2023 Outback XT Touring

[OzSTi]

After putting down a deposit 11 months ago, our XT Touring finally arrived.

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Got it dirty this weekend with a trip to the Flinders Rangers.

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Fabulous touring vehicle; incredibly comfortable and relaxed. Overtaking is very easy!

Economy ok at 8.3l/100km.

[Ric]

I guess the economy depends upon how restrained you are with the loud pedal.
I do miss the power of my old 3.0R Liberty, but my 2.5 litre Outback is actually a better towing car.
I'd be curious how the XT model would compare.
(I just took it to Adelaide over Easter, towing my MGA, and it had no trouble pulling the 1400kg trailer up Mt Barker. Unfortunately I collected a kangaroo on the way to Tailem Bend, so will be in the panel shop for some front bumper repairs shortly )

[OzSTi]

That's a bugger about the Kangaroo Ric! Unusual to collect one on the SE Freeway.

XT is rated slightly higher for towing at 2400kg. Max torque (350Nm) from 2000 - 4800rpm, but you can feel boost happening from 1500rpm.

This is also my first experience with a CVT. I know there's not a lot of love for CVTs in general, but this one works very well.

At 110kph on the flat the engine is ticking over at 1600rpm, but the rpm will subtly change depending upon torque demand.

Hit the loud pedal and it instantly flicks around the 6000 or so and I guess the CVT does its thing as the speed increases. The engine is so quiet and smooth, unless you look at the tach you wouldn't know.

[Ric]

That's a bugger about the Kangaroo Ric! Unusual to collect one on the SE Freeway.
Hit the loud pedal and it instantly flicks around the 6000 or so and I guess the CVT does its thing as the speed increases. The engine is so quiet and smooth, unless you look at the tach you wouldn't know.

Yep, I'm aware it's revving its tits off to accelerate up hills when towing, but ignoring that, it gets the job done very smoothly.

[Ric]

That's a bugger about the Kangaroo Ric! Unusual to collect one on the SE Freeway.

Just after the Bald Hills Rd exit.

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In daylight you can see there's a rest stop on the other side.

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Needed plenty of race tape to stop it flapping.

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[OzSTi]

Fascinating to see it on the dash cam. You think the roo would have made it across or hit the other side at least. And you were 17km/h under the limit.


Pic under the XT bonnet if anyone's interested;

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[Ric]

Interesting that the top mount intercooler gets enough airflow without a bonnet scoop.

[Ric]

Fascinating to see it on the dash cam. You think the roo would have made it across or hit the other side at least. And you were 17km/h under the limit.

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Was nasty wet conditions, and I was watching the guy who had just started passing me...

[OzSTi]

Interesting that the top mount intercooler gets enough airflow without a bonnet scoop.

This shows the under bonnet duct that feeds air to the intercooler from the top section of the front grill.

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