Subaru Outback XT Touring: A Comprehensive Review

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Subaru Outback XT Touring, a vehicle that's been making waves in the automotive world. If you're in the market for a versatile, reliable, and comfortable ride, then you've probably heard of the Outback. But the XT Touring trim? That's where things get really interesting. So, buckle up, and let's explore everything this car has to offer!

Overview of the Subaru Outback XT Touring

The Subaru Outback XT Touring is the top-of-the-line trim in the Outback lineup, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. It builds upon the already impressive features of the standard Outback with enhanced amenities, a more powerful engine, and a refined interior. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a bit more oomph and sophistication in their daily drive or weekend adventures.

What Makes the XT Touring Stand Out?

First and foremost, the engine is a major highlight. The XT models come with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, which is a significant upgrade from the base engine. This turbocharger delivers a substantial increase in horsepower and torque, making the Outback XT Touring feel more responsive and capable in various driving conditions. Whether you're merging onto the highway or tackling a steep incline, the extra power is definitely noticeable and appreciated.

Moving to the interior, the XT Touring boasts premium materials and finishes. You'll find features like Nappa leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury and comfort to the seats. The cabin is also equipped with advanced technology, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, and a suite of driver-assistance features. All these elements combine to create a comfortable and connected driving experience.

In terms of practicality, the Outback retains its renowned versatility. It offers ample cargo space, making it perfect for hauling gear, groceries, or luggage. The raised ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive provide confidence in various weather conditions and on unpaved roads, making it a true all-rounder.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the Subaru Outback XT Touring truly shines. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This power is delivered smoothly and efficiently through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has been tuned to maximize both performance and fuel economy. The CVT mimics traditional automatic gear changes, providing a more natural driving feel than some other CVTs on the market.

On the Road

Driving the Outback XT Touring is a pleasure. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of power for confident acceleration and passing maneuvers. Whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, the Outback feels responsive and composed. The steering is well-weighted and precise, providing good feedback and control.

Off-Road Capability

One of the Outback's defining features is its off-road capability. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, the Outback XT Touring can handle a variety of terrains. The X-Mode system further enhances off-road performance by optimizing the engine, transmission, and braking system for maximum traction on slippery surfaces. While it's not a hardcore off-roader, the Outback can confidently tackle dirt roads, gravel paths, and snowy conditions.

Fuel Economy

Despite its increased power, the Outback XT Touring still delivers respectable fuel economy. The EPA estimates are around 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Of course, real-world fuel economy will vary depending on driving conditions and habits. However, the Outback XT Touring strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the Subaru Outback XT Touring, you'll immediately notice the upscale interior. The Nappa leather upholstery is soft and supple, providing a luxurious feel to the seats. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustability to accommodate drivers of all sizes. Heated and ventilated front seats are also standard, adding to the comfort in any weather.

Technology and Features

The Outback XT Touring is packed with technology features. The centerpiece of the dashboard is the 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system integrates audio, climate, and vehicle settings into a single interface. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone. The infotainment system can sometimes be a bit slow to respond, but it's generally intuitive to use.

Other notable tech features include a premium Harman Kardon audio system, which delivers crisp and clear sound throughout the cabin. A built-in navigation system is also included, providing turn-by-turn directions. The Outback XT Touring also comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Space and Practicality

The Outback excels in terms of space and practicality. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for adult passengers. The rear seats also recline, allowing passengers to relax on long trips. The cargo area is spacious, with 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to 75.7 cubic feet, providing ample room for hauling larger items.

Design and Exterior

The Subaru Outback XT Touring sports a rugged yet refined exterior design. The raised ride height and protective body cladding give it a capable and adventurous look. The Touring trim adds unique touches, such as chrome accents and distinctive alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. LED headlights and fog lights provide excellent visibility, while the power moonroof adds an open and airy feel to the cabin.

Key Exterior Features

  • LED Headlights and Fog Lights: Provide excellent illumination and a modern look.
  • Power Moonroof: Adds an open and airy feel to the cabin.
  • Chrome Accents: Enhance the vehicle's premium appearance.
  • Alloy Wheels: Unique wheel design that complements the Outback's styling.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the Outback XT Touring is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The EyeSight driver-assistance system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road.

Additional Safety Technologies

  • Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns you of approaching vehicles when backing up.
  • Reverse Automatic Braking: Can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision when reversing.
  • DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System: Monitors the driver's attention level and provides alerts if it detects drowsiness or distraction.

The Outback has consistently earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), providing peace of mind for you and your family.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the Subaru Outback XT Touring.

Pros

  • Powerful Turbocharged Engine: Provides strong acceleration and confident performance.
  • Luxurious Interior: Nappa leather upholstery and premium materials create a comfortable and upscale cabin.
  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions.
  • Advanced Safety Features: EyeSight system and other safety technologies enhance safety.
  • Spacious and Practical: Ample cargo space and comfortable seating for passengers.

Cons

  • Infotainment System: The touchscreen can be slow to respond at times.
  • CVT Transmission: Some drivers may prefer a traditional automatic transmission.
  • Price: The XT Touring trim is the most expensive in the Outback lineup.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Subaru Outback XT Touring? Overall, it's an excellent choice for those who want a versatile, capable, and comfortable vehicle. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of power, while the luxurious interior and advanced features make it a pleasure to drive. The standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance give it the capability to handle various road conditions and light off-roading. While the infotainment system could be improved, and the price is higher than other trims, the Outback XT Touring offers a compelling package that's hard to beat.

If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between, the Subaru Outback XT Touring is definitely worth considering. It's a well-rounded and capable SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. Happy driving, everyone!