The Subaru Outback has long been a unique player in the automotive world. It’s not quite an SUV and not quite a station wagon, but it expertly blends the best qualities of both. This creates a vehicle that is incredibly practical, comfortable, and ready for almost any adventure you can imagine. Its standard all-wheel drive, generous cargo space, and reputation for safety have made it a favorite for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and daily commuters alike. For the 2025 model year, Subaru continues to refine this winning formula, making key updates that enhance its appeal. This detailed look will explore what the 2025 model offers across its various trims and why it remains a top contender in its class.

Standard Power and All-Weather Capability

Every 2025 Outback comes equipped with a solid foundation of performance and capability. The standard engine on most trims is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine. This unique engine design, where the pistons move horizontally, gives the vehicle a lower center of gravity, which improves stability and handling. It produces a capable 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth, efficient power delivery.

The true cornerstone of any Subaru is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which comes standard on every model. This isn't a part-time system that only kicks in when wheels start to slip. It constantly sends power to all four wheels, providing excellent traction and control in all conditions, whether you're driving on a sunny day, through a rainstorm, or on a snowy road. To further boost its go-anywhere attitude, the wagon features 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.5 inches on Wilderness trims), which is more than many traditional SUVs. This allows it to easily handle rough roads and trails.

The Turbocharged XT and Wilderness Models

For drivers seeking more power, Subaru offers an exciting upgrade. The Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims come with a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine. This powertrain dramatically increases performance, delivering a robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This extra power makes a noticeable difference in acceleration, providing quicker response for highway merging and a more engaging driving experience overall.

The turbocharged engine also increases the vehicle’s towing capacity from 2,700 pounds to a more substantial 3,500 pounds, making it suitable for hauling small trailers or campers. The Wilderness trim takes this capability even further. It features an advanced dual-function X-MODE with settings for deep snow/mud, all-terrain tires, and a revised suspension that gives it an impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The Wilderness is the most rugged version of the Outback, designed specifically for those who venture far off the beaten path.

A Tour Through the Trim Levels

Subaru offers the 2025 model in a wide range of trims, ensuring there’s an option for nearly every budget and need.

  • Base: The entry-level model is generously equipped. It includes dual 7-inch touchscreens for infotainment and climate controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and LED headlights.
  • Premium: This popular trim upgrades to a large, vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen. It also adds a 10-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats, significantly boosting comfort and convenience.
  • Onyx Edition: This trim adds a dose of style and substance. It features unique blacked-out exterior trim, 18-inch black-finish alloy wheels, and water-repellent StarTex upholstery. It also includes a hands-free power liftgate and a front-view camera. The Onyx Edition is available with either the standard or turbocharged engine.
  • Limited: This version focuses on luxury. It adds perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, heated rear seats, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, and keyless access with push-button start. Reverse Automatic Braking is also standard. The Limited trim is also available with the turbocharged XT engine.
  • Touring: At the top of the lineup, the Touring includes every available feature. It adds a power moonroof, ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a smart auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a driver distraction mitigation system. The turbocharged Touring XT combines all this luxury with the more powerful engine.

Advanced Safety with EyeSight Technology

Safety is a core principle for Subaru, and the 2025 Outback reflects this with its standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system acts like a second pair of eyes on the road, using a pair of forward-facing cameras mounted near the rearview mirror. This setup provides a wide field of vision to identify potential dangers.

Standard features on every 2025 model include:

  • Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering: This system helps with steering, braking, and throttle control to keep you in your lane and at a safe distance from the car ahead.
  • Pre-Collision Braking: It can detect a potential frontal impact and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.
  • Lane Departure and Sway Warning: This feature alerts you if you begin to drift out of your lane without signaling.
  • Automatic Emergency Steering: On some trims for 2025, this feature can help you steer the vehicle to avoid a collision at speeds under 50 mph.

Higher trims add even more safety features, such as Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which warns you of vehicles in your blind spots or approaching from the side when you’re backing up.

Interior Comfort and Versatile Cargo Space

The Outback’s interior is designed to be a comfortable and practical space for both daily errands and long road trips. The cabin is spacious, with ample head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. High-quality materials are used throughout, creating a refined and durable environment.

The centerpiece of the dashboard on most trims is the 11.6-inch tablet-style screen. This system integrates entertainment, navigation, and climate controls into one intuitive interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on most models, making smartphone integration easier than ever.

One of the vehicle’s biggest strengths is its cargo capacity. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 32.6 cubic feet of space, which is more than enough for groceries, luggage, or sporting equipment. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats down opens up a massive 75.6 cubic feet of room, rivaling that of much larger vehicles. The wide rear opening and available hands-free power liftgate make loading and unloading bulky items a simple task. Standard roof rails with integrated, stowable crossbars add another layer of versatility for carrying bikes, kayaks, or a cargo box.