Subaru Outback Touring AWD SUV 2023 Review

Is the latest Subaru Outback any good

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.     2023 Subaru Outback Touring front quarter 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

2023 Subaru Outback Touring front

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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.

2023 Subaru Outback Touring drivers instruments

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 RoadŠKODA  Superb Scout, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar E-PACE, Nissan X-TrailKia SorentoHyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-8

2023 Subaru Outback Touring profile

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

2023 Subaru Outback Touring reverse camera

Some Other Subaru Outback Articles

2023 Subaru Outback Touring engine

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)

2023 Subaru Outback Touring front interior

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.

2023 Subaru Outback Touring boot area

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

2023 Subaru Outback Touring rear quarter

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About Rob Fraser 2510 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.