2024 Subaru Outback / Cult of Rationality

We meet once again. The Outback is at the tail end of its generation so it's time to see what they should change and what works. I also want to see if it still has what it takes to go against the Toyota Venza, Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee and countless other midsize, two row suvs.

Thank you, Royal on the Eastside, for letting me test drive numerous Outbacks over the years!

@drivingsports Outback snow test

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00:00 Intro
00:24 Exterior / Pricing
02:16 Interior
06:26 Drive
12:15 Reliability / Safety
13:50 Final Thoughts

[rafaelcalderon]

I have been a Toyota guy my entire life. But, I got tired of paying extra for basic comfort features; so I just purchased a 2023 Outback Onyx XT. So far it has exceeded my expectations. I still have my 2015 Tundra TRD Pro in my stable. I will use the Onyx for those long trips to visit my grandkids.

[minnybiker]

I was a Toyota guy as well... Now drive a '23 Outback Limited 2.5, and absolutely love it. The touchscreen can be a little laggy at times, but works well and looks nice overall. The extendable seat cushion for the driver is fantastic (I'm 6'2"). I do notice the wind noise (my Prius had none of that), but the road noise and rattles are essentially non-existent (my Prius had ALL of that). So, I would say the Outback is a much more luxurious experience compared to the Prius. My brother's Highlander is probably a little quieter than my Outback. But I love the elevated car height of the Outback vs the low Prius and the tall Highlander. It's pretty close to perfect.

[ItsTheSidJ]

I am a Subaru Impreza owner. I was literally telling my wife today how much I love the Outback, and if Subaru comes out with a hybrid Outback next year, I would no way look at another brand.

[briandeiwert]

The Outback is a sensible, non-flashy, logical automobile. It isn't designed to impress. It's designed to do the job! It is all-weather capable, comfortable, and has enough utility to do many home improvement jobs or get you to your favorite camping spot. Lumber and PVC pipe for home improvement projects can either fit inside with the tailgate open, or just be strapped to the crossbars on top. It'll tow 3, 500 lbs so the Outback can handle small utility trailers, small campers, a small boat or jet skis. Outbacks are more fuel efficient than most SUVs and any pickup truck other than a Maverick hybrid.

There's a reason Subaru sells every one they can make out of that Lafayette, Indiana plant.

[kennorcott]

As someone who has driven every single Outback version, as I work at a subie dealer, the wilderness with the turbo engine is by far my favorite

[WayneKnight_Rider]

nice job! I bought one and still find myself watching the reviews. I guess I like the car that much!

[sawyer]

I have a ‘21 Touring XT and absolutely love it. Plenty quick with the 2.4 turbo and the perfect road trip machine with great seats and tons of storage. Only complaint is the over reliance on the touch screen infotainment.

[saltyt.]

Great review Tyler!
The Outback Touring XT is hard to beat for ride, comfort and power!
This is a keeper!

I recently bought a 2024 Outback Limited and I couldn't be happier.

[SIGINT]

I've got a '22 OBW with almost 36k miles on it. It's fun to surprise restraining order bros at stoplights and it can hold it's own off the road too. Mine has seen more dirt/mud than most Jeeps and has never let me down.

[erikdavenport]

Trading in my 2016 for a 2024 onyx on Monday. Can’t wait 🎉

[chriscowan]

Excellent detail here review as usual.

[barryg]

This really is one of the best reviews out there.

[danhall]

Having owned a 2003 Forester, and 2010, 2015, and 2022 Outbacks, all with 2.5 NA engine, I have to say that your review was well done & accurate. The 2.5 does OK, can even tow a 2, 000 boat. I have had 1 windshield crack (2015) & two batteries die prematurely (2015 & 2022), and one minor oil leak (2015). Otherwise they have been trouble free (most miles I had on any of them was 77, 000). The current gen info screen does take more time to make some minor adjustments which does takes my eyes off the road longer than ideal, but overall it ain't too bad.

[drn]

I got an 2024 Outback Onyx and love it. I got rid of my Ranger and I am loving the way better gas mileage and it is way more comfortable for day to day driving. I live in northern Wisconsin and the AWD system is great on bad roads which we have a lot of. The 2024 Onyx has the Harmon Kardon which truly is amazing.

[TCZL]

I've been a Subaru guy for quite a while. I bought my wife a 2022 Outback last year and it's been great. It's a little quirky with all of the options it has but overall the interface is easy to get control of. The Premium lacks simple features like a reliable back up beeper and has 1, 000 extra safety features up front that are mostly annoyances. The back seat leg room with our 2 child seats is quite stellar compared to anything besides a mini-van or big SUV. The 2.5 does not impress as this is just about the biggest vehicle that that engine can handle. All of the smaller 2.5L Subarus I've driven (from a '99 2.5RS coupe to a new Crosstrek Sport) feel peppier and more nimble. It's still a great car all around and just about the only station wagon style car still out there, so when my '05 Forester finally ages out, an Onyx XT is still at the top of my short list.

[Darthvolvo]

Always enjoy the thorough car reviews. Slowly becoming my goto channel for auto reviews.

[JoeMACofNAC]

I have a 22 Outback Touring and I hate the infotainment, but I wouldn’t give up the car. I love it!

[andrea.rivers]

I drove a 2009 Scion xB for 15 yrs, it's ZERO frills. Just got the 2024 Limited XT a week ago. So that's a HUGE upgrade. lol Cars have come a long way in 15 yrs. lol I have to get used to not punching the gas. Funny thing is I had thought I would just waltz into Honda and get the CRV and be done with it. While that is a very nice vehicle. I also test drove the Honda Passport which ruined the CRV for me- both hybrid and regular gas, they felt like stilts on wheels. Passport was such a solid vehicle but the MPG was gonna be less than my xB. While I did drive the RAV4- it was grossly underwhelming and cramped. That's how I ended up at Subaru, it seems like a proper middle ground with lower end towing capacity and okay MPG (better than my xB). Now I can tow a small teardrop camper or something like it. I have a reliable car for the next 15 years. (I hope)

[TomYagerhofer]

Recently bought a 2024 Outback Premium. My spouse and I have had 8 Subarus over a 42-year period, and I purchased 3 more for the office at my old job. The new one is not flashy, but rides well and I know it will be good in the snow. The touchscreen is mildly annoying due to its lag time and there's not a ton of room up front, but overall we are both quite pleased. Have a big road trip coming up in March 2025 (800+ miles) so we'll see how it does.