Subaru Outback (2025) Review

The Outback survives because it answers a question nobody else bothers with. It has the clearance of a crossover and the low load floor and long roof of a wagon, so bikes, dogs and roof boxes all go on and in without a ladder. Symmetrical all wheel drive with the X-Mode software is genuinely capable on a snowy track, better than plenty of tall SUVs on road tyres. Visibility is excellent, the seats are comfortable and safety scores are consistently among the best on the market.

The drivetrain is the weak point. The naturally aspirated 2.5 litre flat four makes 182 horsepower, and paired with a continuously variable transmission it moans loudly through any overtake while returning economy that a turbocharged rival beats. The turbo version fixes the speed and worsens the economy. The vertical touchscreen swallowed too many controls, though physical climate buttons survive at the edges. Where it repays you is resale, because the used market for these is relentless, and Subaru service costs sit below the class average. Slow, plain and remarkably hard to lose money on.