The 2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT gets some tech updates that improve the package. But there is still room for improvement in this popular tall wagon.

I’m at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, stepping off what was supposed to be an early Christmas Eve flight that is now arriving well into Christmas morning. I’m more than 6 hours delayed because of the blizzard that has blanketed much of North America in massive amounts of snow and cold.

Where I’m headed, a couple of hours away in Niagara Falls, major highways are still closed due to drifts so deep they’re hiding stranded vehicles. Am I tired? Yes. Am I worried? No. Because I’m about to snag the keys to a 2023 Subaru Outback shod with a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks. A nearly unstoppable combination.

In short: The 2023 Subaru Outback is the bad-weather grand tourer, especially in turbo 2.4L XT form. This is a vehicle that can cover huge driving distances quickly and in great comfort, even if the roads are snow-covered and miserable. And it can do it with a week’s worth of luggage plus gifts in the back.

2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT Review

For 2023, Subaru has given the Outback a mid-cycle refresh. For the most part, that means a host of small improvements. The remaining part is the new front fascia and the oddball center-ish fog lamps. At least the Wilderness trim keeps its old nose instead of the unusual new look.

2023 Outback Infotainment System Updates

After a 20-minute cab ride to the review fleet parking lot in an industrial park near the airport, I’m finally getting into the car at 1:36 a.m. Moments after pressing the start button, I noticed Subaru had fixed one of last year’s glaring issues with the 11.6-inch multimedia system. No, not the oversized (and low-res-looking) fonts. (If you had the big screen, you got tiny Android Auto. CarPlay had been embiggened already.) Now you get a much larger implementation that takes up all but the climate control area.

Both CarPlay and Auto can use a wireless connection now too. The big screen made a big difference in helping me navigate an unfamiliar airport and city in a blizzard. I spent more time watching the road and less time looking at a smaller map.

What I didn’t appreciate deep into that frigid morning was that Subaru puts the heated (and vented) seat controls on the touchscreen. Automotive screens often feel slow to respond when temperatures are below freezing, and Subaru’s screen can be slow even on a warm day. Stabbing at the buttons with gloves on accomplished nothing but frustration.

The heated wheel is run by a paddle behind the wheel’s rim, showing that Subaru understands some physical controls are better. Bring back the old seat heater toggles, please.

At least once you get those seat heaters fired up, they really pump out the BTUs. In five minutes, I had the dial set back to a single bar (of three), and that was more than enough for the rest of my time in the car.

2023 Subaru Outback 2.4L Turbo Power

The XT in Touring XT refers to Subaru’s 2.4L boxer-four. Subaru has offered this turbocharged engine in the Outback since this generation launched. It’s a big power boost over the naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer engine offered in anything without that XT badge.

The engine offers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. That’s plenty to move this big wagon around on the highway. Or to keep the wheels spinning when you’re trying to get through a particularly large snow drift. The engine has enough power that I’m not sure I used full throttle more than once or twice.

Though it’s nearly the same engine as the WRX, it doesn’t make this a sports car. But even on the multi-lane monster highways of Southern Ontario, half-throttle was more than enough.

Mean Turbo-Engine Fuel Economy

My first few hours in the 2023 Outback Touring XT showed a miserable 17 mpg, at least according to the onboard computer. The number quickly began to climb after that first day, though, and my week’s average ended up much closer to 25 miles per gallon. That’s with a mix of extensive stop-and-go tourists looking at Christmas lights and high-speed highways with little in between.

The official estimates are 22 city and 29 highway. That’s enough of a difference to make the 2.5L engine and its 26/32 rating an appealing choice.

Behind the turbo-four is a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Subaru was one of the first to adopt the CVT, and it has learned plenty since it first launched in 1989. One of the main innovations it uses in its chain-driven boxes is a torque converter.

Using the same fluid coupling as a conventional automatic, the torque converter can slip and lock up as the computer deems fit. This eliminates the rubber-band effect CVTs suffer from when pulling away from a stop. Subaru has also tuned the system to avoid the drone of wide throttle openings and constant RPMs.

While I’m not always a fan of the CVT, this is a good one.

Fast-Acting AWD in the 2023 Subaru Outback

Subaru’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is active all the time. You don’t need to worry about turning it on or waiting for a tire to slip before it starts sending power to other tires. It’s not un-stickable, as I found out on wet leaves with street tires last fall, but it is remarkably capable.

Instead of multiple terrain modes for you to pick from when you’re worried about getting stuck, there is only one.

Called X-Mode, the slippery drive setting can be engaged below 25 miles per hour. When engaged, the system softens the throttle to help prevent wheelspin. It also tightens up the center differential, shifting power front or rear more quickly.

New this year, once engaged, the system will turn itself back on when your speed drops below 25 mph again. That’s handy on roads where the intersections are particularly slick. The Wilderness trim offers a dual-mode X-Mode system that is better suited to more aggressive off-roading.

Helpful Safety System Improvements

Subaru has tweaked its EyeSight driver assistance suite this year too. On all trims, the system has improved software and a wider-seeing camera, plus a new brake booster. The first two let it work in more conditions and better spot upcoming problems. The third change makes vehicle braking feel smoother. In both, the constant barrage of confusing safety warning beeps has been reduced to a level more like other cars.

The touring trim I tested has an extra wide-angle camera that expands the system’s vision even more. This lets it recognize pedestrians and cyclists sooner. Because Subaru locates the sensors behind the window glass and not in the grille, they’re quickly cleaned by the wipers.

So even on my snowy and miserable drive days (with an iced-over grille), all of the safety systems were active. Northerners will appreciate this, even if drivers south of the salt belt won’t notice the difference.

My favorite of all Subaru safety systems, though, is DriverFocus distraction mitigation. The system watches your eyes to make sure they’re on the road. Even with polarized sunglasses, it let me know if I was spending too much time looking at the sights and not enough time looking at the pavement.

Big Back Means Big Cargo Space

You can argue over the Outback’s status as a station wagon or a crossover for days. I could easily spend a few thousand words on the subject if my editors allowed it.

Whatever your stance, this long roof has loads of cargo space. There are 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, to be precise. Plenty for a week of travel or that next camping trip. Fold the seats in the 2023 Subaru Outback, and there is 75.6 cubic feet of space for your gear.

Subaru is unique in that the company gives you cargo length specifications, too. So, it has 42 inches of length seats up and 75 seats down. No room for a 4×8 sheet of plywood, but with a tailgate opening of 45.2 inches, it’s not far off either.

Turbo models can tow 3,500 pounds, and NA engines can bring along 2,700 pounds of trailer and cargo — both good numbers for the segment.

The large cargo hold is part of a large cabin. Plenty of room for four adults. The driver seat will adjust way down for tall drivers and (as I discovered getting in) way up for shorter ones.

An adjustable thigh bolster helps accommodate a wider range of drivers as well. Plus, if you have DriverFocus, the Outback scans you and will remember (and return to) your seat position, mirror settings, and some other handy stuff. Pretty cool.

Soft Suspension Makes for Comfy Cruising

Subaru uses Outback’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.5 in the Wilderness) by giving it a long-travel suspension. With plenty of movement up and down, Subaru can use slightly softer springs and dampers than would otherwise be needed. It gives you the sensation (and reality) of more body roll but a much more compliant ride over potholes, bumps, and other road obstacles.

Unless you want a sports car with cargo space, the Outback Touring XT is a great tradeoff in everyday driving.

2023 Subaru Outback Pricing

The 2023 Subaru Outback starts with the $28,395 base model. With that, you get the 182 horsepower 2.5L four, EyeSight driver assistance, LED steering-responsive headlights, fog lights, and roof rack bars. That’s a lot of vehicle for the money. Sticking with the lower-power engine, the Outback is also available in Premium, Onyx Edition, and Touring. So you can get all of the luxury features without the more powerful engine.

XT turbo trims include Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, and the off-road focused Wilderness ($38,445), including a more mud-friendly interior and stronger roof rack. Entry into the turbocharged engine starts with that Wilderness model and rises to $42,295 (plus destination shipping) for a loaded Touring XT with Nappa leather, heated and vented seats, and the DriverFocus system.

2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT Review: Summary

I’ll admit I’ve long been partial to the Subaru Outback because I like what it offers: a soft ride, plenty of tech, and better handling, acceleration, and fuel economy than more conventional crossovers of similar size.

For 2023, Subaru has improved the package. Tired, cold, travel-worn me appreciated it. But I would appreciate it even more if the infotainment system was more responsive. And had more modern-looking graphics.

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Restoring a vintage camper can be a great DIY project and a good way to own an off-grid vehicle on a budget. But beware of these hazards when restoring a camper trailer.

As more people begin to camp and fall in love with affordable, easygoing outdoor vacations, many will upgrade from tent camping to a travel trailer. However, when they see the price tag of a brand new trailer, it’s likely they’ll look to cost-effective alternatives such as restoring a vintage camper.

There are a plethora of resources out there for restoring an old travel trailer. However, these do-it-yourself guides overlook some of the hazards that come with vintage camper restoration projects.

Things such as carbon monoxide, asbestos, and water damage can pose serious health risks if not dealt with properly. It’s important to know some of the most dangerous hazards before one dives into a restoration. Cutting corners is never worth risking the safety and health of yourself and those around you.

Old Camper Hazards: Tips for Restoring

Carbon Monoxide

One of the most common hazards in campers is carbon monoxide (CO). Although this may not be an issue during the restoration process, it can be deadly while camping. Each year, at least 500 people die of carbon monoxide poisoning in RVs and campers.

Some signs of CO poisoning include dizziness, nausea, intense headache, confusion, and sleepiness. When you undertake a restoration project, it’s paramount to ensure that CO-emitting appliances are properly functional.

The most common cause of CO poisoning in campers derives from equipment failure. Usually, exhaust from a camper’s generator that leaks into the living quarters is the culprit.

Thoroughly inspect any exhaust pipes. If broken, repair them before use. If the generator is housed in a storage compartment, it’s imperative there are no leaks into the living quarters. Campers should avoid generator use while asleep, if possible.

Another cause of CO poisoning can come from the exhaust of nearby vehicles. While camping in close quarters, this poses even more of a risk. Never allow vehicles to idle unattended, especially if you plan to remain inside your camper.

Propane Appliances

One other common source of CO gas build up in campers and RVs is propane gas appliances that are unvented or faulty. A buildup of liquid propane (LP) gas poses a risk not only for CO poisoning but also a risk of explosion.

Propane lines can easily succumb to dry rot when stored for long periods of time and not inspected, especially on vintage trailers and RVs that have not been used for several years. LP gas is heavier than air and will sink as low as it can. That means that tanks stored inside the camper or RV there should always have a vent at the lowest point.

It’s pertinent to make sure all CO-emitting equipment is up to date when you restore your vintage trailer. Not only during the restoration process is this important, but one should have propane systems, generators, and appliances inspected annually by a certified RV technician.

Regularly replacing old propane and CO detectors is beneficial in avoiding CO poisoning as well. Always make sure they are functional and install them in the proper places. Because propane is heavier than air, the detector should be installed at the baseboard level. Carbon monoxide detectors are often paired with smoke detectors, which you should also have in your camper.

Asbestos in Vintage Campers

One of the best parts of buying a vintage camper or RV to restore is the ability to completely redo the interior. You can’t go out and buy a brand-new travel trailer with a customized interior without spending a fortune. By gutting and redoing the interior of a vintage camper, the options are endless. However, removing old parts and pieces comes with its own dangers. Restorers should be prepared to protect themselves against exposure to harmful substances and know what to look for.

Before asbestos was partly banned in the United States in the 1980s, it was used in many building products. Asbestos is a group of silicate minerals that can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. When breaking up tile, asbestos can easily become trapped in the abdomen if inhaled or ingested and lead to the development of peritoneal mesothelioma. With mesothelioma usually having a life expectancy of 12-21 months after diagnosis, exposure to asbestos is nothing to take lightly.

Typically, you will remove the floor and any old tile when restoring a camper. Old vinyl tile often becomes worn and dull after years of use. Both the tile and adhesive could contain asbestos if the camper is older than 1980.

Asbestos could also be present in loose-fill insulation. Although batt-style insulation is most common in campers, take precautions against inhaling this material.

If your vintage camper is large enough to be equipped with drum brakes, take care if you perform a brake job yourself. Brake pads and shoes often contained asbestos because of its incredible heat resistance and strength.

To mitigate your risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos, one should wear a high-quality organic respirator and Tyvek suit during the demolition phase. It’s also important to double bag asbestos-containing products in a minimum of 6mm plastic. Before leaving the worksite, remove the Tyvek suit. Immediately wash clothing that was worn, and shower to reduce the chances of asbestos fibers embedding themselves into furniture or other household items.

Water Damage and Mold

Another important part of any restoration project is inspecting for water damage. Travel trailers, both vintage and brand new, are known for springing leaks. Even the smallest leak can result in an immense amount of damage to the structure of the camper. If left unrepaired, this could cause the camper to collapse in on itself.

Possibly more dangerous is the presence of mold. Mold loves moisture, and if water has penetrated the camper shell, you can be certain mold won’t be far behind.

Once you’ve torn out the walls and old insulation in your camper, carefully inspect the wood framing for damage. If any soft spots, black spots, or wet spots are present, you will need to repair them. You can do so by removing the old framing and replacing it with new material. You can sister the new framing to any old framing that hasn’t succumbed to damage.

However, you should remain cautious to make sure the new framing is strong and structurally sound. If you’re not sure how to do so, it’s important to seek professional help in reframing your camper.

Remediating Mold in a Camper

You can remediate mold in a multitude of ways. The first step is to discard any porous material with mold such as cloth or carpet. You can attempt to get rid of mold with white vinegar, but often bleach and soapy water will be the best solution. If the mold is resilient to these treatments on wood framing or interior features, they may need to be removed entirely.

If mold is present, it will certainly need to be dealt with. By allowing mold to grow, you risk serious health side effects. Mold can cause wheezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. With prolonged exposure, mold can also cause more severe chronic lung illnesses from infection.

Get Out and Enjoy It!

Now that you have your vintage camper clean from harmful toxins, customized, and freshly painted, it’s finally time to take it out on the road. Once you have your camper, it will be hard to not want to take it out right away. However, getting out for a weekend at camp isn’t worth the risk of lifelong or life-ending hazards that should be dealt with first.

A vintage camper should be something that fills you with nostalgia and joy — not itchy eyes and wheezing. Take the time to restore your vintage camper safely and properly so you can enjoy it for years to come.