The Subaru Outback has always held a unique position in the Australian market, bridging the gap between a traditional SUV and a rugged off-roader. With the launch of the Outback XT, Subaru ups the ante by reintroducing turbocharged power, elevating the driving experience while maintaining its hallmark practicality. For fleet managers and private buyers alike, particularly those considering novated leasing, the Outback XT offers an appealing package that blends power, comfort, and versatility.
First Impressions: A Familiar Yet Enhanced Presence
Stepping into the Outback XT is like returning to a familiar place but discovering all the little upgrades that make it better. From the outside, Subaru’s conservative yet elegant styling continues, with subtle tweaks that give the XT a more assertive stance. The rugged cladding, raised ground clearance, and roof rails still shout adventure, but it’s the turbocharged power lurking beneath the bonnet that makes this model stand out.
Inside, the Outback XT immediately impresses with its blend of comfort and practicality. Though Subaru’s interior design has often lagged behind some competitors in terms of sleekness, the XT makes a case for function over form. The generous use of physical buttons may feel dated to some, but for others, especially those who appreciate tactile feedback, it’s a welcome relief from overly complicated touchscreens.
Interior Comfort: Like Coming Home on a Cold Night
One of the standout features of the Outback XT is its exceptional comfort. Sliding into the driver’s seat feels akin to curling up in front of a fireplace with a glass of red after a chilly day on the slopes. The seats are plush yet supportive, offering heating for both front and rear passengers—an underrated luxury that will make winter road trips far more pleasant.
Rear-seat space is generous enough to comfortably seat three adults, though for longer trips, two adults and a child will be more comfortable. Families with teenagers will find the space more than adequate, while pet owners will love the expansive boot. The cargo area is cavernous, easily accommodating weekend camping gear, sports equipment, or luggage for a family getaway. It’s this versatility that makes the Outback XT shine as a fit-for-purpose vehicle, catering to a range of lifestyles from growing families to active adventurers.
Infotainment and Tech: Practical, If Not Groundbreaking
Subaru’s infotainment system has been a point of contention in past models, and while the XT makes strides forward, it doesn’t quite hit the high notes set by competitors. The vertically oriented touchscreen is large and functional, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—a big plus for seamless connectivity.
However, the layout still feels a bit cluttered, and the abundance of physical buttons surrounding the screen can be overwhelming at first glance. It’s a system that prioritises practicality over sleek design, which may appeal to drivers who prefer not to fiddle with touch controls while on the move.
One clever touch is the sunglasses holder in the roof—a small but thoughtful feature that highlights Subaru’s attention to day-to-day usability. There’s also ample storage in the centre console, door pockets, and even dedicated spaces for tissue boxes and smaller items.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Smooth Power Meets Rugged Capability
The return of the turbocharged 2.4-litre Boxer engine in the Outback XT is a welcome move, providing 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque. This extra grunt translates to smooth and confident acceleration, whether merging onto highways or tackling steep country roads.
What makes the XT particularly special is how effortless the power delivery feels. There’s no aggressive turbo lag or jerky transitions—the drive is smooth and refined, almost masking the fact that you’re piloting a turbocharged vehicle. The Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) complements this experience, offering seamless gear transitions without the dreaded drone often associated with CVTs.
The XT’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system remains one of Subaru’s strongest assets, providing confidence-inspiring traction in all conditions. Whether you’re navigating wet city streets or heading off the beaten track for a weekend adventure, the Outback XT handles it all with composure.
For those stepping out of more utilitarian vehicles—like a dual-cab ute—the Outback XT offers a refreshing change. The ride quality is leagues ahead, soaking up bumps and imperfections with ease. After a week in a rough-riding ute, climbing into the Outback felt like moving from a stiff camping cot into a plush hotel bed.
Fit for Purpose: Who Is the Outback XT For?
The Subaru Outback XT is a versatile choice that caters to a wide range of drivers. For fleet managers, it’s a compelling option for those whose roles require both on-road comfort and occasional off-road capability—think field managers, regional sales reps, or professionals needing to navigate rural areas.
Private buyers will also find plenty to love. Families with one or two kids, especially those with active lifestyles, will appreciate the cargo space and rear-seat room. Dog owners will love the boot space, while adventurers will relish the XT’s ability to tackle both urban commutes and weekend getaways with ease.
Importantly, the Outback XT shines as a novated lease option. While the XT commands a premium over base Outback models, the additional cost becomes negligible when spread over a 60-month lease term. As I told a friend considering one for novated leasing, “Just go for it.” The extra performance, features, and comfort more than justify the marginal bump in cost.
Safety: Subaru’s Strongest Suit
Subaru has long been a leader in safety, and the Outback XT continues this tradition. The EyeSight driver-assist system includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. The system operates smoothly, rarely feeling intrusive, and provides peace of mind on long trips.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a high-resolution reversing camera add further layers of protection. Subaru’s reputation for safety isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s evident in every aspect of the Outback’s design.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes:
- Smooth and powerful turbocharged engine
- Exceptional comfort, especially for long drives
- Generous boot space and practical interior storage
- All-wheel-drive confidence for all conditions
- Heated seats front and rear—a rare feature at this price point
Dislikes:
- Overcomplicated infotainment system with too many buttons
- Interior design lags behind some competitors in terms of modern styling
The Verdict: A Car That Grows With You
Would I buy one? Absolutely. The Subaru Outback XT is a car that seems to evolve alongside your lifestyle. It’s as comfortable ferrying the kids to school as it is heading out for a weekend in the mountains. It invites you to take that four-hour drive just for the sake of it and rewards you with a smooth, engaging experience.
For those considering novated leasing, the Outback XT is a smart choice. Its versatility, comfort, and safety credentials make it an excellent all-rounder, capable of adapting to the demands of work and play.
In a world full of cookie-cutter SUVs, the Outback XT stands out—not for flashy gimmicks or cutting-edge tech, but for being a car that simply gets life. Whether you’re chasing the surf, heading bush, or just commuting to the office, the Outback XT makes every journey better.
