2024 Subaru Outback

The Wilderness Edition sees some tweaks this year that bring it in line with the rest of the range, for better or worse. All models now have wide, vertical strips of unpainted trim unglamorously attached to their front bumpers. The Wilderness actually manages to look a little better than before, though it’s far from pretty.

Inside, things get better. All but the cheapest Outback model include a big 11.3-inch touchscreen mounted vertically, as well as clean, simple lines and only a handful of buttons and knobs. The range-topping Touring can be had with brown leather trim and convincing fake wood, which helps justify its price tag. Onyx and Wilderness versions have water-repellent upholstery.

How fast is the Subaru Outback?

Now that’s a sore spot. Most use a 182-hp flat-4 that delivers middling acceleration, though it works well enough with the CVT. Paddle shifters are on board to help with highway passing and hill descents.

The optional turbo—models with XT badges—shift 260 hp to all four wheels. They’re quick and smooth, but something about the transmission tuning makes it hard to get a smooth start. CVTs and turbos should be natural companions, and Subaru has proven with its WRX that they can even be fun together, but the Outback needs another round of refinement. 

On the upside, ride quality matches many luxury cars thanks to a long wheelbase and reasonable wheel sizes that enable Subaru to pack in taller tire sidewalls. 

Towing capacity ranges from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds. A trailer hitch is optional.

The second row has an ample 39.5 inches of legroom and big door openings. 

Out back (see what we did there?), the Outback can lug just shy of 33 cubic feet of cargo, which expands to 75.7 cubes with the 60/40 split-folding seat back flopped down.

Materials inside impress, though small-item storage is just so-so.

Outward vision is terrific forward thanks to narrow roof pillars, but a little tricky rearward. A surround-view camera system is on the options list.

The base model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, twin 7.0-inch screens, and wired smartphone mirroring. 

Which Subaru Outback should I buy?

We’d spend up for the Premium at $32,490. It trades the inelegant twin-screen setup for an 11.6-inch touchscreen oriented vertically, and with wireless smartphone mirroring. It also has two USB-A and two USB-C ports, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver's seat, and heated front seats. Blind-spot monitors, keyless start, and a hands-free power tailgate can be added for a somewhat hefty $1,400 more. A sunroof and navigation add another $1,500, which starts to make higher-end trim levels seem equally appealing. 

How much is a fully loaded Subaru Outback?

The lineup creeps northward through Limited (think leather), Onyx (think black-out trim, a sunroof, and easy-clean synthetic leather), and Wilderness (the off-roady choice) versions before landing at the $44,090 Touring XT with its brown leather trim, surround-view camera system, and cooled front seats.

All models use regular unleaded fuel.