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2024 Subaru Outback review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Subaru Outback highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Smooth, comfortable ride
  • Plenty capable in bad weather
  • Lots of interior space

Cons

  • Less cargo storage than rivals
  • So-so fuel economy
  • Slow acceleration from standard engine

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 26 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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The 2024 Subaru Outback is a capable yet comfortable SUV

The 2024 Subaru Outback is a do-it-all SUV that's equally at home running errands as it is tackling snow-covered roads. The Outback, like all Subarus, comes with standard all-wheel drive. Combined with high ground clearance, the Outback is surprisingly capable.

The Outback is a bit of a cross between a wagon and an SUV. Its lower roof compromises interior cargo space but provides easier access to roof railings when transporting large items.

The Outback has little direct competition because of the way it blends off-road ability with on-road comfort. The Outback offers a more comfortable ride than truck-like SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner and delivers better off-road capability than SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. The Jeep Cherokee and Honda Passport come closest to its unique blend of off-road ability and on-road comfort in more traditional SUV styling.

All Subaru Outback years

What is new for the 2024 Subaru Outback?

  • Outback trims have been upgraded with Rear Defroster, Cruise Control, and Remote Start as standard equipment this year.
  • The Touring trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, A/C Seat(s), Leatherette Seats, and AM/FM Stereo as standard equipment.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Side Airbags, Power Locks, and Overhead Airbags as standard equipment.
  • The Onyx Edition XT trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.
  • The Touring XT trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Leatherette Seats, Bluetooth Technology, and AM/FM Stereo as standard equipment.
  • The Wilderness trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel and Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment.

Subaru Outback photos

5 reasons to buy the 2024 Subaru Outback

What We Like 

  • Off-road capability: The Outback isn't meant for serious off-roading or rock crawling, but its standard all-wheel drive and high ride height make it a great option if you want to go camping off the beaten path. It's also very handy in bad weather, making it a solid choice for those who get a lot of snow in the winter.  

  • Roomy interior: While the Outback's cargo space is only so-so compared to rivals, its passenger space is not. The Subaru is plenty comfortable in the front and back rows for all but the tallest of passengers.  

  • Comfortable ride: The Outback's front seats are plenty comfortable for long drives. Its on-road comfort is also excellent, delivering a smooth ride that easily handles potholes and speed bumps.  

What Needs Improvement 

  • Slow acceleration: The Subaru Outback is a bit sluggish when moving from a stop. Merging onto crowded highways can be challenging, and you'll need plenty of space if you want to pass a slower vehicle. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Subaru Outback an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru Outback 10th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Subaru Outback is $516, compared to an average of $494 for Midsize SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

According to RepairPal, Subaru Outback owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.0 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Midsize SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Subaru Outback, compared to an average of 14% for Midsize SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Subaru Outback features and specs

Premium 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • CD Audio
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

182

Torque (ft-lbs)

176

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

108.1"

Overall length

191.9"

Width

74.2"

Height

66.4"

Leg room

F 42.8"/R 39.5"

Head room

F 40.1"/R 39.1"

Front tires

P225/65HR17

Rear tires

P225/65HR17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

270/2700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2024 Subaru Outback FAQ


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