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

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.

When will it get electric?

Paying top dollar for more & more black plastic

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

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

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

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

CVT 👎 should have used a DCT transmission

Please Subaru, please give us wilderness version

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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

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 😔

I wouldn't call it an SUV station wagon yes

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

One speed automatic CVT?

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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).

Overpriced

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.

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

What do you mean about the fuel octane requirements? All that I’ve read and researched has stated it runs on regular octane fuel???

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

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

Can you disable the driver “safety” features

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.