2025 Subaru Outback Review: Offering Impressive Value in a Raised Wagon Format

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      With the 2026 Subaru Outback already unveiled and our first-drive review on its way, I took a long weekend to spend in the 2025 model to remind myself of its features. I made the most of it, transporting my family between Denver and Aspen, Colorado, and even faced some challenging weather to test the drivetrain's capabilities.

      As shown in the photos, we woke up to sleet which escalated into a full blizzard, creating a picturesque winter scene to navigate. Indeed, I braved the cold and wet conditions to capture these images.

      Joel Feder

      The Essentials

      The current Outback showcases flowing bodywork that resembles a classic wagon but with added cladding and increased ground clearance, featuring a greenhouse that approaches an oval shape. Its design is straightforward and uncontroversial, allowing it to blend in. The upcoming model, however, will completely shift away from this styling, potentially dividing consumer opinions.

      Joel Feder

      Despite being older, the current Outback feels quite contemporary. The large 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing four USB ports and heated front and rear seats in the fully equipped Touring XT model I tested. Furthermore, it includes an infrared camera system that monitors my eyes to ensure I’m attentive rather than distracted by texting while driving. Although I appreciate the analog gauge cluster in the Outback, the competition has transitioned towards digital displays, indicating that this model is showing its age.

      The 2026 Outback will replace the analog setup with a digital cluster akin to that in the latest WRX. The existing model simplifies access to essential functions with physical buttons and knobs for climate control and infotainment. While these won't change in the upcoming Outback, the current screen and layout appear more cohesive. Interestingly, this version still has a CD player, and the touchscreen experience can lag, particularly with Apple CarPlay.

      Joel Feder

      Driving the 2025 Subaru Outback

      The tested Touring XT model is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, with power distributed to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). There is currently no hybrid option available, although we anticipate its addition to future Outback models.

      The turbocharged flat-four performs adequately, providing sufficient power for overtaking and ascending hills. However, pairing a turbocharged engine with a CVT poses challenges; their variability can make for a less seamless driving experience. The Outback exhibits a noticeable surge when the turbo activates, making it tricky to drive smoothly from the start. My wife and daughter, both prone to motion sickness, observed the moment the surge occurred, noting the CVT's attempt to mimic traditional gear shifts, which felt unconvincing. Nonetheless, this pairing is a bit better than that of the Outback Wilderness, which enhances the initial drive ratio for more responsiveness.

      Joel Feder

      The front seats offer ample comfort and support for road trips, a blessing especially after driving for four hours with a herniated lower disc. The rear seating received no complaints from my kids, known for their constant grievances.

      One oddity I noticed from the driver's seat involves the infrared camera system that observes my eyes from the top of the center stack. At 5-foot-10, I continually noticed a red light in my peripheral vision, which was mildly annoying and distracting. This issue has arisen in other Outbacks I've experienced and may relate to my height and seating position; your experience might differ.

      Visibility is excellent in all directions, featuring tall windows without the cramped cabins and small windows found in many modern cars. The kids enjoyed watching the mountains through the large rear windows.

      Joel Feder

      Final Thoughts

      The current Outback clearly resembles the elevated wagon it is. Starting at $31,415, including a $1,420 destination charge, it offers considerable value, especially for families. Even the fully loaded Touring XT model is priced at just $44,356. With the average price of new cars exceeding $50,000 and manufacturers boosting profits through high destination fees, the Outback continues to be a strong value.

      Whether the upcoming Outback will be excessively overloaded or perfectly balanced remains to be seen. We'll find out soon enough. However, I contend that opting for the current model (potentially at a discount) is a wise decision. It will provide comfort, safety, satisfaction, and great value.

      Subaru extended a four-day loan of this vehicle to The Drive for the purpose of this review.

      2025 Subaru Outback Specs

      Base Price (Touring XT): $31,415 ($44,356)

      Powertrain: 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four | continuously variable transmission | all-wheel drive

      Horsepower: 260 @ 5,600 rpm

      Torque: 277 lb-ft