Test by Tom Appel
2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT
Specs
Class: Midsize Car
Color: Autumn Green
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 149
Real-world fuel economy: 22.1 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | B+ |
| Fuel Economy | B- |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A- |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 260-horsepower 2.4-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged 4-cyinder |
| Transmission | CVT automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 22/29/25 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $42,795 (not including $1295 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: All-weather floor liners ($141)
Price as tested: $44,231
Pros and Cons
The great: Roomy, nicely finished cabin, off-road/foul-weather prowess
The good: Ample power from turbocharged engine; wagon utility
The not so good: Fuel economy could be better
Review
We call the Subaru Outback a car. This troubles some people, as Subaru has clearly positioned the Outback as a crossover, and the vehicle’s rugged, off-road-ready design seem to support that mission. But, as a matter of fact, the Outback is mechanically similar to the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan, save for its wagon body, so rough-and-tumble trim bits, and a slightly raised ride height.
Not that what we call the Outback matters, it’s a hot-seller for Subaru, and American car shoppers seem to like the vehicle regardless of how it’s categorized. But for us, quite simply, Subaru sells a compact crossover, the excellent Forester, and a midsize crossover, the Ascent, leaving the Outback as something of an Outlier.
Interestingly, the wagon-utility vehicle was been interpreted by other carmakers, including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and even Buick, but none of those saw anything like the success enjoyed by the Outback. For 2024, the most-rugged Outback, the Wilderness, sees minor trim changes, otherwise, Subaru’s popular station wagon/crossover carries over unchanged.
The ’24 Outback lineup ascends through Base (about $30,000), Premium ($32,000), Limited ($36,000), Onyx Edition ($36,000), Onyx XT ($40,000), Wilderness ($40,000), Touring ($40,000), Limited XT ($40,000), and Touring XT ($43,000) trim levels.
Except for the Wilderness and XT models, the Outback is powered by a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The more-premium Outbacks come with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four rated at 260 horsepower. Both engines mate exclusively to a CVT automatic transmission.
And, true to the Subaru brand, all Outbacks are equipped with AWD.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of the 2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT, and found it fully up to the task of handling crossover-style duties while enjoying a premium-carlike ride, and decent fuel economy. As we’ve already awarded the Outback 2024 Best Buy status, we’d like to focus on what it is we appreciate most about Subaru’s popular midsize car (feel free to call it a crossover):
2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT:
5 Cool Things
It’s Comfortable
Like the mechanically similar Subaru Legacy, the Outback boasts large door openings and a surprising spacious cabin. Add in a generous dose of glass, and you have an open and airy passenger compartment that will comfortably accommodate four adults for even extended highway drives.
Throw in a quiet cabin and quality Harman Kardon-brand sound systems and you have the makings of an excellent family-trip conveyance.
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It’s Composed
The Outback, in any trim level, rides and handles like a more-expensive vehicle. The Outback conveys a sense of structure and solidity underway that feels both luxurious and reassuring. The Outback also handles well, with a sense of sportiness absent from most like-sized crossovers.
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It’s Capable
There’s a lot of branding here, but we’ll get through it: Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-Mode Traction Management System is among the industry’s best AWD systems, at least as far as snow is concerned. The Editors of Consumer Guide have enjoyed the services of Subaru products of all sizes and classes during Chicago-style blizzard conditions over the years, and have never been less than impressed.
Plus, the potent turbocharged engine serves up plenty of low-speed grunt, which is perfect for crawling over snow drifts, doesn’t ask too much in the way of extra fuel. And, despite its power output, the turbocharged engine does not require premium fuel.
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It’s Classy
Our test car came in just under $45,000, but plays like a much more expensive vehicle. Keep in mind that price includes Subaru’s excellent AWD system, but in Touring trim, the Outback feels convincingly upscale. The 2-tone leather upholstery, classy bright-metal accents, and soft-touch trim bits combine to create an environment that would not disappoint in a $60,000 vehicle.
Again, the quiet cabin, premium audio systems, and smooth power delivery all contribute to the overall luxury feel of the Outback.
It’s Cool
The Outback plays in a segment of one. No other maker—luxury or otherwise—has been able to package a vehicle with utility and carlike attributes of a station wagon with the foul-weather capability of an SUV as effectively as Subaru. Even if you never hit the snow—or leave the pavement—owning an Outback suggests that you are ready for the rough stuff, even if you’re likely to spend most of your time on the blacktop.
Coming Soon: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
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2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
