2025 Subaru Outback Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Subaru calls the Outback a midsize SUV, but you won't be blamed for thinking it looks more like a high-riding station wagon. It first debuted for 1995 and the current model sits in the brand's lineup above the smaller Forester and below the three-row Ascent. Competitors to the 2025 Subaru Outback include the two-row Honda Passport and Chevy Blazer .
Outback not big enough?Read about the Subaru Ascent here.
What's New
Changes to the Outback for 2025 apply only to the Limited trim level. The 2025 Outback Limited now comes with:
- A heated steering wheel
- Built-in GPS navigation
- A moonroof
- A driver distraction monitoring system
What We Think
Favored by those who love to play outdoors, the Outback offers more than just standard AWD and an adventurous spirit. It delivers a well-composed ride, even across choppy pavement, and there's plenty of space inside for people and things. While its alerts can get a little aggressive, we also appreciate the SUV's EyeSight safety features. Ruggedness can be compounded with the available roof rack and seats upholstered in water resistant material.
The Outback's exterior has looked the same for over a decade, so you'll have to be ok with that if you're thinking of getting one. The base naturally aspirated engine is underpowered, and both powertrains idle a little rough. We also wish Subaru kept more physical buttons and relied less on the touchscreen interface. Despite a few flaws, we expect the Outback will continue to be one of our top picks in the segment moving into 2025.
Performance and MPGs
Flat-four engines, CVT automatics, and AWD continue to be common threads of all 2025 Outbacks. The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four remains the entry-level powertrain, still making 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency shouldn't change much from last year's 26/32 mpg city/highway, which means this powertrain returns the best fuel economy in the lineup.
The upgrade is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four making 260 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Outbacks with this engine should see just about the same fuel economy as last year's versions, 22/29 mpg, except for Wilderness variants, which return 21/26 mpg.
Safety Ratings and Features
EyeSight is what Subaru calls its active safety tech suite. On the 2025 Outback, it features standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and front automatic emergency braking. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and emergency evasive steering are added on higher-end trims.
The 2024 Outback is a Top Safety Pick, the second highest award issued by IIHS. All 2024 models except the Wilderness also earned NHTSA's highest five-star overall rating. Look for Subaru to be aiming for the same or better for the 2025.
How Quick Is the Outback?
You'll want the turbo powertrain for greater swiftness. Our 2020 Outback Onyx XT long-termer snapped off 0-60 mph in an impressive 5.9 seconds. That's more than 2.5 ticks quicker than the MT-tested 2023 Touring model's 8.6 seconds. The boosted Outback's time also eclipses the more powerful 2024 Honda Passport Trailsport AWD's 6.1-second sprint.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Outback's front legroom compares favorably to the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport. The Subaru also comes with more cargo capacity than the Chevy.
Technology
Outback base models receive two central 7.0-inch touchscreens, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four speakers, and LED headlights and cabin lights. An available 11.6-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, more USB ports, and six- and 12-speaker audio systems are featured on higher trim levels.
2025 Subaru Outback Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Subaru Outback is available in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness trim levels. The Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring are also offered in XT specification, which adds the available turbocharged engine.
In Base specification, the Outback has 17-inch wheels, steering responsive LED headlights, and roof rails. Its cabin has cloth seat upholstery, single-zone automatic climate control, and the basic dual-display infotainment system. The base Outback is quite light on features, having only one USB port in the front row, manually adjustable seats, and a four-speaker audio system. This least expensive Outback model costs slightly more than $30,000.
The Outback Premium adds useful niceties such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob feel nicer than the basic plastic parts. Additionally, the Premium model gets the larger 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, USB ports in both rows of seats, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker audio system. Pricing for the Outback Premium lists at approximately $33,000.
Style and substance increase in the Outback Onyx Edition. It rolls on black-painted 18-inch wheels and has water-resistant seat upholstery with green accents. Keyless access with push-button start, a power-operated tailgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and one-touch windows around the vehicle add convenience. A Harman Kardon premium audio system enhances your favorite tunes. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are added to the EyeSight driver-assist features. The Outback Onyx Edition also gets a sunroof. It goes for about $37,500, or $41,000 for the Onyx Edition XT.
More premium features are added on the Outback Limited. Outside, it has 18-inch wheels, while inside it gains leather seating upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, front seat memory, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Built-in navigation is added to the infotainment system. A driver distraction monitor bugs you if you’re not paying attention to the road. This Outback model costs approximately $39,000 with the standard engine, or $42,000 with the XT turbocharged engine.
As the relatively luxurious model, the Outback Touring is distinguished by chrome-finished power-folding side mirrors and chrome-trimmed exterior door handles. Inside, the seats are finished in Nappa leather upholstery, and the front seats are heated and ventilated. In terms of tech features, the Outback Touring gets a front-view camera and a CD player. It costs slightly less than $42,000, or slightly more than $44,000 for the XT version.
The Outback leans into its rugged side with the Wilderness model. It’s equipped with the turbocharged engine, but among its model-specific enhancements are all-terrain tires, raised suspension, and underbody protection panels. With burly black exterior trim, specific bumpers, gold details, and exclusive paint colors, there won’t be mistaking the Wilderness for any other Outback. Otherwise, features are essentially identical to those of the Onyx Edition. The 2025 Outback Wilderness starts at about $42,000.
The Onyx Edition XT is our pick in the lineup, as it combines turbocharged power with practical features and cool design details. The Outback is decently off-road capable to begin with, so only choose the Wilderness model if you're serious about getting off the beaten path.
