is it just me? underwhelmed by 2025 Subaru Outback

[JBE68]

Coming from a 2019 Forester XT, I was disappointed by the naturally aspirated petrol engine in the last of the petrol Outbacks. I drove a Touring earlier today and while the car does everything I want, the engine noise when accelerating and the fuel economy where huge disappointments.

Am I missing something?

[Sargeant Orange]

Don't think you're missing anything, it depends on what you're looking to get out of it.

Mines a dog carrier 95% of the time with a few forest trails some icy hills now and again. That's pretty much the use it's been built around.

I've never found it wanting, but its never going to be a patch on my old H6 Legacy or the XT for example.

It seems their focus is now very much on the E-Outback. Don't think that's hitting the UK market anytime soon though

[LightweightLouisDanvers]

I really like the Outback but haven't driven one yet. Is the 2.5 na engine really slow?
Being used to the torque of turbo diesels I'm afraid I will find it underwhelming but having said that I'm not a boy racer anymore and the performance may be adequate?
The 4x4 ability is important and I don't do huge miles so the economy would be bearable.

[JBE68]

The car feels underpowered and vocally lets you know when you put your foot down.

[Old Trout]

I have a Mk VI Outback and have done 9k miles over the summer in it.

Coming from a turbo diesel car it feels a bit weedy below 3k rpm. You need to rev it out and then it is fine for over taking on country roads etc.

It's not the quickest car, it has enough power at the top end for day to day driving, but, it misses out on torque lower down. If you don't rev it, you will think it is pretty weedy.

For the platform, a turbo petrol or diesel would have been better.

[liner33]

Yep had one as a loaner when my XT was in for a recall , can't imagine it being on a shortlist for me any time soon , thought the running gear was dire to be honest