Engine and Performance
The 2024 Subaru Outback offers two engine options:
- Standard 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 horsepower
- Turbocharged 2.4-liter packing 260 horses
The base engine is steady but won't set your pulse racing, while the turbo option gives your daily drive a proper kick. Both engines pair with a CVT that mimics an eight-speed auto. It's smooth sailing unless you're pushing that naturally aspirated engine hard. The turbo's mid-range torque delivers more spirited responses, even with a hint of lag.
On rough terrain, the Outback barely flinches. All-wheel drive comes standard, ready to tackle snow, dirt, or steep gravel. The Wilderness model, boasting 9.5 inches of clearance, is especially adept when the going gets tough.
In handling, the Outback's a cool customer, coasting through swerves with accurate steering and smoothing out potholes. It's not a sports car, but that's not the point. You're getting comfort, reliability, and all-condition capability wrapped in one versatile package.
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2024 Subaru Outback comes loaded with safety features that'll make your paranoid aunt nod in approval. Standard across the board is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including:
- Forward-collision warning
- Automated emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
Lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning keep you coloring inside the lines, while available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert save you from those "didn't-see-that-coming" moments. The DriverFocus system keeps tabs on your attention levels like a hawk eyeing its prey.
Crash test ratings? The NHTSA gave this bad boy a five-star rating – top of the class, folks. The IIHS stamped it with several "Good" ratings, though it snagged a "Marginal" on the updated moderate overlap front test. Hey, nobody's perfect, right?
Whether you're battling downtown traffic or blazing trails to parts unknown, the Outback's got your back, making sure every journey ends as safely as it started.
Reliability and Maintenance
The 2024 Subaru Outback's reliability is solid, if not spectacular. J.D. Power plants it squarely in the "Average" zone – dependable, but not breaking any records. Owners report occasional grumbles over transmission quirks and electrical gremlins, but nothing a seasoned DIY-er or your local grease monkey can't handle.
Subaru's warranty card plays it safe:
- Three-year/36,000-mile limited coverage
- Five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage
It's not an all-you-can-eat buffet, but it'll keep you covered for the early miles.
Maintenance-wise, the Outback's like a well-behaved pooch – regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups keep it happy without hogging your weekends. Most folks won't break a sweat following the service schedule.
Resale values tend to hold up well, which is a nice bonus when it's time to trade up. All in all, the Outback's a steady companion for life's jaunts, ready to keep the good times rolling with minimal drama.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Hop into the 2024 Subaru Outback, and you're greeted by an interior that's comfy as your favorite jeans. It's spacious enough to fit five adults without anyone drawing the short straw, with generous headroom and legroom front and back. Wide windows offer great visibility and views that'll make you forget about backseat driver duties.
Base models start with manual adjustments, but climb the trim ladder and you'll find power-adjustable options and heated seats that feel like therapy on chilly mornings. Top trims even throw in leather to impress your fancy friends.
Tech-wise, the Outback strikes a balance:
- Base trims: Two 7-inch touchscreens
- Higher trims: 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen
You'll find all the connectivity goodies: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and enough USB ports to keep your gadgets juiced.
Sound quality? The available Harmon Kardon 12-speaker setup in top trims will have you air-drumming at stoplights. The infotainment system might take a hot minute to master, but it's worth the learning curve.
So buckle up and enjoy the ride. Whether you're crossing state lines or cruising through suburbia, the 2024 Outback's got the comfort and tech to keep you grinning mile after mile.
Overall, the 2024 Subaru Outback is a solid choice for folks who want a dash of adventure with their daily driver. It's not just about getting from A to B; it's about enjoying the journey in a ride that's comfortable, safe, and ready for whatever you throw at it. Whether you're navigating city streets or hitting the trails, the Outback's got your back.
"The Outback continues to be the wagon of choice for adventurous families—and those who just want to look adventurous."
With its blend of wagon practicality and SUV capability, the Outback carves out a unique niche in the market. It may not be the fastest or the fanciest, but it's a versatile, reliable companion that's equally at home on a grocery run or a cross-country adventure. For those who value substance over flash, the 2024 Subaru Outback is worth a serious look.
- Car and Driver. Subaru Outback Review.
- J.D. Power. 2024 Subaru Outback Reliability Ratings.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2024 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 2024 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings.