2025 Subaru Outback

Overview
The Subaru Outback has been a staple of adventure-ready utility since its debut in 1995, straddling the line between crossover and station wagon with its high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. For 2025, the Outback sees modest updates, primarily to the Limited trim, which now includes a heated steering wheel, GPS navigation, and a moonroof. Seating five passengers, the Outback is offered exclusively as a two-row crossover with a liftback body style. It competes with midsize two-row crossovers such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Venza. 

The 2025 Outback lineup includes Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, and their XT turbocharged variants, plus the off-road-focused Wilderness. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while XT and Wilderness trims upgrade to a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. All models use a CVT and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive. Towing capacity tops out at 2,700 lbs with the turbo engine. There are no hybrid or electric variants for 2025.

Pricing ranges from $29,995 for the Base to $44,730 for the Touring XT. Standard features include LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and Subaru's EyeSight safety suite with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Higher trims add leather upholstery, ventilated seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a large 11.6-inch touchscreen. The Wilderness trim stands out with increased ground clearance, skid plates, and all-terrain tires for serious trail use.

Engine Performance
The base 2.5L engine offers adequate acceleration for daily driving but feels sluggish under load. The turbocharged 2.4L engine significantly improves passing power and highway merging, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds versus 8.7 seconds for the base engine. The CVT mimics gear shifts well but can drone under hard acceleration. Overall, the turbo XT models deliver a more confident and responsive driving experience. 

Fuel Economy
The Outback uses regular unleaded fuel and has an 18.5-gallon tank. EPA ratings are 26/32 mpg city/highway for the 2.5L engine and 22/29 mpg for the turbocharged 2.4L, with the Wilderness trim slightly lower at 21/26 mpg. This translates to a highway range of up to 592 miles. Real-world estimates suggest the base engine achieves around 28 mpg combined, while turbo models average closer to 24 mpg.

 AWD & Off-Road Features
Subaru's symmetrical AWD system is standard across all trims, offering excellent traction in snow and rain. X-Mode enhances grip on slippery surfaces, and the Wilderness trim adds a dual-function X-Mode for deep snow and mud, plus a total of 9.5 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, making it one of the most off-road-capable crossovers in its class.

Ride Quality
Ride comfort is a strong suit, with a soft suspension that absorbs bumps well. The standard Outback glides over rough pavement, while the Wilderness trim's off-road suspension is firmer but still compliant. Touring XT models add a touch more refinement with quieter cabin insulation and smoother damping.

Handling
Handling is composed but far from sporty. Steering is light and rubbery, offering minimal feedback. Body roll is noticeable in corners, especially in taller trims like Wilderness. Braking is confident, with a firm pedal feel and good modulation, though not performance-oriented.

Interior Noise
Cabin noise is well-controlled, especially in upper trims with acoustic glass. Wind and road noise are minimal at highway speeds. Compared to rivals like the Blazer and Passport, the Outback is quieter, though the CVT can introduce engine drone under load. Like many other vehicles, the Outback features engine start/stop that turns off the engine at stoplight to save fuel. However, for whatever reason, the Outback's engines shudder noticeably when restarting.

Interior Design
The cabin blends rugged utility with upscale touches. Materials include soft-touch plastics, water-resistant upholstery in lower trims, and Nappa leather in Touring XT. The vertical touchscreen dominates the dash, flanked by physical controls for climate and volume. Storage is ample, and build quality is solid. What Outback lacks in flair, it makes up for with rugged design. 

Tech & Safety
Subaru's EyeSight suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and driver distraction monitoring. The infotainment system features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation. Touring trims add Harman Kardon audio, ventilated seats, and heated rear seats. While there are some traditional buttons for the climate control, others are accessed via the touchscreen and that's a bit confusing.

Seating & Comfort
All Outbacks seat five, with generous legroom in both rows. Front seats are supportive, and rear seats recline slightly for comfort. Entry and exit are easy thanks to wide door openings and moderate ride height. Outward visibility is excellent.

Cargo & Storage
Cargo space is 32.6 cu.ft. behind the second row and 75.6 cu.ft. with seats folded. The load floor is flat, and the power liftgate is available on higher trims. Interior storage includes a deep center console, door bins, and multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, plus two 12V outlets.

Bottom Line
The 2025 Subaru Outback excels in all-weather capability, interior space, and value. Its standard AWD, off-road-ready Wilderness trim, and comfortable ride make it a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Weak points include a sluggish base engine and a dated infotainment interface. Compared to rivals, the Outback offers more ruggedness and better fuel economy but less style and tech flash.

For most buyers, the Premium trim strikes the best balance of price and features, offering heated seats, upgraded infotainment, and safety tech without the cost of XT or Touring models. It should be noted that Subaru has an all-new Outback waiting in the wings for the 2026 model year.