My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback wagon changed Subaru for good in the USA – and few other places around the world. It was their immediate response to the proliferation of the SUV.
There has been a lot of love for the Subaru Outback for the past 30 years.
It began as a package for the Legacy wagon. They added bodyside cladding, a more robust front and rear bumper, and a lift to the suspension. The result was successful. Rather, impactful.
The Outback wagon changed Subaru for good in the USA – and few other places around the world. It was their immediate response to the proliferation of the SUV. People lapped them up by the tens of thousands since.
Keep in mind, it began as the wagon version of the Legacy. Yet, there are debates on what to classify this vehicle. Yes, wagons are still around. There are only a few remaining on sale. It could be a crossover, but that definition is wide and sometimes confusing. Is it an SUV? Some people have classified the Outback as such.

One thing is certain: This is the final year of the Legacy. After the 2025 model year, the Outback will remain from this lineage. That might even change in the near future.
We should concentrate on the now. In 2024, the Subaru Outback accounted for 25% of all Subaru sales in the USA. Yet, it placed third behind the sales-leading Crosstrek and the new Forester. If you combine all three models in terms of sales in 2024 – that’s a total of 78% of all sales volume.
Considering all of the data and class definition, the Subaru Outback remains a very relevant model with an extremely loyal ownership base.
It’s been a while since I worked with an Outback. I suppose it is time to do some catching up.

To do so, I received a 2025 Outback in the Touring XT trim. This top-of-the-line model combines everything Subaru has put into their lineup – in particular, one of their popular models. At the same time, it also spoils you.
Let’s dig in!
The essence of a Subaru is its driveline formula. The horizontally opposed BOXER engine enables a lower center of gravity underneath the body. The added bonus of the Symmetrical all-wheel drive enables the driveline to balance out weight and power transfer. Today, this driveline format is considered unique for internal combustion engines.
It also comes into play when you take the Outback onto the road for daily use. Keeping the driveline low certainly helps in maintaining balance. The counterbalance to this is a higher ground clearance at 8.7 inches off the surface. One could argue that it takes away from the ideal of the flat driveline. I’ll explore the driving dynamics later.

About that BOXER engine. In this tester and three other trim levels, you have a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with 277 pound-feet of torque. I’ve driven my share of the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter naturally aspirated BOXER engines, which makes this turbocharged engine a treat to run.
The turbo engine is connected to the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. From there, power is sent to its Symmetrical all-wheel drive system. It was just a wonderful combination. The power delivery was smooth. Highway cruising was no problem. X-MODE can flipped on for better traction when the roads are less than ideal.
It is worth noting that the Environmental Protection Agency rated the Outback with the turbocharged engine 22 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highway. Because of the colder temperatures, I was able to muster up to 20.8 MPG. That’s what I get for testing vehicles in Minnesota during the winter.

The advantage of winter vehicle testing is the occasion to experience a warm cabin. Subaru made sure to provide heated Nappa leather seats and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel in its Touring XT trim. While keeping warm, the front seats offered solid bolstering and provided a comfortable place up front. Rear seat room is also quite good.
Subaru also kept things simple for the driver. The instrument cluster comprised of two large analog dials and a digital information center in-between them. Plus, access to tactile controls on the steering wheel and throughout the cabin. One interior feature I love is the “short throw” shifter. No complaints there.
Another useful feature in the Outback is the11.6-inch STARLINK infotainment screen. It is where you will find smartphone integration, climate controls, and most of the vehicle’s settings. Overall, the screen is responsive and quick. A 12-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system keeps the sound flowing throughout the cabin.

Being a wagon, there is an expectation of good cargo space. That starts with 35.7 cubic feet of cargo space when you open the liftgate. Once the rear seatbacks are folded down, that space increases to 75.6 cubic feet.
There are plenty of expectations that were met when it came to the Outback’s driving experience. For starters, the ride quality was very smooth, helped by the 8.7-inch ground clearance. Handling is good and responsive, and cornering is very smooth.
The steering system starts with a thick-rimmed wheel for the driver to work with. The turning radius is very good, although it tends to feel light on-center. There is a button on the steering wheel that helps hold the wheel within the lane, when the Adaptive Cruise Control is on. The brakes offer a solid pedal feel. The Outback stopped very well in normal and panic situations.

Can we address the fact that the Subaru Outback is a wagon? It looks the part, indeed! I will admit loving the front end design that came out for 2023 with the enlarged grille and bold bumper and headlamp design. It gave the Outback some muscle visually.
Our tester wore a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. It is one if the few subtle touches that point to the Touring XT’s top-of-the-line status.
The Touring XT is one of ten trim levels available for the 2025 Subaru Outback. Pricing for this model starts at $29,010. Our Touring XT tester came with a sticker price of $44,358.
The 2025 Outback is one of the cornerstones of the Subaru lineup. It defined what Subaru is all about since its inception 30 years ago. It continues to do so by sticking to its core tenets of attracting customers with active lifestyles who do not want an SUV.

Is the formula still relevant? Yes. Is the Subaru Outback still relevant? Absolutely. Should you get one? If you want the versatility of a wagon, the ground clearance of an SUV, and the want to do lots of activities wherever you want to take it, then it is still your choice.
Same as 30 years ago. The same today.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Subaru of America, Inc.
All photos by Randy Stern
Sadly this might be the last of the true outback platform. In comes a boxy body that may be just as refined but not as pleasing.
I have a 2025 Outback in the Onyx trim. Significantly quieter and more comfortable than the RAV4 I traded. I have had 2 RAVs and 2 CRVs. IMO, Subaru is a much more refined vehicle. BTW, at 6.1 and 280, I’m loving the seats and headroom!
I have a 2014 outback. Works great. However, the sub 30 mpg in the 2025 model is irresponsible so i will not get a new one. Looking for something greener.
I have a 2024 Outback Wilderness and I do enjoy the vehicle. Eye Site turns off too much for my liking especially driving into the sunset. The infotainment is sluggish but simple. Overall I'm glad I got mine before 2026. Looks to be very boxy, not my style.
I was going to wait for the 2026 Outback to trade in my 2021 Outback Touring XT but upon further review decided to jump on the 2025 Touring XT and love it, especially the ride.
My Outback is a 2015 Limited edition with only 54000 miles on it. I am still loving it!
Some website priced it at 21000 to trade 2 years ago but no thank you!
Never had major issues other than normal maintenance. Most reliable car I ever had aside from my 2005 Nissan Altima SL.
I am keeping this one until it stops running!