Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT. If you're looking for a vehicle that blends ruggedness with luxury, this might just be the one for you. We'll cover everything from its performance and interior features to its technology and safety aspects. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Performance and Powertrain

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT doesn't disappoint. The heart of this beast is a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that delivers a whopping 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for both city driving and off-road adventures. The turbocharger ensures that you have quick acceleration and plenty of pulling power, which is especially useful when the car is fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

The Outback Touring XT comes standard with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). While some enthusiasts might miss a traditional automatic, Subaru's CVT is well-tuned to maximize fuel efficiency and provide smooth acceleration. It also features an 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters, giving you more control when you want it. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, a Subaru staple, is standard on all Outback models, including the Touring XT. This system provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions, making it a great choice for those living in areas with snow or rain.

Fuel economy is also respectable for an SUV of this size. The EPA estimates the Outback Touring XT gets around 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Real-world driving may vary, but these numbers are competitive within its class. The Outback's suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and potholes with ease. It offers a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads. The raised ground clearance of 8.7 inches is another significant advantage, allowing you to tackle unpaved roads and trails without worrying about scraping the undercarriage. This makes the Outback Touring XT a genuinely capable off-road vehicle, despite its car-like appearance.

Luxurious Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT, you'll immediately notice the upscale feel and attention to detail. The Touring trim is the top-of-the-line model, and it comes with a host of premium features that enhance the driving experience. The seats are upholstered in high-quality Nappa leather, which is soft and supple to the touch. The front seats are heated and ventilated, providing optimal comfort in any weather. The driver's seat has 12-way power adjustability, including lumbar support, ensuring that you can find the perfect driving position.

The Outback Touring XT also features a heated steering wheel, which is a welcome addition during cold winter months. The cabin is spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats also recline, adding to the comfort for those in the back. The interior design is clean and modern, with a focus on functionality. All of the controls are logically laid out and easy to reach. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, giving the Outback a premium feel.

One of the standout features of the Outback's interior is the large 11.6-inch touchscreen display. This screen controls the infotainment system, climate control, and other vehicle functions. While some may find the touchscreen-centric interface a bit overwhelming at first, it is generally user-friendly and responsive. The screen is bright and clear, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight. The Outback also comes with a power moonroof, which adds to the feeling of spaciousness and allows natural light to flood the cabin. Overall, the interior of the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is a comfortable and luxurious place to spend time, whether you're on a long road trip or just running errands around town.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is packed with technology features that enhance both the driving experience and overall convenience. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is the 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which we mentioned earlier. This screen integrates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The system also includes a built-in navigation system, which provides accurate and reliable directions.

The Outback Touring XT also comes with a premium Harman Kardon sound system. This system delivers crisp and clear audio, making your favorite music sound even better. The system includes 12 speakers and a subwoofer, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. The Outback also features a wireless charging pad, which allows you to charge your smartphone without the need for cables. This is a convenient feature that helps to keep the cabin clutter-free. In terms of connectivity, the Outback Touring XT includes multiple USB ports, both in the front and rear, allowing passengers to charge their devices on the go.

Subaru's Starlink system is also included, providing access to a range of connected services. These services include remote start, vehicle health reports, and emergency assistance. The Starlink app allows you to control various vehicle functions from your smartphone, such as locking and unlocking the doors, starting the engine, and checking the vehicle's status. The Outback Touring XT also features a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle when backing up. This camera is especially useful in tight parking spaces or when navigating tricky terrain. Overall, the technology features in the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT are comprehensive and well-integrated, making it a pleasure to drive and use.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT excels. Subaru has a reputation for building safe vehicles, and the Outback is no exception. It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, while lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. Lane keep assist can gently steer the vehicle back into the lane if you don't respond to the warning.

Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically if you don't react in time. The Outback Touring XT also includes blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. These features help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more confident. In addition to these advanced safety systems, the Outback also comes with a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. The Outback has also performed well in crash tests, earning top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is a safe and reliable vehicle that provides peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT.

Pros:

• Powerful turbocharged engine
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Luxurious interior with Nappa leather seats
• Advanced safety features
• Spacious cabin and cargo area
• User-friendly infotainment system

Cons:

• CVT transmission may not appeal to all drivers
• Touchscreen-centric interface can be distracting
• Fuel economy could be better
• Some may find the styling bland

Final Verdict

Overall, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is a fantastic vehicle that offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. It's an excellent choice for those who want a comfortable and capable SUV that can handle both on-road and off-road adventures. While the CVT transmission and touchscreen interface may not be for everyone, the Outback's many strengths more than make up for its minor shortcomings. If you're in the market for a new SUV, the 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT is definitely worth considering. It's a well-rounded vehicle that offers something for everyone.