Subaru Outback XT AWD SUV 2023 Review

Subaru Outback XT – Subaru released the more powerful Outback XT earlier this year. We took the opportunity to have a longer drive in one.  The Outback XT is powered by the 2.4-litre horizontally opposed Turbo Boxer 4-cylinder petrol engine, that delivers a healthy 183kW of power at 5,200-6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2,000-4,800rpm.

These figures aren’t much different from the old V6 engine, but with greatly improved economy.

The revised suspension settings also make the XT more responsive to driver inputs, with better ride and handling. It also allows easier towing.

The XT Outback will tow up to 2400kgs with ease. We took a smaller Pod All Roada camper trailer. Hardly a heavyweight, but the Outback towed it with absolute ease.

The Pod All Roada is essentially a luggage storage trailer with the ability to add a roof top tent.

We have towed these Pods through forest trails, in the deep outback, the iconic outback tracks like Birdsville track, Strzelecki track, on the beach and Simpson desert.

The XT Outback is what the Outback should be. Its more powerful, more responsive, has more towing capability and rides and handles better than the standard Outback, which is good in its own right.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

You can find out everything you need to know about the Outback XT HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE SUBARU OUTBACK XT RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Other Subaru Outback articles

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• 2023 Subaru Outback Touring AWD SUV 2023 Review
• Subaru Outback XT Turbocharged performance version coming in 2023
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• Drive into Spring: Sydney to Port Stephens in Subaru Outback, Part One.
• 2019 Subaru Outback – Touring Central West NSW

Some quick thoughts about the Outback XT

• More power and torque is always a good thing
• Revised suspension means improved handling without compromising ride
• Its needed for greater towing performance.
• 2400kg is about best in class for towing.
• We towed a light weight Pod trailer, but we are lining up for a heavier camper trailer later in the year.
• The POD All Roada trailer we used was supplied by Camperact . They know what they are doing and have a number of brands they can supply to buyers. 
• The POD All Roada trailer we towed is a good base camper trailer that will go anywhere the car will go with ease. We have taken one through forest trails, on the beach, outback travels and many famous tracks like the Birdsville Track, Strzelecki Track, Cordillo Downs, Ooodnadata Track and more.

Also look at

The Outback crosses a few categories. full on AWD SUV, family wagon or city runabout.

Buyers could look to  Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-8, Skoda Kodiaq RS, Kia Sorento, 

As an alternative there is the Audi A4 All Road, Landrover Discovery Sport, Skoda Superb Scout AWD

Subaru Outback XT Final thoughts’

I am a fan of the Subaru Outback. The Outback XT is better.

In some ways the more powerful engine overcomes the shortfalls in the original Outback model. Its adequate but the XT is substantially better again.

You can buy a Subaru Outback XT and a decent all terrain camper trailer or hybrid van for about the same as a full 4WD in many instances.

For most people this will completely satisfy their adventurous spirit.

*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)

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

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