2024 Subaru Outback XT Review

The 2024 Subaru Outback continues to be highly regarded for its refinement, safety, reliability, and all-weather performance. Despite minimal year-to-year changes, the Outback remains a strong choice due to its affordability and high resale value. This model, originating as a raised station wagon since the 1990s, has seen little alteration since a significant refresh in 2023, maintaining the essence of what makes a Subaru a Subaru. Now in its sixth generation, which debuted in 2020 and refreshed in 2023, the 2024 model retains the same characteristics, underscoring Subaru's consistency across its model years.

Similar Test Drive Reviews:

Presenter: Clifford Atiyeh

#subaru #outback #outbackxt
---------
0:00 The Subaru Outback XT
0:55 Exterior Styling
1:49 Powertrains
2:26 Cargo Space
2:38 Inside the Outback
3:21 Rear Seats
3:33 Infotainment
5:05 Driving Impressions
10:19 Pricing and Competition
10:52 Final Thoughts

[colechapman]

I think it is hilarious that new cars will put everything in a laggy hard-to-use screen with small buttons, but then put a monitoring system incase your eyes are off the road for too long. If you want to be safe, having physical buttons is just better

[minnybiker]

23 limited 2.5 owner. Already got 25, 000 miles on it. It's an absolutely fantastic road trip car. Love it!

[ToddWaddell]

I don't disagree with your description of the steering feel. But concerning the overall handling characteristics, I think you should have considered and discussed the flat four's lower center of gravity. I find the car corners surprisingly well, especially considering it's weight and ground clearance.

[johnthearcher]

I was seriously thinking of leaving the midsize pickup truck market recently and drove one of these. It was the Wilderness Edition. It would have done almost everything I really needed. I just am use to a pickup and the open bed and did not go for the Sub in the end but I have to say this is a stellar vehicle. Comfortable, quiet and loaded for a mid 40K price. We drove a Touring XT as well. I found them both pretty quiet even with the AT tires on the Wilderness. Front seats are wonderful too. Rear legroom perfect. Anyone looking for a midsize SUV type vehicle like a CRV, Rogue, Rav4 etc. should at least go check one of these out. My wife has a Rogue and while quite nice the Sub OB blows it away. We had several Rav4's and while high in reliability they had a terrible rough noisy ride. when my wife's Rogue lease is up I will be back at Subaru for sure.

[hanhanhanhan]

Got my outback XT last year, loving it especially during the winter snowy days ❤

[frankpoperowitzmusic]

I picked up a 24 Onyx XT. I am getting bout 31 MPG on the highway. Love the extra power. Probably my favorite vehicle I've owned and my last ride was a 2021 4Runner TRDORP. Great truck but terrible fuel economy.

[mattheviewer]

As outbacks have relatively tall tires with large sidewalls they tend to be cushier on roads but less precise in handling than, say, a WRX. If you really want faster response, you could stick 20" wheels from the Ascent on it (wil ride harder and be more suspectable to potholes). FYI my '21 Outback XT touring has proven to be one of the best road tripper cars I've owned.

[randyreynolds]

The XT is the best car I have ever had❤.

[gyges]

Best car I’ve had - no problems and can handle any weather, plus the XT has the turbo for some pickup

[miguelsoliz]

I got my 2024 premium in crimson red in June 2023 and have had a few issues. Glue whitening on the roof rails, a smell of coolant on occasion. The remote start works but constantly sends error messages. Had it fixed but keeps sending messages. The delay on the touch screen is 3-5 seconds daily. But I still really enjoy driving a station wagon with 8” of clearance with traction control and the awd system is a great.

[danp]

As with any turbo vs NA debate, altitude can make a huge difference in driver experience. The power difference between the two is far more apparent in mountainous colorado than it is in coastal PNW.

[GetOffMyyLawn]

I am on my 3rd Outback... each with a different version of the 2.5l base engine... never had a problem getting on the highway or keeping up with traffic. 95% of the time, you won't miss the turbo, or the mpg penalty you get 100% of the time.

[davidaguiar]

I have a 2020 OB ltd XT. It's basically the same as the 2024 . I love the car and would agree that there is some mushiness and rolling in winding turns ( especially when your on it) However, when I changed the factory tires to Continentals Cross Contact LX Sports, that largely went away. The car is even more fun to drive now. p.s. I also agree, adding the XT/Turbo makes this car a joy to drive in any conditions vs a basic grocery getter. acceleration is SO much better on ramps, passing on hills etc. It works out to a couple of grand more but you get more options included in the XT trims. You also get a beefier transmission with 250% more towing capacity.

[chrisb]

The Outback XT’s are awesome cars for the money!

[TheLanard]

I have the Touring as a loaner right now. I actually like it a little better than my Forester. It rides better and has more comfortable seats. However, it has the same engine as my Forester. In my car it’s…adequate. In the Outback it’s underpowered, even with just me in it and the AC off. I’d definitely spring for the XT with the turbo. My last loaner was the Ascent, and its turbo was strong. It must be even better in the Outback. I think the Outback is the best looking station wagon since the old Taurus wagon, in my opinion.

[paulm]

This is what SAAB really wanted to be. A great vehicle for those that are a bit different and great price.

[AyoBrownKid]

The Army Company Commander Starter Pack lol.

[thomasb.]

Base Engine is fine with much better gas mileage by at least 4-5 more mpg in the real world have a 21 touring with almost 100k and average 34mpg cross country multiple times. Don’t think this was the best reviewer in my opinion.

[onetimer]

The base engine is fine for most folks. If you ride heavily loaded often, need to tow more or live at altitude or in the mountains the turbo is nice-to-have but not really needed. The MPG hit on the turbo for those who mostly drive short inner city distances is more than just a few mpg's. Just gotta gauge your priorities and needs. I've got a '15 2.5L NA OB with nearly 180k on it now, it's been fantastic. We're buying a new car right now. I've driven a few other makes but we've decided on another OB.

[crashthestash]

XT or nothing. Agree the steering could be tighter.