In the fiercely competitive midsize SUV arena, where contenders vie for a significant slice of the SUV and crossover market, the focus goes beyond merely offering a quality product. It pivots towards having a vehicle that effortlessly rises above the rest. One midsize SUV that confidently steps up to this challenge is the Subaru Outback.
With a rugged charm as its standout feature, the Outback is tailor-made to tackle the rigors of family life and outdoor escapades. It boasts standard all-wheel drive and generous ground clearance, making it a versatile choice for various activities, from navigating snowy school runs to embarking on off-road camping adventures. It is little wonder that Kelley Blue Book has given it the honor of being one of the best family cars of 2023.
With the anticipation building for the next model year, Subaru fans eagerly await the 2024 Subaru Outback redesign. Is there something exciting in store for Outback enthusiasts? Let’s delve into the details!
A Glimpse of the 2024 Subaru Outback Redesign
Indeed, there is a 2024 Subaru Outback redesign, though it’s worth tempering expectations, as it isn’t an extensive overhaul. The 2024 Outback’s transformation focuses on its most rugged variant, the Wilderness.
In 2024, the Outback Wilderness receives a rugged facelift with a few cosmetic enhancements. The front fascia undergoes a complete makeover, sporting a redesigned bumper that infuses a dose of toughness into the wagon SUV’s aesthetic. This transformation is further accentuated by including sleek LED fog lights, enhancing visibility and injecting a touch of modernity into the vehicle’s overall design. However, the standout change is the more prominent front grille design, serving as the linchpin of this makeover.
The Subaru Outback occupies a unique niche with its distinctive design, setting it apart from its peers in its category. It’s a rare fusion of wagon and SUV, excelling in off-road capabilities and presenting a formidable challenge to rivals like the Honda Passport and Jeep Cherokee. While more rugged SUVs like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota 4Runner may outshine it off-road, they often trade comfort on pavement for their prowess.
What Awaits in the New 2024 Subaru Outback?
Now that we’ve unveiled the 2024 Subaru Outback redesign, what should customers anticipate in the latest iteration of this wagon SUV?
Standardizing Some Optional Features
A prominent highlight of the 2024 Outback is the shift to standardizing previously optional features, albeit for specific trims. For instance, the Onyx Edition now comes equipped with the standard 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, harmonizing seamlessly with a Harman Kardon speaker system and a robust 576-watt equivalent amplifier, delivering a premium audio experience. The Onyx Edition generously incorporates a Power Moonroof and Reverse Automatic Braking as standard.
However, the real value proposition may lie with the Outback Premium Edition. This trim elevates the driving experience, enhancing the base model with additional features. These include a substantial 11.6-inch touchscreen, 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi for staying connected on the go, heated front seats for those chilly days, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat to find the perfect driving position. Plus, with extra USB ports, keeping all your devices charged and ready is a breeze.
Under the Hood
The Outback offers two flat-four-cylinder engine options. The standard 2.5-liter engine produces 182 hp, while a more potent 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is available for those seeking a performance boost. Both engines carry over from the previous Outback and are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that emulates an eight-speed gearbox, adeptly mitigating engine noise. True to Subaru’s signature style, all Outback models come equipped with standard all-wheel drive.
The base engine might leave you yearning for more performance. In tests, the Outback Limited, equipped with the standard four-cylinder engine, leisurely took 8.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph.
If you’re pursuing performance akin to the Honda Passport or Ford Edge, the optional turbocharged engine emerges as the preferred choice. Yet, even the base engine has merits, with a transmission that shifts swiftly and promptly.
Interior Features and Space
The 2024 Outback’s interior shares similarities with the Subaru Legacy, offering comfortable seating and quality materials. While the interior layout leans toward simplicity, it’s functionally designed and offers a commendable seating height.
Starting from the Premium model upwards, the Outback boasts dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and numerous USB ports to cater to device-charging needs. For those desiring a touch of luxury, higher trim levels pamper with indulgent features such as ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a power-adjustable front-passenger seat, elevating your driving experience.
Where the Outback truly shines is in its seating space. The rear seats are upgraded, offering an extra 1.4 inches of legroom compared to the previous generation. The rear cargo area also provides a capacious 33 cu-ft of storage space to accommodate all your gear and belongings.
The 2024 Outback offers two display options: dual 7-inch screens in the base model or a single 11.6-inch screen in all other trims. While the dual-screen setup appears relatively modest, opting for the larger single display is advisable. Though the resolution of the 11.6-inch screen could be crisper, the navigation system and maps prove intuitive, with ample space for displaying maps, music, podcasts, and other information.
2024 Subaru Outback Availability
And there you have it – the lowdown on the 2024 Subaru Outback redesign. If you’re holding out for a comprehensive overhaul, we recommend keeping an eye on the 2025 model year. For those eager to explore the 2024 Subaru Outback, it’s already available at your nearest dealership, with prices starting at $28,895.