The quirky and charming 2024 Subaru Outback strikes the right balance of comfort and off-road capability

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The 2024 Subaru Outback is a 2-row midsize SUV with a lower profile, standard AWD, and a strong reputation for safety and resale value. Pricing starts at $28,895. The 2024 Subaru Outback is truly something different. Whether you want to call it a wagon or an SUV, the Outback has the practical benefits of a roomy and flexible interior, excellent safety scores, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and all of the quirky charm we love about the Subaru brand. Many cars and SUVs have AWD, but the Outback has some serious off-road capabilities, especially the adventurous Wilderness model. The Outback is one-of-a-kind to some degree, but it competes as Subaru’s FUJHY, +0.32% offering in the 2-row midsize SUV segment. In the Subaru lineup, it sits between the smaller Forester and larger, 3-row Ascent in size and price. 2024 Subaru Outback pricing The 2024 Subaru Outback Subaru The 2024 Subaru Outback starts at $28,895. The popular Premium trim starts at $31,195, and the loaded Touring XT model starts at $42,795. If you want the turbocharged engine, the most affordable XT model starts at $39,360. Similarly priced SUVs include the Hyundai HYMTF, +0.16% Santa Fe and the Nissan NSANY, +1.47% Murano. Outback $28,895 Outback Premium $31,195 Outback Limited $35,795 Outback Onyx Edition $36,105 Outback Onyx Edition XT $39,360 Outback Wilderness $39,960 Outback Limited XT $40,195 Outback Touring $40,345 Outback Touring XT $42,795 These are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and don’t include the $1,295 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge). Before buying an Outback, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. You might like: The 2024 Kia Seltos review: A great SUV gets even better Resale value champ The Subaru Outback is the reigning champion for KBB’s Best Resale Value award in its class. Recouping more money when you sell can mean more money for your next down payment. What’s new? The Subaru Outback just got a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year. The 2024 model brings the Wilderness model up to speed with updated styling in-line with last year’s update. Another update this year is a standard heated steering wheel on the Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, and Wilderness trims. Also see: The new 2023 Honda Pilot is bigger, more powerful and now has a rugged off-road model, too Driving the 2024 Subaru Outback The 2024 Subaru Outback Subaru In our experience, the Subaru Outback strikes an excellent balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. Even if you never venture away from the pavement, the Outback serves a compliant ride and easy driveability. The performance from the standard engine is, shall we say, relaxed. We find it adequate for daily commuting and errand running, and it’s strong enough to be comfortable on the highway. The enthusiast in us strongly prefers the optional turbocharged engine and its confident acceleration, but the standard engine makes more sense for most drivers. We’re always impressed when we have the pleasure of driving a Subaru Outback off-road. The Outback’s tall ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and favorable approach and departure angles make it slightly more advanced in its off-road skills than the average SUV. It’s especially adventurous in the Wilderness trim with even higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and enhanced X-Mode. Plus: The 2023 Subaru Solterra reviewed: Price, range and more for this new electric SUV Spacious interior The wagon-like body of the Subaru Outback yields a spacious interior. We can confirm that the rear seats are spacious enough to be comfortable for adults, and there’s tons of cargo space. Fold down the rear seats and you can fit some big stuff in the Outback. The interior materials vary depending on the trim. Cloth upholstery is standard, leather is optional, and durable StarTex water-repellant upholstery comes with the Onyx Edition and Wilderness models. Regardless of trim, the Outback is a comfortable car. A vertically-oriented infotainment system with an 11.6-inch screen is standard on all but the base trim. This system comes with a bit of a learning curve compared to the simpler system in the base model, but we like the list of features that includes SiriusXM, HD Radio, and wireless Android Auto/Apple AAPL, -0.43% CarPlay. Rugged exterior Subaru admits that the aesthetics of the Outback are inspired by a hiking boot. This wagon-like SUV has a rugged look with standard raised roof rails, generous body cladding, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Wilderness trim has an even more outdoorsy look with revised bumpers, more ground clearance, yellow accents, and black wheels with all-terrain tires. You might like: The redesigned 2024 Chevy Trax: a roomy, affordable crossover SUV with zippy driving dynamics Our favorite features and tech Standard AWD In classic Subaru fashion, all-wheel drive is standard on every Outback, giving it the capability to back up its go-anywhere aesthetic. EyeSight driver assist technology Every Outback features a comprehensive set of driver assist and safety tech, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Starlink multimedia system The Starlink infotainment system is available with an 11.6-inch screen loaded with features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. It’s full-featured, but not the most intuitive to operate at first. X-Mode X-Mode comes standard on every Outback, and it optimizes the AWD system to maximize traction in off-road driving. The Onyx Edition and Wilderness models have a more advanced Dual-Function X-Mode with more off-road drive modes. Available turbo engine The turbocharged engine in the XT and Wilderness models makes the Outback more exciting to drive on-road and off. Wilderness model The Subaru Outback Wilderness is more than just an appearance package. It improves its off-road chops with more ground clearance, all-terrain tires, improved angles, and Enhanced X-Mode. Engine and transmission The Subaru Outback has two engine options, both of which come standard with all-wheel drive. The base engine is a 4-cylinder that gets pretty good fuel economy, making it the economical choice. A gutsy turbo engine is available for drivers craving more power and willing to take a hit in efficiency. 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine 182 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm 176 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/32 mpg 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine 260 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm 277 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (Wilderness: 21/26 mpg) More Outback fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website. 3-year/36,000-mile warranty The Subaru Outback is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. These warranties are on par with the industry average. KBB’s car review methodology. This story originally ran on KBB.com.