Ever feel like you have to choose between a practical daily driver and a rugged weekend adventurer? The Subaru Outback has built its entire legacy on the idea that you don’t. As the market for 2025 cars heats up, the Outback continues to carve out its unique space, blending the comfort of a wagon with the capability of an SUV.

The Two Hearts of the Outback: Engine Choices

Before diving into the sea of trims, it’s crucial to understand the two different personalities the 2025 Subaru Outback offers, and it all comes down to the engine. Your choice here will define the vehicle's character, from a capable commuter to a surprisingly punchy hauler.

The standard engine, found in the Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, is a reliable 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine. It produces a respectable 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This is plenty of power for daily driving, highway cruising, and light-duty adventures. It’s also the more fuel-efficient option, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway rating.

For those who crave more muscle, Subaru offers a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the XT and Wilderness models. This powertrain transforms the Outback, boosting output to a robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. According to Kelley Blue Book, this engine makes the Outback "much more exciting to drive." It’s the clear choice if you plan on towing, as it increases the capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds, or if you simply want more confident acceleration for merging and passing.

No matter which engine you pick, every single 2025 Subaru Outback comes standard with two signature features: a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, giving you sure-footed confidence in any weather.

A Trim for Every Trail: Your 2025 Subaru Outback Options

With nine distinct trims, choosing the right Outback can feel overwhelming. Let's break them down into logical groups to find your perfect match. The 2025 Subaru Outback: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT.

The Core Lineup: From Practical to Plush

  • Base: The starting point is anything but basic. You get standard Symmetrical AWD, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, dual 7-inch touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and raised roof rails with integrated crossbars. It’s the no-frills choice for those who prioritize capability over creature comforts.
  • Premium: This is often considered the sweet spot for value. The Premium trim upgrades you to a large 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It’s a significant jump in comfort and tech for a modest price increase.
  • Limited: For 2025, the Limited trim gets a major boost. It now comes standard with features that were previously optional, including a power moonroof, a heated steering wheel, and built-in navigation. You also get leather-trimmed upholstery, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, and keyless access.
  • Touring: Sitting at the top of the luxury ladder, the Touring trim adds exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats for warm days, a 180-degree front-view monitor, and a smart auto-dimming rearview mirror. It’s the Outback in its most refined form.

The Turbocharged XT Models

The Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims mirror the features of their non-XT counterparts but add the powerful 260-hp turbocharged engine. The big news for 2025 is the introduction of the Limited XT, giving buyers the chance to combine the Limited’s luxury features with the turbo engine for the first time. This fills a much-requested gap in the lineup.

The Off-Road Specialist: A Closer Look at the Subaru Outback Wilderness

While every Outback is capable, the Wilderness trim is in a league of its own. It’s not just an appearance package; it’s a genuinely enhanced off-road machine. If your adventures frequently take you off the pavement, this is the trim to consider.

The Wilderness stands apart with several key upgrades:

  • Increased Ground Clearance: It boasts 9.5 inches of ground clearance, up from the standard 8.7 inches, allowing it to clear larger obstacles.
  • All-Terrain Tires: It comes equipped with Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires on unique 17-inch matte-black wheels for superior grip on dirt, mud, and snow.
  • Enhanced Drivetrain: The Wilderness features a retuned transmission and a shorter final drive ratio, which improves its low-speed climbing ability—a crucial advantage on steep trails.
  • Rugged Exterior: Unique front and rear bumpers improve approach and departure angles, while extra body cladding protects against scrapes. The high-capacity fixed roof rails are strong enough to support a rooftop tent.
  • Water-Repellent Interior: Inside, you’ll find durable StarTex water-repellent upholstery that’s easy to clean after a muddy hike or a trip to the beach.

The Wilderness is the embodiment of what Road & Track calls "the ideal version of the crossover concept," offering go-anywhere capability without.

Making the Right Choice Among 2025 Cars

So, which 2025 Subaru Outback is right for you? It boils down to your lifestyle and budget.

If you’re looking for the best all-around value, the Premium trim is hard to beat. It provides all the modern essentials without breaking the bank. For those who want a touch of luxury and the latest tech, the newly enhanced Limited trim is a fantastic choice, especially now that key features are standard.

Do you need more power for towing a small trailer or just enjoy a more spirited drive? Any of the XT models will satisfy that need, with the new Limited XT offering a perfect blend of power and comfort. And if your weekends are spent exploring remote trails and seeking adventure, the Wilderness is purpose-built for you.