From behind the wheel of the 2024 Subaru Outback, the first thing you notice is how seamlessly it blends the two things that made the original a cult hit: a car-like ride and genuine off-road capability. The Outback has been around for nearly three decades, and this latest iteration refines the formula without reinventing it. That’s mostly a good thing, though a few creaks show their age.
What’s New for 2024?
Subaru gave the Outback a mid-cycle refresh for 2024. The changes are evolutionary: a redesigned front fascia with a larger grille, updated LED headlights, and revised bumpers. Inside, the big news is a new 11.6-inch touchscreen (standard on all trims) that finally replaces the aging dual-screen setup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, and the infotainment system responds faster than before. Wilderness models get a unique front bumper with improved approach angles, and all trims receive additional sound-deadening material. Under the hood, things remain the same: a 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both engines pair with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive.
On the Road: The Turbo Makes the Case
I spent a week with a 2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT, the turbocharged top trim. The 2.4-liter engine delivers its 260 lb-ft of torque smoothly, pulling from 2,000 rpm with none of the CVT’s usual droning. Zero to 60 mph comes in about 6.3 seconds, which is respectable for a wagon that weighs nearly 4,000 pounds. The steering is light but accurate, and the suspension soaks up bumps well. On unpaved fire roads near Malibu, the Outback’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive inspire confidence. It’s no rock crawler, but for light off-roading, it’s one of the best non-truck options. The base 2.5-liter, which I sampled briefly, feels underpowered on climbs; if you can afford the XT, it’s worth the upgrade.
Interior: Comfortable but Not Luxurious
Settle into the driver’s seat and you’ll find a cabin that’s functional and handsomely trimmed, if not quite premium. The seats are supportive on long drives, and rear legroom is generous. The new touchscreen dominates the dash, but Subaru kept physical knobs for volume and tuning—thank you. Cargo space is a highlight: 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 with them folded. That beats most midsize SUVs and nearly matches the old Volvo V90. My biggest complaint is the cheap-feeling plastic on the lower door panels and the lack of a real transmission selector—the CVT’s mechanical stubby lever feels dated. Still, for the price—about $38,000 as tested for the Touring XT—the overall package is strong.
Safety and Technology
Every 2024 Subaru Outback comes with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver assists: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and driver attention monitoring. The system works well on highways, though the lane centering can be a bit too insistent in curves. The Outback earns top safety scores from IIHS and NHTSA. Blind-spot monitoring is standard on Premium trim and above. Rear cross-traffic alert is included. The new infotainment system is a big improvement, but the screen still collects fingerprints readily and can be slow to wake up when you start the car. Overall, the tech is competitive but not class-leading.
The Competition
The 2024 Subaru Outback’s main rivals are the Volvo V60 Cross Country and the Audi A4 Allroad. The Volvo is more refined and luxurious, but costs about $10,000 more and has less cargo space. The Audi is quicker and more athletic, but its ride is firmer and its ground clearance is 2 inches less. There’s also the rugged Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which is an SUV rather than a wagon. The Outback’s sweet spot remains its blend of car-like driving dynamics, off-road ability, and affordable pricing. For buyers who need genuine capability without moving to a truck-based SUV, the Outback is a compelling choice.
Ownership Costs and Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is decent but not class-leading. The base 2.5-liter returns 26 mpg city, 33 highway (29 combined), while the turbo XT drops to 22/29 (25 combined). Real-world numbers we saw were slightly lower: about 27 mpg mixed with the turbo. Subaru recommends premium fuel for the XT, which adds about $3–4 per fill-up. Long-term reliability is a Subaru strong suit; the Outback consistently scores above average in J.D. Power studies. Resale value remains solid—expect to retain about 50% of the purchase price after five years, beating most inline competitors. Routine maintenance costs are moderate; an oil change runs $70–$100 at a dealer. If you plan to keep the car past 100,000 miles, the naturally aspirated engine is simpler and cheaper to maintain. For those who lease, the turbo’s higher residual value makes the monthly payment surprisingly close to the base model.
The Verdict: Pros, Cons, and Whether You Should Actually Buy One
Pros: Roomier than most SUVs, genuinely capable off-road, comfortable ride, excellent safety scores, strong turbo engine option.
Cons: Base engine is sluggish, interior plastics disappoint, CVT can feel rubbery at times, infotainment still glitches occasionally.
Bottom line: The 2024 Subaru Outback remains the gold standard for active families who need a vehicle that does a little of everything. It’s not the most exciting to drive, and the interior isn’t luxury-grade, but it delivers where it counts. If you can swing the turbo, do it—the base engine is adequate at best.
Score: 7.5/10