Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT. This isn't just another car review; it's a comprehensive look at what makes this vehicle stand out in a crowded market. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or someone who values comfort and reliability, the Outback Touring XT aims to deliver on all fronts. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Overview of the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT

The 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is the top-tier trim of the Outback lineup, blending rugged capability with luxurious features. It's designed for those who want a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures without compromising on comfort or technology. The “XT” designation signifies that this model comes equipped with a turbocharged engine, offering a significant boost in performance compared to the standard Outback. The Outback, in general, has carved out a unique niche for itself as a versatile wagon that offers SUV-like capabilities but with a more car-like driving experience. This particular trim elevates the experience, providing premium amenities and enhanced performance.

Subaru has a long-standing reputation for building reliable and capable vehicles, and the Outback Touring XT is no exception. It builds upon the already impressive Outback platform by adding more premium features and a more powerful engine. This model is aimed at buyers who want a vehicle that can handle various terrains and weather conditions while providing a comfortable and refined interior. It's an excellent choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a well-rounded vehicle. With its combination of practicality, capability, and luxury, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT stands out as a compelling option in its class. This model year sees subtle refinements and improvements over previous years, ensuring it remains competitive and appealing to a wide range of drivers. Keep reading to get all the juicy details.

Performance and Engine

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT truly shines. Under the hood lies a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that churns out an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for confident acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The turbocharger ensures that the Outback XT doesn't feel sluggish, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Compared to the standard Outback's naturally aspirated engine, the XT variant offers a noticeable improvement in performance, making it a more enjoyable and capable vehicle to drive.

The engine is paired with a smooth and responsive continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimics the feel of a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru has refined its CVT technology over the years, and it now offers quick and seamless gear changes. The CVT also contributes to the Outback Touring XT's impressive fuel economy, which is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Of course, all-wheel drive comes standard, providing excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is renowned for its ability to evenly distribute power to all four wheels, ensuring maximum grip and control. Whether you're driving on snow-covered roads or tackling a challenging off-road trail, the Outback Touring XT delivers confidence-inspiring performance.

Furthermore, the Outback Touring XT features Subaru's X-Mode system, which enhances the vehicle's off-road capabilities. X-Mode optimizes the engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system to provide maximum traction on slippery surfaces. It also includes hill descent control, which automatically maintains a constant speed when descending steep inclines. The Outback Touring XT's suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable and controlled ride, even on rough roads. It strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, making it a versatile vehicle for both on-road and off-road adventures. All of these factors combine to make the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT a top performer in its class, offering a compelling blend of power, efficiency, and capability.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT, you'll immediately notice the upscale and refined interior. The Touring trim is the highest in the Outback lineup, so it comes standard with a host of premium features. The seats are upholstered in plush Nappa leather, which is soft and supple to the touch. The front seats are heated and ventilated, providing exceptional comfort in all weather conditions. The driver's seat also features power-adjustable lumbar support, ensuring optimal comfort on long drives. The rear seats are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers.

The Outback Touring XT's interior is also packed with technology. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a large 11.6-inch touchscreen display that controls the infotainment system. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle. Other features include a premium Harman Kardon sound system, a wireless charging pad, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The Outback Touring XT also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The interior design of the Outback Touring XT is both stylish and functional. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to read, with all of the controls within easy reach. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. The Outback Touring XT also offers plenty of storage space, with a large center console, door pockets, and a spacious cargo area. The cargo area is easily accessible thanks to the Outback's liftgate, and the rear seats can be folded down to create even more space. Overall, the interior of the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is a comfortable, well-equipped, and refined space that is sure to impress even the most discerning drivers.

Technology and Features

The 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is loaded with cutting-edge technology and features designed to enhance the driving experience. The centerpiece of the interior is the 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which houses the Starlink infotainment system. This system offers a user-friendly interface with crisp graphics and quick response times. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. Navigation is also available, providing turn-by-turn directions with real-time traffic updates.

Beyond the infotainment system, the Outback Touring XT boasts a range of advanced safety features. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and blind-spot detection. These systems work together to provide an extra layer of safety and peace of mind on the road. The Touring XT also comes standard with a driver monitoring system, which uses facial recognition technology to detect signs of fatigue or distraction. If the system detects that the driver is not paying attention, it will issue a warning to help prevent accidents. Other notable features include a Harman Kardon premium audio system, a power moonroof, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The Outback Touring XT also offers a range of convenience features, such as keyless entry, push-button start, and automatic climate control. The seats are heated and ventilated, providing optimal comfort in any weather. The rear seats also have their own climate control vents, ensuring that all passengers stay comfortable. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is a tech-savvy vehicle that offers a wide range of features designed to make driving safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. From its advanced safety systems to its user-friendly infotainment system, the Outback Touring XT is a standout in its class.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is no exception. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. The centerpiece of the safety system is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These systems use a combination of cameras and sensors to monitor the road ahead and provide warnings or interventions when necessary.

Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting the Outback's speed to match the flow of traffic. Lane departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane, while lane keeping assist gently steers the Outback back into the center of the lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. In addition to EyeSight, the Outback Touring XT also comes standard with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. These systems help the driver to be aware of their surroundings and avoid accidents when changing lanes or backing up.

The Outback Touring XT also features a driver monitoring system, which uses facial recognition technology to detect signs of fatigue or distraction. If the system detects that the driver is not paying attention, it will issue a warning to help prevent accidents. The Outback Touring XT has earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it one of the safest vehicles in its class. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and its strong crash test performance, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Ride Quality and Handling

The 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT delivers a ride quality that strikes a balance between comfort and control. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The Outback's long wheelbase and wide track also contribute to its stability and composure on the road. While the Outback is not a sports car, it handles surprisingly well for a vehicle of its size and type. The steering is precise and responsive, providing good feedback to the driver.

The Outback Touring XT's all-wheel-drive system also enhances its handling capabilities, providing excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions. The all-wheel-drive system automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, helping to prevent slippage and maintain control. The Outback Touring XT also features Subaru's X-Mode system, which optimizes the engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system for off-road driving. X-Mode includes hill descent control, which automatically maintains a constant speed when descending steep inclines.

The Outback Touring XT's turbocharged engine provides plenty of power for confident acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The engine is also relatively quiet and refined, adding to the overall sense of comfort and refinement. The Outback Touring XT's brakes are strong and responsive, providing ample stopping power in all situations. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT offers a comfortable and capable ride that is well-suited for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. Its combination of a smooth ride, responsive handling, and all-wheel-drive capability makes it a versatile and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT so you get the full picture:

Pros:

• Powerful Turbocharged Engine: The 2.4-liter turbo engine provides ample power for confident acceleration and effortless highway cruising.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
• Upscale Interior: The Touring trim features a luxurious interior with Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
• Advanced Safety Features: The Outback Touring XT comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and a driver monitoring system.
• Spacious and Practical: The Outback Touring XT offers plenty of cargo space and passenger room, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: While Subaru's CVT is well-refined, some drivers may prefer a traditional automatic transmission.
• Infotainment System: The 11.6-inch touchscreen display can be overwhelming at times, and some users may find the interface to be less intuitive than other systems.
• Price: The Touring XT is the most expensive trim in the Outback lineup, which may put it out of reach for some buyers.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT? Overall, it's a fantastic vehicle that offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, technology, and safety. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of power, while the standard all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction in all weather conditions. The upscale interior is comfortable and well-equipped, and the advanced safety features provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

While the CVT transmission and infotainment system may not be for everyone, the Outback Touring XT's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It's a versatile and capable vehicle that is well-suited for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. If you're looking for a wagon that can do it all, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is definitely worth considering. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable, safe, and comfortable ride with a touch of luxury and a whole lot of capability. Thanks for tuning in, and happy driving!