Outback XT gets turbo boost

SUBARU will introduce two new turbocharged Outback variants to its line-up before the end of the year.

The XT Sport (from $52,190 plus on-road costs) and XT Touring (from $55,990 plus ORCs) will sit atop the Outback model range, complementing the existing 138kW/245Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a more powerful 183kW/350Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol unit.

The engine also accelerates the Outback to 100km/h 22 per cent more quickly than the existing option.

Subaru announced the XT variants at the same time as it raised pricing of the Outback range by $1200.

Entry-spec’ Outback AWD variants now priced from $41,490 plus ORCs, mid-tier Outback Sport from $45,990 plus ORCs, and the high-grade Outback Touring from $49,790 plus ORCs.

Meanwhile, the range-topping and newly announced turbocharged XT variants offer a greater braked towing capacity than their naturally aspirated derivatives, increasing to 2400kg (+400kg), in part via the introduction of a lower final drive ratio (down to 3.90:1 from 4.11:1).

The duo also features an increase in user-friendliness and driver convenience, says Subaru, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Upgraded brake pads and recalibrated dampers and springs are also found beneath the Outback XT variants, which continue to offer dual X-Mode off-road programs, Subaru’s SI drive selector and idle-stop technology offered elsewhere in the range.

Like other Outback variants, the XT range offers a laundry list of safety equipment including a full complement of airbags and Subaru Vision Assist technology comprising adaptive driving beam, blind spot monitor, Eyesight Assist monitor, front view monitor, lane change assist, side view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

Further, Subaru’s Eyesight Assist brings adaptive cruise control, emergency lane keep assist, lane centring function, lane departure prevention and warning, lane sway warning, lead vehicle stay alert, pre-collision throttle management and brake assist, autonomous emergency steering, brake light recognition, intelligent speed limiter, and speed sign recognition to the range.

All Outback variants are also equipped with a Driver Monitoring System featuring distraction warning, drowsiness warning, facial recognition, climate control setting (last used) and MID display (last used).

XT variants are differentiated visually by dual outlet tailpipes, XT badging and LED foglights, but otherwise share specification with their namesake variants.

“We have heard our customer's request for a turbocharged Outback loud and clear, so we are extremely pleased to add two all-new, turbocharged Subaru Outback variants to the MY23 Subaru Outback line-up,” said Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read.

“A more powerful turbocharged engine, coupled with the latest intuitive technology, impressive interior and of course the all-terrain capability of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, makes the Outback XT the perfect vehicle for any Australian road trip.”

2022 Subaru Outback pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.