​​We Drive The 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT​ in a Minnesota Winter

One thing we know about you – we Minnesotans love our Subaru Outbacks! 

Not just around Rochester and Olmstead County. We’re talking statewide! You still see them tackling all sorts of road conditions all the way to the Canadian border. They get through unplowed gravel roads with not a care in the world. 

If you love your Outback, let us tell you about the top-of-the-line model we had a chance to take out this winter – the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT. This is the Outback that gives you everything. Nappa Leather seats, the turbocharged BOXER engine, Symmetrical all-wheel drive with X-MODE…and much more! 

The Outback Touring XT needed to do a few things for us: Multiple runs for errands across town, taking customers to work and back from service, and a run-up to the Twin Cities for a meeting. We could take any Outback to all of that. However, we were curious how our top-of-the-line Outback would respond to winter conditions. Also, we want to see how people like our most luxurious Outback available.  

The response has been great. Everyone appreciated the level of luxury inside the Touring XT. Some said it was unexpected in a Subaru. They remarked about how quickly they could connect their devices through the STARLINK 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and how well Apple CarPlay and Android Auto showed up on the screen. Everyone loved how quickly you could do so many things through the STARLINK system.  

The turbocharged BOXER engine is available in four Outback trim levels. Its 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque are handy when passing other vehicles on the highway. The Outback is much more comfortable when cruising on U.S. Highway 52 and the Interstates up in the Cities.  

Then, you combine the turbocharged BOXER engine with the Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and X-MODE. On unplowed streets and icy stretches of highway, this system kept the Outback on course and through those tough to handle places. It was made for Minnesota winters.  

Another advantage in handling winter conditions is the Outback’s 8.7-inch ground clearance. That helped in getting through some snow that was unplowed, as well as for entry and exit from our Touring XT. If this were any other time of year, we would also appreciate the taller ride height if we had to get through some rural roads or trails outside of Rochester.  

On our run to the Twin Cities, we noticed a serious temperature drop. No problem. The automatic climate control warmed up the cabin very nicely. Plus, the heated seats and steering wheel certainly helped keep us warm and comfortable. Our guests loved the warmth in the Outback Touring XT, too. 

The one thing everyone said about the Outback Touring XT was how comfortable it was – both upfront and in the back seat. The spacious cargo area also made running errands easier. The best part was the power liftgate and how it was a breeze to open and close without leaving our Outback.  

You have a wide choice of trim levels available on the 2025 Outback. We can honestly say that there is an Outback for everyone. We love the Touring XT as it gives you everything you can think of in one of our most popular Subaru models – and it delivers!  

Does this help you choose your next 2025 Outback? If so, contact us at Subaru of Rochester and see why it continues to be a very popular vehicle here in Minnesota.