Subaru’s Outback has been a firm family favourite for over 25 years. I’m driving the Outback Sport Touring XT, a special edition turbocharged model that sits at the top of the Outback’s model range priced at $57,490 plus on-road costs. The Outback best described as a high-riding wagon and the Sport Touring XT identifies with dark 18-inch alloy wheels and special Geyser Blue exterior paint. Inside, premium features such as Nappa leather seat inserts, power front seats, heated and ventilated seats, nine speaker Harman Kardon sound and a power sunroof and tailgate. The 2.5- litre horizontally opposed turbo four-cylinder features 350Nm of torque and links to a continuously variable automatic transmission. A very well sorted interior with large central touchscreen and nice instrumentation but a lack of buttons for aircon a disappointment. Both seat rows offer good room and are well equipped with USB ports and aircon outlets. The Subaru Outback has varied little over the years – and why should it – it’s a practical design that gets customers coming back for more – its gained more equipment over the years and more features and more refinement – a practical family wagon with a go anywhere ability – the Sport Touring XT special edition offering that little bit more.

IMAGE CREDIT / Subaru Australia

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