Subaru Outback Touring AWD SUV 2023 Review

Is the 2023 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

TO LISTEN TO THE OUTBACK TOURING RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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*
Engine2.5L 4 Cyl Boxer petrol  Euro 6
Drivetrain8 Sp Lineartronic CVT AWD
Power138kW @ 5,800rpm
Torque245Nm @ 3,400 – 4,600rpm
Safety Five Star ANCAP (Tested Mar 2021)
0-100kmh / Top SpeedTBA
CO2 Emissions168 g/km
Economy ADR7.3L/100km / 63L capacity
Economy on test8.4L/100k
Servicing12Mth / 12,500km Fixed price
Warranty5yr/ Unlimited km
Road side Assist5Yr. 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 Wheel9
Comfort9
Equipment9
Performance8
Ride and Handling9
Practicality10
Fit for Purpose10
4WD/Towing Capability*10  (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5 )
Technology/connectivity9
Value for Money10

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

2023 Subaru Outback Touring boot area

Dimensions

 
Overall Length4870mm
Wheelbase2745mm
Width1875mm
Height1675mm
Wheels18×7.0 Alloy
Tyres225/60 R18
Max ground clearanceUp to 213mm
Wading DepthTBA
ApproachTBA
RampoverTBA
Departure angleTBA
Turning Circle KTK11.0m
Boot Capacity Min522L
Boot capacity Max1711L
Kerb Weight1661kg
Payload (kg)830kg
GVM (kg)2200kg
GCM4200kg
Towing Capacity2000kg
Tow Ball rating200kg

2023 Subaru Outback Touring rear quarter

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