2024 Subaru Outback Review: The Smart SUV Alternative
In this complete 2024 Subaru Outback review, we analyze if this rugged, lifted wagon remains the ultimate choice for adventure-seeking families.
2024 Subaru Outback Review: Quick Verdict
The 2024 Subaru Outback continues to outsmart traditional SUVs by offering the smooth ride and low roofline of a station wagon paired with the ground clearance of a serious off-roader. It delivers exceptional comfort, standard all-wheel-drive confidence, and a highly practical cargo area. Its main compromise lies in the occasionally sluggish infotainment system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that can feel disconnected under hard acceleration.
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Best for: Active families and outdoor enthusiasts who want all-weather capability without the bulky driving dynamics of a traditional midsize SUV.
Skip if: You regularly need a third row of seating or prefer the engaging, sharp handling of a sports sedan.
Pros:
Outstanding ride quality over broken pavement and dirt roads
Generous 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance
Excellent visibility and practical cargo dimensions
Top-tier safety scores and standard driver-assistance features
Cons:
11.6-inch touchscreen can be slow to respond
CVT drones during highway merging
Base 2.5-liter engine feels underpowered fully loaded
Test Vehicle Specifications
SpecificationDetailModel and trim2024 Subaru Outback Touring XTPowertrain2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4Output and torque260 hp / 277 lb-ftTransmission and drivetrainCVT, Symmetrical All-Wheel DriveEPA fuel economy22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 25 mpg combinedSeating capacity5 passengersCargo capacity32.6 cu ft (behind rear) / 75.6 cu ft (max)Towing capacity3,500 poundsBase MSRP$42,795Destination charge$1,345Price as tested$44,140Test detailsSynthesized vehicle analysis
2026 Subaru Outback
What the 2024 Subaru Outback Is Like to Drive
Behind the wheel, the Outback Touring XT behaves exactly as a lifted wagon should: predictably, comfortably, and securely. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine provides a necessary punch over the standard naturally aspirated motor, offering 260 horsepower that makes highway merging and passing maneuvers stress-free.
However, the powertrain’s Achilles’ heel remains the CVT. While Subaru has programmed simulated gear shifts to mimic a traditional automatic, sudden throttle inputs can still result in a rubber-band sensation and noticeable engine drone.
Where the Outback truly shines is its suspension tuning. It absorbs potholes, railroad tracks, and washboard dirt roads with a soft, compliant grace that stiffer, sport-oriented SUVs simply cannot match. The steering is light and somewhat numb, prioritizing long-distance cruising comfort over canyon-carving feedback. With its standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.5 inches on the Wilderness trim) and standard X-Mode traction management, it navigates deep snow and muddy two-track trails with surprising ease.
2026 Subaru Outback
Changes for the Model Year and Design Context
Subaru gave the Outback a significant styling refresh for the previous model year, meaning the 2024 model carries over largely unchanged. The front fascia features aggressive cladding and distinct LED headlights that visually widen the vehicle. While the heavy plastic cladding isn’t for everyone, it serves a functional purpose: protecting the bodywork from brush and shopping carts alike. Its station-wagon body style means the roof is noticeably lower than a typical SUV, making it significantly easier to load kayaks, bikes, or a rooftop tent.
2026 Subaru Outback interior
Interior Comfort, Utility, and Technology
Step inside the Touring XT, and you are greeted with surprising near-luxury trimmings. Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel make the cabin a welcoming place for long road trips. The seats themselves are wide and supportive, though aggressively bolstered they are not.
Ingress and egress are near-perfect. The seat height allows most adults to simply slide in without climbing up or dropping down. Rear-seat legroom is generous at 39.5 inches, comfortably accommodating tall adults. The cargo area is deep and wide, offering 32.6 cubic feet of space with the seats up.
Technology is the Outback’s most polarizing element. The vertically oriented 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen dominates the dashboard. While it neatly integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native software can be slow to boot up upon starting the car. Crucial climate controls, such as the heated seats and fan speed, require screen taps rather than physical buttons, which can distract the driver.
2026 Subaru Outback
Fuel Economy and Real-World Efficiency
The turbocharged XT models take a slight hit in efficiency compared to the base engine. The EPA rates the Touring XT at 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. These are respectable numbers for a permanent all-wheel-drive vehicle weighing nearly 4,000 pounds, though hybrid competitors will easily surpass them.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Subaru’s reputation for safety remains intact. The 2024 Outback earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance systems is standard across the board. It includes adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, pre-collision braking, and lane-departure warning. The lane-centering system works reasonably well on clearly marked highways, though it can occasionally ping-pong between lane lines on gentle curves. It is a strict Level 2 system, requiring the driver’s hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
Pricing, Value, and Alternatives
The Outback lineup spans a wide price range, starting around $30,000 for the base model and climbing past $44,000 for our Touring XT tester. The sweet spot for many buyers is the Premium or Onyx Edition, though if you live at higher elevations or frequently carry heavy loads, upgrading to an XT model for the turbo engine is highly recommended.
When cross-shopping, consider these alternatives:
Honda Passport: Offers a stronger, smoother standard V6 engine and a more traditional upright SUV driving position, but it costs more and is less fuel-efficient.
Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road: A slightly smaller footprint with better fuel economy options (including hybrid), but lacks the smooth ride quality and overall cargo depth of the Outback.
Subaru Forester: The Outback’s showroom sibling features a boxier, taller greenhouse with incredible visibility, but it does not offer a turbocharged engine upgrade and has a slightly less refined ride.
2026 Subaru Outback
Final Verdict
The 2024 Subaru Outback knows exactly what it is, and it refuses to compromise its core mission for the sake of chasing trends. It remains the quintessential anti-SUV, providing superior ride comfort, excellent utility, and proven all-weather capability in a package that is remarkably easy to live with day to day. If you can forgive the occasionally frustrating infotainment screen and the uninspiring CVT, the Outback Touring XT is a tremendously capable, comfortable, and practical family vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru Outback an SUV or a station wagon?
The Outback occupies a middle ground. It is technically classified as a midsize crossover SUV by most agencies, but its long roofline and lower profile are derived from the legacy of station wagons. This design provides excellent ground clearance while keeping the roof easily accessible.
Which Subaru Outback engine is better?
The standard 2.5-liter engine (182 hp) is adequate for daily commuting and yields better fuel economy. However, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine (260 hp) found in XT and Wilderness trims is highly recommended for passing on the highway, driving at high altitudes, or towing.
How much can the 2024 Subaru Outback tow?
When equipped with the base 2.5-liter engine, the Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds. Models equipped with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, such as the XT and Wilderness trims, increase that towing capacity to a very useful 3,500 pounds.
Is the Subaru Outback good in the snow?
Yes, it is exceptional in winter conditions. Thanks to Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard X-Mode traction control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback handles deep snow and slick roads better than most traditional SUVs.
