of me. A car obsessed with safety that makes you go into submenus for seat controls. Who thought that was a good idea? Also making fan control buttons about half the size of a dime. Let me just get out my magnifying glass while I'm driving here. What could possibly go wrong? Thankfully I've been pretty happy since the March 2023 update that fixed most of my complaints. I still haven't installed the newest update, but it's going in for service next month and I'm just going to let them do it.

[@Wrang15]

@Gruntsworth be glad you get updates. Mine won't take any updates. Since the system works and does not crash SOA won't dig in to why it won't update. It's now out of warenty so it's my dime if I want it looked at.

[@suespony]

Thanks for this, I am looking at the 2025 touring XT, trying to decide if I want turbo or not. Think I am going turbo

[@tone3560]

Simply put if you get an XT and plan on trading/selling under 100k miles it would be the option if the finances are there. If you plan on keeping past 100k or its lifetime then the NA 2.5 engine would be advantageous in regards to Maintenance. XT is more heat, more strain on engine, more parts that could fail... Simplicity always equals longevity. Ive driven the NA and it was smooth and quiet. For under half throttle jaunts the power was adequate. I still need to drive xt before I make my purchase.

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

The more I learn about new Subarus the longer I want to keep my 05 Outback XT manual! I've been driving long enough that electronic nannies interfering with my driving are not needed or welcome. Between the CVT (in city traffic DCTs & CVTs are aweful) & the lack of a manual transmission I don't see ever buying a Subaru again.

[@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive]

Don't know where you are, but our 2024 Onyx Outback has heated rear seats, and the AHD system, which I don't see on this one. Possibly changed mid year?

[@charlesharnois3684]

Eventually I Will Replace My 15' Outback Was Undecided About The Turbo, Don't Like All Nanny Electronics, All New Subaru's Are Equipped With These! No Matter I'll Still Buy One ! Thanks For Your Report, Very Helpful!

[@42dunbar]

I’m currently driving a 2024 Outback Touring 2.5 rental on vacation and like it a lot. Not fast by any means but adequate. The only thing I don’t like is how firm the ventilated seats are. Now I’m interested in possibly getting a 2025 Forester since I prefer the boxier, more upright form factor.

[@tomfilipiak3511]

@@42dunbar Sir,my son has a 2021 forester,great car,but I have had,a 2006,2015,2020,and now a 2024 outback,be told,the outback hugs the road like a sports car,the Forrester,no way,you can tell right away when you spend some time in both!I am not being critical,just the FACTs!!!

[@nyrocks5580]

Our XT accelerates and sounds much better than the 2.5, and especially so once both are going 20-30mph and you need to really get moving, merge onto highways, pass, or climb hills. No comparison at all. I also haven't experienced the CVT 'shif' unpredictability described in the video. The XT fuel economy has also been better than described here and flat-out great on the highway.

[@nyrocks5580]

CVT 'shift'

[@m3rdpwr]

I'm in the US, and I was just able to secure a 2023 Outback Touring XT with only 8,000 mi. I went over it with a fine tooth comb and it looks perfect. It has every option. I priced out a 2024 the same way, and it was $9,300 more. I will say, I like the look of the onyx all being blacked out. I wish they had a touring XT, blackout or night edition. I'm not a big fan of too much Chrome anymore. I would have liked all black wheels and trim. I'm still scratching my head as to why Subaru was still putting a CD player into these tourings. They should have made the glove box bigger and aced the CD player.

[@marcilk7534]

The cd player is one of the things that might make me decide to get the Subaru over another brand.

[@m3rdpwr]

@@marcilk7534 yes, it could be for some.

[@Marco-qe5zw]

just update the infotainment to the latest firmware and it fixes all the issues. works fantastic in my 2021.

[@Joeybz1]

I have the Ascent and am averaging 22 mpg. Must be a lead foot.

[@Wrang15]

Lol thats all i get in my 2021xt...

[@TC1Z2L3]

Yep, the CVT feels better mated to the 2.5 NA than it does the turbo. Between the turbo lag and the Lineartronic CVT the acceleration of the XT is quite choppy. It can be mitigated with better pedal input but I agree, even then it can be unpredictable. My wife's Premium is adequate and nothing more while my XT Onyx has plenty of power. I wouldn't argue against either one but if you're any kind of enthusiast, the 2.5 will be. a bit of a let down. Even with the size of the newest Outback, the modern 2.5 with the CVT feels peppier than the old EJ25 and 4AT ever did, even in the 2.5RS coupe.

[@RareGenXer]

Super informative! I'm considering trading in my 2019 Limited 3.6R. I've test drove some 2024's. If I do replace it, it would only be for an XT. An Onyx XT, or possibly a Limited XT. The Wilderness XT is far too floating and mushy handing for daily use. Not a fan of the vinyl interior though. But I don't want the "nanny spy camera" standard the Limited (but black tape to cover it up is cheap). Gen 6 is far more refined, better ride, handling and seats than gen 5. But the H6 is also powerful and is so smooooth, with great MPG for what it is: 24-30 average. has better storage, better visibility and optimal mix of physical buttons and tech screen. Maybe I hold out for a Gen 7🤔

[@NysceWorkk]

How your experience with 3.6r?

[@sidepiece8344]

Outback review: The steering wheel buttons are nice and clicky

[@MrApplesaucestuff]

can you turn the beeps off?

[@Jay-bw3fl]

Yes but it lights up tons of orange lights on the dash

[@Gruntsworth]

Mine beeps at me telling me to keep my eyes on the road when I'm staring straight ahead sometimes. Either the car is stupid or I've become so ugly the car thinks I'm facing backwards.

[@Jay-bw3fl]

@@Gruntsworth if your right arm is too high up it blocks the camera which is above the screen and causes that. Another thing that I hated.

[@anthonyng3014]

Are you kidding me? This is the first time I've heard someone actually wish for the button shifter over the traditional knob/stick. The traditional physical shift stick feels so much more substantial while the button gear selector makes the car feel even more like a computer game. Just like those full digital displays compared to the analog gauges. Good job to Subaru to sticking with the analog so we don't get glare washout or lag when the computer decides to take a coffee break.

[@Jay-bw3fl]

Hate to break it to ya but no shifter is analog in 2024 they’re all digital even if they’re knobs or column shifters.

[@marshallbill1]

That helps!

[@tomfilipiak3511]

I have had 3 outback’s since 2006,stay away from the turbo,to much for longevity on that 4 cylinder engines!

[@jaymelton3692]

I have been looking to buy a new mid sized suv/crossover can you or others comment on oil consumption issues in your current and previous Subaru engines. Thanks

[@robhodge2238]

So glad I went the used route and bought a low mileage well cared for 2017 Limted 3.6R without eyesight. None of the annoying nanny features constantly beeping. Actual buttons for controls and not an oversized tablet. and the H6 boxer is super smooth and predictable. Mated to the CVT, it won't win many drag races, but has plenty of power for the stuff that counts (Merging and passing) and gets a fairly respectable 22-23 mgh in city and can approach 30mpg if driven slowly on the highway.

[@m3rdpwr]

I originally wanted a 3.6R, but lost out on a couple of them because I didn't jump quick enough. However, when I started seeing some of the new options of the newer tourings and the touring XT, I kind of was sucked in to having all the latest and greatest like my ventilated seats. I can't live without them. Lol

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

I just went from a 2013 to a 2024 and I find the Eyesight is better than I expected, especially if someone in front of you jams on their brakes. In the new car, the auto stop/start is the most annoying "feature"

[@m3rdpwr]

@@GetOffMyyLawn Yes, with the Outback they introduced the new system in 2023. I believe. That's what I got, a 2023 used about 2 months ago.

[@lauriegeschrey7450]

Get the turbo! The smaller engine is weak

[@DtotheS2595]

If you want to be scared every time you go on an on ramp get the NA engine! 😂😂😂

[@Jay-bw3fl]

I averaged 20mpg in my 21 outback xt over 13k miles. Horrible mpg for what it is but I did enjoy the turbo a lot. Considering the non turbo model now so this is great insight.

[@Gruntsworth]

The mpg improves as the car breaks in. My 21 XT Touring has about 18k miles. When I got it, the best I could get from it was about 24 mpg using hypermiling techniques. After 8k miles, it went from an average of 24 to 28 pretty much overnight. Then at 12k miles it went from 28 to 30+. I originally thought something was wrong with it, but I did some reading and people said it improves with time. That turned out to be accurate, and I also learned some of its quirks to get better mileage out of it. I now get 27-29 in the winter, and 31-33 in the summer. That is about 50/50 city/country driving and those are mostly short drives of 13-30 miles roundtrip. I occasionally drive to a local dairy roughly 25 miles from here to get fresh ice cream, and I pretty consistently get about 36 mpg on the route. It's about 1/3 60 mph, 1/3 25-35 mph town with a few lights, and 1/3 55 mph road. It's very thirsty before it reaches operating temp, and you need to baby it the first few minutes especially when it's cold. I also use accessory mode when I can rather than leave it idling since it gulps fuel. I'd like to take a long trip with it just to see what I could squeeze out of it. It can do well, but you need to learn some of its quirks.

[@Jay-bw3fl]

@@Gruntsworth cars are broken in long before 13k miles. Glad you’re having a better experience but I don’t enjoy being ocd about my driving to achieve decent fuel economy. There’s no reason to own a turbo model if you never spool it up imo. Why pay extra for the power if you won’t use it? I got rid of the car but I did enjoy it.

[@Gruntsworth]

@@Jay-bw3fl I drive it more aggressively sometimes, and I do like the low end torque. When I drove the 2.5 model, I felt like I was punishing it. My point was that it is capable of getting some pretty decent mileage if you're willing to work with it a bit. I know cars are mechanically broken in after only a couple thousand miles or so, but this seems to be some kind of programmed ECU break in. That is why I saw overnight increases at exactly 8k and 12k. Guessing they run rich to keep cylinder temps down in the early life of the engine. May do it for reliability reasons.

[@Jay-bw3fl]

@@Gruntsworth oh I see. I did notice that I was always having a lot of oil dilution as well. Oil always smelled like straight up gas. And you’re probably right I would probably feel like I were punishing the 2.5 if I got one as well lol. I probably oughta skip it

[@daiginjou2u]

This is a total fail. Cubby holes and storage space, really? Waste of time.

[@tomfilipiak3511]

They are great cars,2.5,non turbo,if you want to race,join NASCAR!

[@kao9379]

It’s not about racing, it’s about living at altitude. The difference is too much to ignore

[@Wrang15]

Lol the 2.4 is slow aganst a sports car.

[@Freddie-gv1yg]

@tomfilipiak3511, I have a 2019 Limited 2.5. I am not a fast driver but my car has plenty of power. My sister drove it one day and she said boy, is your car peppy. She has a 2018 CRV and I think it is Turbo. I only have 25,000 miles but I want a new 2024 and I was planning on getting the Turbo. Maybe I don't even need a Turbo. The radio is not all that great. The CD sounds better. I was watching a video on the Outback XT and the guy said the stereo system is much better in the XT model than all the other models. He basically said the stereo in all models su*k except the XT model.

[@Nihil0s]

Ok, grandma.

[@Freddie-gv1yg]

@@Nihil0s Well smartass, I bought a new 2024 outback XT Turbo and the car rocks. It cost me 45,000. I paid cash for it. Take care Grandpa!

[@ghlee2300]

😂

[@theluxuryshavinghobbyist]

Good job again. Thanks much, Glenn

[@xopenex]

"gutless all the time" 🤣 I have the 2.5 non turbo. I would rather get something else than turbo outback if I really wanted a fast wagon, like you said, at this point in life, I am not trying to race anyone.