Subaru Outback 2023 review: Turbo brings big power boost to updated VW Passat Alltrack wagon rival
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- Subaru has updated the new Outback with what could well be the most vital change to come to the mid-sized SUV in this generation - a new turbo-petrol engine which increases the towing capacity and offers much better acceleration.
In this review CarsGuide senior journalist Richard Berry tests the turbo-petrol XT Outback at its Australian launch along with the rest of the updated range.
At the end of this video you'll know what all variants of the Outback are like to drive, how much they cost and if they're good value for money.
Also covered in detail is the Outback's fuel economy, engine specs, safety features, practicality and boot size, plus the ownership costs from the servicing prices to the warranty.
How much more can the new turbo-petrol Outback tow? What's rear legroom like? Does it have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? It's all here.
Finally, Richard will tell you a secret about the Outback that even many owners don't know - how to activate a pin code to access your Outback without needing the key.
That's right, Subaru has fitted the Outback with an Easter egg which will allow you to leave the key behind so that you can go for a swim or run and come back to the car and unlock it without the key, using a special code.
#subaru #outback #review
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00:00 Intro
01:00 Under the bonnet
02:38 Driving
06:01 Pricing and features
07:47 Design
08:17 Efficiency
08:56 Practicality
09:34 Safety
09:59 Ownership
10:54 Verdict
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Read Richard's full review: carsgui.de/3EpWdX1
Check out our Subaru Outback hub: carsgui.de/2BhOzy3
Find more wagons: carsgui.de/3rHv8HY
Find more expert reviews: carsgui.de/2IQbbLx
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#2023Subaru #2023SubaruOutback #2023SubaruReview #2023SubaruOutbackReview #Subaru #SubaruReview #Outback #OutbackReview #SubaruOutbackReview #Wagon #StationWagon #WagonReview #StationWagonReview #CarReview #CarsGuide #CarsGuideReview #Towing #OffRoad #Car #Review #FamilyCar #Family #FamilyCars #FamilyCarReview - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![แฟนแนวใด๋ - ยูริ โตเกียวมิวสิค [ SyncVersion ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Fm8oDwos2uc/mqdefault.jpg)
All you people dissing the CVT need to watch Engineering Explained on YT, he objectively analizes at the Subaru CVT transmission...its quite interesting.
The best value wagon in Australia. So versatile and comfortable across many terrains. Considering most Australians drive 90% of our time on tar the Outback still manage masters luxury offroad when needed.
As for the turbo its glorious and provides the power you need to keep you going and get you out if trouble on roads at times.
The main negative everyone always brings up is fuel consumption compared to other brands however when filling the tank its such a minor difference. The extra cost is worth it.
Still made in Japan and still remains a high quality build.
Thanks Richard and love your theatrical comic presence - I now own a Hilux and still have a 2006 Forester in the driveway as my general runaround - I’ve owned several Foresters normally aspirated and XT Turbos, Outback, Leone wagon, ‘98 WRX hatch and ‘90 Liberty - my ‘09 Forster XT Turbo had poor turbo lag like the Mitsubishi Triton ute - they’ve all been safe, reliable and well built but have limitations for real off-road touring hence my Hilux for Australian outback treks - the introduction of the awful ‘rubber bands and glue’ CVT was a deal breaker for me - my ideal Subaru would be a turbo Forester with conventional automatic transmission, 2” factory lift, no bling chrome and plenty of protection cladding - I can accept the fuel consumption and fire engine red duco would look great 👀 - I’m pleased to see a strong Subaru/Toyota alliance now which may deliver a better designed Forester hybrid than the last one.
I just wish Richard does more car reviews. Very entertaining always.
About bloody time! 🎉🎉
Richard Berry, you handsome man. I did go get to see Rat Fink today - sleeves up! It’s warm world out there
Dude great review I have had one of these on order since December...
I didn't know that about the PIN code.. that's cool!
I’ve ordered an XT. I’ll be honest fuel is not a factor for me. $400 extra fuel over 10,000kms is chicken feed given the low purchase price
Great review, I love your humour, I know its subjective but in your option is the XT Touring worth the extra $$$ over the XT Sport..
Will we get any footage of the off-road course you mentioned?
Best cars review person for sure
This is exactly what I was waiting for. Always thought the outbacks were a great car but just didn't have the grunt they needed. Well now they do and I just placed my order for a Touring XT. Now to wait for June delivery haha
I test drove today. You will be happy. This things is effortlessly quick and a lovely ride. I ordered in October so it’s due next month. People faff over 0-100 but believe me it really moves.
@@billdickson1142 I paid $59.5 for a sport with racks, rubber mats, tow bar, rear mat.
It’s effectively a touring wagon with GTI power levels.
@@billdickson1142 I paid 61k for the touring XT with tow ball and explorer pack which includes rear garnish to protect rear bumper, rear boot mat, floor mats and wind deflectors.
I have test driven both the 2.5 and 2.4t about a month ago back to back and for me it was a night and day difference. Once the revs hit the sweet spot it actually kinda pushes you into the seat. Plus I reckon the turbo handles marginally better being slightly stiffer which suits me perfect. I am waiting on a autumn green with the ivory interior. Would have chosen tan interior but they don't offer it in the XT models.
@@aaronwilson3046hope you like your new car, it sounds like it will be awesome.
I love my old Forester 12 years old and a reliable workhorse. I have been waiting for the outback to lose the almost useless plastic roof rails. Now this turbo has the usable rails I thought haha! But the fuel economy will I think be the killer as I have two kayaks to get around. Oh well you can't please us all Subaru, I'll have to stick to the old girl.
I believe the Outback actually had a flat six, not a V six as stated.
Correct!
My thoughts too...H-6
We used to be Surbaru people, from 2008 to 2018. Had exclusively, ca 100 Forries and Outback (Diesel) in our association. If maintained properly, no short-distances, proper maintenance, they were quite good. Switzerland is the Subaru country, and in the mountain regions, Subaru used to be #1.
Also the Forester never was a Landcruiser or a Discovery, and they were half the price of a comparable Volvo 70 XC D5. After Sub dropped the Diesels, for whom they never had a like, we dropped them Fuel economy was good.
But the lack of a diff and a transfercase made the Forester D even with their Lineartronic unfit for really steep tracks with gravel, to get e.g up to the Alp Zirbel, at 2300 m height !
What do we drive now, besides Discos 4 and 5 ? Volvo V90 CC D5, with air-suspension. Cheap ? No....our Subaru time is over,...had one when I was a post-doc in physics at UCLA....in the mid 80's, a petrol of course...pretty small, compare with all those F-150 and RAMs'....
One should like an Edison cylinder player in the Touring, should one not?
Now will Subaru Australia bring back the Forester XT?
Heard they are...maybe they are waiting to see how this Outback XT sells
I recall an article on CarsGuide saying they're reportedly looking into it. Considering how hard they're pushing the marketing for the Outback XT, i can totally see the Foz XT happening if this does well.
As Forester GT
I want to know where the missing kw are. WRX has the same engine but has 202kW @ 5600 rpm & 350nM 2000-5200 rpm while the XT Outback has 183 kW & 350 Nm @ 2000-4800. Both require 95 RON. The USA version has the same power as the WRX. Any thoughts?
Correction, the US models don't have the same power as the WRX, but disappointingly it does have considerable more power and torque than what we are getting. I ordered a XT Touring in October and communications from Subaru have been terrible, delivery has supposedly been pushed out to June. If the reviews reveal our concerns that performance like 0 to 100 is now 7.5 seconds, I'm going to cancel my order as that is pathetic. I don't expect any realistic reviews from most of these reviewers either, as they are in the manufacturers pockets.
It this car replaces the 3.6R not the WRX. If people want WRX performance you have ordered the wrong car. I have purchased one to replace 3.6R.
Unlike most other markets, we have the WRX sportswagon (aka Levorg) here - essentially the same engine so they have de-tuned the Outback XT to provide adequate separation between the models - they really don't want new WRX sportswagon owners thinking that they've just bought a performance car to suddenly have something that is no more powerful than an Outback. Similar separation existed in most years of the Forester XT.
@@tadstertrolley7770 I can’t understand why everyone is so concerned with 0-100 times. These wagons are mild off-road tourers, in the real world mid range power and 60-100 are way more important. If you’re buying one for traffic light drag racing you don’t understand what this vehicle is designed and engineered for.
@@gregcoops2626 0-100 sort of gives you an idea what the 80-120 will be
You look like Young Nicolas Cage
Hi Richard looking at buying a new car with in the next month subaru touring xt v new Mazda cx 60 any info much appreciated Mark
I currently own a 2021 Subaru Outback Sport and was seriously considering the new Turbo. But after much consideration and research decided to get the new Ford Everest as an overall tow vehicle. I don’t have faith in the CVT nor do I have confidence in the suspension package they offer on the Outback. While it does tow my current 15ft van weighting in 1459kg. The Outback struggles and the CVT labours. I honestly don’t see the Turbo improving as a tow vehicle and if it does the fuel economy would be excessive. While it has been a great weekender and city car I would not think it is cut out as tow vehicle.
Stating the obvious...of course you would not use this as a proper tow vehicle (sporadic light towing is more its thing)...but as someone who owns a Forester XT its night and day difference when a CVT is mated to a turbocharged engine as opposed to a NA engine. And the suspension is fantastic on the new Outback? Not sure of your towball down weight but maybe some airbags on rear required...but yeah, if towing a 15ft van around quite regularly, then an Everest would be the better choice...obviously.
what is your issue with the suspension package?
The coil springs are way to soft. I have contacted many suspension shop here in Adelaide no one supply or manufacture rated spring package for the 6 Gen outback. I can get plenty of places that do a 2" lift kit but they are absolutely only for clearance and not towing. I am still concerned with the CVT. When travelling through Adelaide Hills towing the the gearbox temperature is very excessive. I spoke to the service technician and they also believed that while it's within spec its extreme and long-term could cause problems. Cheers
@@billdickson1142 are you thinking of the Wilderness models?
Great review (initial)
We need wilderness version…
Would have welcomed a feature of using the paddle shifters and how that affects performance and "driveability".
@@shaun1900 they spent a whole day behind the wheel. Acceleration is obviously very disappointing if these 'reviewers" pseudo Subaru marketing guys did extrapolate on it. One reviewer has said the vehicle feels like a 8.5s vehicle.
@@tadstertrolley7770 it’s got some serious power. Not sure why 350nm and 183kw is underwhelming. That’s more than a 1992 Porsche 911 put out and yet this has torque from 2000rpm. This is a family wagon
Ahhh. Is there nothing more perfect than the pairing of my favourite CarsGuide editor and a Subaru?
Replace Outback with Forester and you’d have made my dreams come true lol
I know I'm not alone when I say I really like this car. I wonder what the fuel economy would be when towing and the family on board. It doesn't make sense.
If it doesn’t have those black plastic cladding I would pick over cx5turbo
At 7:42 did you say WIRELESS Android Auto and Apple Carplay? Holy Hole in a Donut, Batman. Is this really possible? With GPS navigation? I thought this was a technical impossibility.
You still need a lead to charge your phone. No charging pad.
what if you run out of petrol? what then ?
The last version outback had flat 6 engine not V6
I'm waiting for the day subaru bring back geared AT. Cvt's still not my favorite.
I'm surprised they had diesel before. I'd love to see a turbo charged diesel + geared AT on subaru in the near future
The next upsize would be a hybrid 2.4 turbo ... with electronuc centre locker
That's the sweet spot for most family outdoor adventures
As a current owner I am content with the vehicle as it is. I honestly don't think it is worth the extra 5 or 6 grand for essentially the same vehicle, especially when it will cost more for fuel and use more of that fuel. A bit like choosing to buy an EV which is 20000 dollars more than the same car with an ICE. Not justified.
And yet all the reviews say they would definitely get the XT as it's 'night and day'
I agree to a point. You aren’t going to buy an EV to save money, you will likely never recoup the price difference in fuel saving…. Or save the planet. It would be for the driving experience. I would imagine same for this. It’s whether you can justify the price jump for that jump in performance alone… just my thoughts 😊
I guess in Europe this is the first year you get the turbo on it
I hope they have sorted out all their previous reliability problems with their CVT gearboxes, boxer engines, windscreens cracking and infotainment systems failing. If Subaru has built these properly and actually made these reliable I definitely want one.
Have a 2016 XT since new, zero problems.
Have a 2015 Premium. CVT crapped itself and had to be rebuilt under warranty. $10k in cost that I didn’t have to pay for thankfully.
All car brands have issues. The majority of Subaru's never have an issue.
Interesting review, but unfortunately we still don't know the turbo's 0-100 kph stats. Anyone out there who's received their turbo in the first round of deliveries have a result that they'd like to share?
The "Drive" review of this vehicle said the XT is about 20% faster than the Naturally Aspirated version. Once would expect this to be in mid 7 seconds for 0-100. The N/A version apparently does the 0-100 in 9.4s.
@@schannie333 we’d expect it to do an effortless 7 second. That’s plenty quick for a lifted awd.
I believe there was one guy on TH-cam who quoted mid to high 6s to 100kmh for the turbo xt
@@aaronwilson3046 an American demonstrated 5.8s 0-60mph. However that’s not 100 and the US spec has a few more beans. A flat to perhaps mid 7s would be very likely on 98 RON in Oz spec. Note US outback will run on 91 Octane (87 US equivalent).
th-cam.com/video/fAi3QQrTLMk/w-d-xo.html
It's a boxer, not a V, Subaru are known for their boxer engines.
Also, Subaru make some of the best off-roading vehicles so saying it won't go places a land cruiser will is bollocks.
Why can't they make it with a proper transmission ??? Do not like CVT.
A proper transmission with the amount of gear that today an auto has (8) won't fit in the layout that Subaru uses (boxer + symmetrical AWD). The CVT has same size as the old 5 speed auto.
Why not hybrid
You win reviewer of the year
Subaru Outback XT (nee Liberty) has a turbo also known as Outback GT wagon needs a functional hood scoop seen on WRX and STi body kits.
220mm of ground clearance!
Service costs are insane.😭
Turbo is cheaper than the atmo
how much?
@@antonroux6737 about $500 a service on average, once a year or 15000km for the first 5 years $2500.
You’re perpetuating the CVT myth. (4:22) You may not like the sound they make, and neither do I, but they are more efficient than conventional auto transmissions, simply because they’re always in the exact gear ratio needed for the conditions. They give better fuel economy and better acceleration. Plus, they are smoother, and when mated with adaptive cruise control give a superior result. One more thing: the engine can be kept in its optimal rev range with CVT, so engine design can be optimised. An Atkinson cycle engine mated to CVTs is an example. In their hybrids, Toyota uses a planetary gearset to achieve continuously variable ratios, mated to an Atkinson cycle engine.
thanks for an useful info, but why is this car so thirsty then?
Had an Outback since 2015. It’s gutless and the extra oomfph should’ve been mandatory.
Switched off the video when CVT was mentioned
The turbo version uses to much fuel it’s just a commodore wagon from the early 2000s in performance economy just modernised
Nice car. Weird legged reporter.
this is about 3 years too late. But it's better late than never. The CVT gearbox is still a concern for me.
No concerns about the CVT
@@petron1954 There was when I towed with the 2.5L. I had the 2021 Outback sport and I wasn't met with any amount of confidence when towing a trailer of firewood.
@@petron1954 Depends how long you plan to keep the car. They typically have a much shorter lifespan than a traditional automatic transmission and there's plenty of online reports of failures of Subaru CVTs.
@@chawalitD This is the third car I have had with a CVT and never had any trouble with any of them. Even when towing a fully loaded trailer. Still have the first CVT and now has over 120000 kilometres.
@@petron1954 Im glad you are enjoying it. I have had an XV and Outback with CVT's and never really liked them
video number 2 and no power shots. next
Best presenter!!
No it didn't ever have a v6 engine. It had a flat 6 boxer engine. Tongue slip I know.
Why does it look better than the us version? Here it is crying plastic cladding
Sorry Suby, I stopped watching when he said 'CVT'. Sigh.
If you think CVT are bad try a DSG!
@@shaneandersen1316 Agreed. IMO torque converter auto can't be beaten.
no thanks - this car has already gone through a midcycle refresh in North America - and there is still no Outback Wilderness model - waste of time
The wilderness model would be nice to have here in Australia
That’s not “a new engine “
Entertaining. Not that informative. Pretty much reflects the standard of journalism these days.
V6 Petrol ... No. I'll stop watching now.
BIG NO to cvt
What is it with Australian car reviews videos needing to use the most annoying cringey presenters they can find ?
I'm trying to find a video review of the outback to show to my dad who is in his 60s, he would get 1 minute into this video and turn it off because of the way its presented like its aimed at 5 years olds.
One thing the turbo won't fix is how ugly this car, and the majority of Subaru's, continue to be. Inside and out.
Those efficiency stats are also ugly.
Hard pass.
Feel like you're talking to me as a child. Just give me the details, not the theatrics!!! 😮
The colored tattoos and bad acting is what did it for me.
Love my boy Richard and btw he is like this in real life, a fun family guy