2024 Subaru Outback

2024 Subaru Outback Highlights

The Subaru Outback has a bit of an identity crisis. Is it an SUV or a station wagon? This conflict doesn’t dissuade buyers as the Outback remains one of Subaru’s perennial best-sellers. With rugged styling and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Outback suits the masses who are looking for all-weather capability. At the same time, a lower greenhouse and elongated roof give it wagon proportions. Short of some minor exterior changes to the more capable Wilderness edition and a modest reshuffling of the standard equipment list, the 2024 Subaru Outback is a carryover from the previous year.

Key Details

• Midsize wagon body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Two engine options: 2.5-liter boxer I-4 and 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer I-4 (XT models)
• Standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Benefits

• Spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo space
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Available turbocharged engine
• Notable ground clearance and off-road capability, especially in the Wilderness trim
• A comprehensive suite of advanced safety features and driver assistance technologies

Learn More: Which Years Of Used Subaru Outbacks Are Most Reliable?

2024 Subaru Outback Overview

Performance

The 2024 Subaru Outback offers two engine options. A 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine is standard on the Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, and Onyx Edition trims, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant can be described as “adequate,” offering enough boost for everyday tasks but may leave drivers wanting more during highway merging.

For those seeking more power and performance, the XT models (Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, and Touring XT) feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This boxer engine delivers strong acceleration and an improved towing capability of 3,500 pounds.

All grades have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) programmed more for efficiency than acceleration, contributing to the base engine's underwhelming performance. The upgraded powerplant overcomes this by adding more horsepower and torque.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2024 Outback top marks (a five-star rating) for overall safety performance. In addition, the 2024 Subaru Outback has been awarded the Top Safety Pick designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the organization's second-highest rating.

All 2024 Outback models come standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features that includes:

• Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering
• Pre-collision braking and throttle management
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane keep assist

Higher trims offer additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and a driver distraction mitigation system.

Driving

The 2024 Subaru Outback delivers a confident driving experience reinforced by standard all-wheel drive. At the same time, well-weighted steering makes this wagon easy to maneuver in tight spaces. All of this is brought together by a suspension engineered for a smooth ride across different surfaces.

The Wilderness trim takes the Outback's off-road capability to the next level with upgraded suspension components, increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and additional body cladding for improved protection. This trim is ideal for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who frequently tackle more challenging terrains.

Interior

The 2024 Subaru Outback features a spacious, well-appointed interior that still underscores practicality. This modern and inviting atmosphere doesn’t hinder the Outback’s core mission: transporting people comfortably and safely. Both rows feature ample legroom and headroom for taller occupants.

Despite the Outback's shorter height, this wagon still allows for a notable cargo capacity, with 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The wide and flat cargo floor, combined with the low liftover height, makes loading and unloading large items a breeze.

Higher trims introduce premium features such as Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic power moonroof.

Technology

All 2024 Subaru Outback models come equipped with the Starlink Multimedia system, which features either a 7-inch or 11.6-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The system offers seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth.

Other available Subaru Outback tech includes:

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Wireless device charging
• Rear-seat USB charging ports

The available 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen, standard on all but the base trim, provides an intuitive user experience supported by responsive touch controls.

Fuel Economy

The Outback’s fuel economy is competitive within the midsize wagon and SUV segments, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. EPA-estimated ratings for the 2024 Subaru Outback vary depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration:

2.5-liter four-cylinder

• AWD (mpg): 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined

2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder

• AWD (mpg): 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined

2024 Subaru Outback Reviews

2024 Subaru Outback reviews on Kelley Blue Book have an average rating of 3.9 out of 5, which doesn’t match Subaru’s strong brand loyalty among its customers. Nonetheless, the Outback gets strong praise for comfort, reliability, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) for confident handling in various conditions
• Available turbocharged engine for improved performance and towing capacity
• Wilderness trim with extra off-road capabilities
• Welcoming and comfortable cabin

Problems

• Base boxer engine may feel underpowered for some drivers
• The infotainment system on lower trims has a smaller screen compared to some competitors
• Some rivals offer more luxurious interiors or advanced technology features
• The turbocharged engine option is limited to higher trims

Explore: Here Are The Subaru Outback Years To Avoid

CoPilot's Take

Buyers looking for an AWD-equipped vehicle that’s not a traditional boxy crossover will find the 2024 Subaru Outback an ideal option. With its perfect blend of wagon practicality and SUV-like capability, the Outback is well-suited for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who values comfort and all-weather performance. The Outback’s strong showing in safety testing from NHTSA and IIHS, along with its standard advanced driver aids, are more appealing factors.

The Outback’s extensive trim lineup with eight grades may be overwhelming for some buyers, but this range ensures shoppers can find a version that meets their needs and budgets. All that’s required is a bit of homework to get a better understanding of each trim.

While the base 2.5-liter engine may feel a bit underpowered for some, the available 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT models significantly boosts performance and towing capacity. Just be prepared to pay for the privilege.

2024 Subaru Outback FAQs

Was the Subaru Outback redesigned in 2024?

No, Subaru did not make any substantial changes to the 2024 Outback or make any major updates for the 2025 model year.

What colors are available for a 2024 Subaru Outback?

The 2024 Subaru Outback is available in numerous exterior colors, which can vary by trim. These options include:

• Crystal Black Silica
• Crystal White Pearl
• Magnetite Gray Metallic
• Autumn Green Metallic
• Crimson Red Pearl
• Brilliant Bronze Metallic
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Abyss Blue Pearl
• Geyser Blue

Where is the 2024 Subaru Outback made?

The 2024 Subaru Outback is manufactured at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana. This state-of-the-art facility, which opened in 1989, is Subaru's only manufacturing plant outside of Japan and has produced various Subaru models for the North American market. In addition to the Outback, the SIA plant currently produces the Subaru Legacy, Impreza, and Ascent models.

What trims are available for the 2024 Subaru Outback?

2024 Subaru Outback configurations include the following trims:

• 2024 Subaru Outback base
• 2024 Subaru Outback Premium
• 2024 Subaru Outback Limited
• 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition
• 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT
• 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness
• 2024 Subaru Outback Limited XT
• 2024 Subaru Outback Touring
• 2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT