- The 2024 Outback gets a styling update for Wilderness model
- Heated steering wheel comes to more trims
- Pricing starts at $28,895 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Outback models on sale near you
The 2024 Subaru Outback is a high-riding SUV-like wagon that comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a choice of two flat-4 engines. Practical and roomy inside, the Outback routinely impresses us with its versatility and value. Competitors include the Honda Passport and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Powering the base Outback is a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The EPA combined fuel-economy rating with this engine is a respectable 28 mpg. Optional is a turbocharged version of this same 4-cylinder that delivers 260 hp and is also teamed with a CVT. Acceleration with this turbo engine is strong, but EPA combined fuel economy dips a bit to 25 mpg.
For the 2024 model year, Subaru has updated the styling of the more off-road focuses Wilderness trim. Extensive exterior plastic cladding gives every Outback an outdoorsy, SUV-like appearance. Subaru has also brought a heated steering wheel to additional trims for the 2024 model year.
Let’s take a look inside the 2024 Subaru Outback:
Passenger Room and Comfort
The 2024 Subaru Outback has supportive seats and plenty of passenger space, including 39.5 inches of legroom for those seated in the second row. That’s commendable spread-out space.
Cloth seats are standard on base models, and water-repellant StarTex and leather are available on the higher trims. Starting below $30,000, the base 2024 Subaru Outback is easy on the budget, but we think upgrading one trim level higher is worth it. For about $2,300 more, the Outback Premium comes with appreciated niceties like power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
At the Limited and Touring levels, the Outback includes even more, most notably heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Features and Tech
Once again, the base Outback makes a tempting choice when compared to pricier rivals. Standard features include dual 7-inch infotainment screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, a 4-speaker audio system, and two USB-A ports.
All other Outback trims feature a vertically mounted 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, two additional USB-C ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. We’re happy to report that frequently used controls like audio volume and climate settings have dedicated knobs or buttons to make them easy to adjust while driving. GPS navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a booming 576-watt/12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are available (or, in some instances, standard) on the Limited and Touring trims.
Updated cameras and software have improved the efficacy of features bundled into Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite. Standard on every Outback, Eyesight includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and rear-seat reminder.
Materials and Design
The interior of the Outback may not be cutting-edge in terms of its appearance and layout, but everything works well.
Major controls are logically placed, and the trim feels able to withstand many years of abuse, be it from commuting duty, road trips, spilled drinks, kids, or our fur-shedding four-legged friends.
Higher trim levels have a more luxurious air thanks to leather seating surfaces, a powered moonroof, and upmarket tech gear. Yet, at its core, the Subaru Outback cabin is no-nonsense and all the better for it. There’s also a Wilderness model with water-repellent upholstery and mud protection.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Behind the standard 60/40 split-folding rear seatback is a sizable 32.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. The space expands to 75.6 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded. That’s generous, particularly when considering that the Outback doesn’t look or feel like a ponderously large SUV when cruising down the road.
Subaru has plenty of accessories for the Outback, too. These include a rear seatback protector, a rear cargo net, bike and cargo carriers from Thule, and even a non-slip pet ramp and a collapsible pet kennel.
Build and price your version of the 2024 Subaru Outback to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price. Browse Outback models for sale near you.
