The 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT's cargo space swamps the competition
The Subaru wagon boasts more cargo space than luxury competitors and even Subaru’s own SUVs – but what does that mean in real terms?
Driving the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT was an enjoyable – if sedate – experience. But what the wagon lacks in driving verve it more than makes up for in practicality and premium feel. The car is so practical that I felt it was necessary to pursue a continuation of the long-running Autoblog luggage test. Long story short: the 2025 Subaru Outback has some serious cargo space.
The 2025 Subaru Outback beats out Audi and Volvo wagons in storage space
The spec sheet says the 2025 Outback has just over 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats – which fold down for even more space. The Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo V60 Cross Country offer 30.0 and 26 cubic feet, respectively.
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Fold down the seats and the story remains the same. The Outback offers a superior 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Audi A6 Allroad offers 63.8 cubic feet. The Volvo comes in last with 61 cubic feet. While I suspect the Subaru will more closely be cross-shopped with smaller economy SUVs rather than luxury wagons, it’s an interesting comparison and these are – technically – the closest competitors. Steven Paul
The Subaru Outback’s impressive cargo figures translate to the real world
In the photos, you’ll spot the following cargo. My trusty black duffel, measuring 11.5 x 18.5 x 9.0. My partner packs a lot heavier than me, and you’ll see a 21.3 x 10.3 x 11.8 striped bag, a 13.6 x 9.5 x 20.9 roller case, and a teal bag measuring 16.1 x 8.3 x 15.7. They all fit easily into the cavernous storage space. The load-in height felt about the same as my partner’s Toyota RAV4 at 28-29 inches.
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An included cargo cover makes things a little tighter. Our stuff fits underneath it, and I reckon if we really needed to we could squish and get two – maybe three - more duffels in there. Of course, you can always remove it and stack bags as needed. Folding down the rear seats is also an option if you don’t have passengers. While the seats don’t fold completely flat, it’s pretty close, and a helpful 60/40 split gives the Outback even more versatility. Steven Paul
As you can see, the 2025 Outback is eminently practical, and there’s quite a lot at this price point that it outperforms in the cargo space arena. The Mazda CX-5 offers less cargo space overall. The Volkswagen Tiguan gives up 10 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down. The same goes for the Bronco Sport, which offers similarly outdoorsy perks. Steven Paul
Final thoughts: 2025 Outback luggage test
The 2025 Subaru Outback is, above all else, practical. That tracks as practicality is most of the appeal a wagon offers. Being lighter on its feet than SUV rivals, while still offering similar or superior cargo space, makes it worthy of consideration if you’re shopping in the small SUV segment.
