Subaru Outback Touring AWD SUV 2023 Review

Subaru Outback Touring – Subaru Outback has been around now for more than 20 years and the current 6^th 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 Touring 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?

Value for money
Class leading AWD and Towing
Comfort and luxury

What is not so good?

Wired smartphone connectivity
Woud love mor power and torque
Sat Nav through Smart Phone only

Some Other Subaru Outback Articles

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

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Our Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia

Subaru Outback Touring AWD SUV 2023 Review

TO LISTEN TO THE OUTBACK TOURING RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Subaru Outback Touring Motoring Minute Video