The Subaru Outback may not initially appear to be a large SUV, but by sales numbers, it certainly competes as one.
As buyers increasingly favor tall, boxy family vehicles, Subaru continues to carve out its niche with rugged wagons that carry a legacy of reliable performance. By the end of July, Subaru had sold 6,643 Outbacks locally, making it the third-best-selling large SUV.
It’s worth noting that Subaru didn’t make sweeping changes to the Outback for 2024, aside from some price adjustments.
For this test, we examined the Outback Touring AWD XT, which stands as the flagship of the lineup, barring the limited Sport Touring XT edition available for a short time.
The Touring XT includes nearly all the features Subaru offers, including a WRX-inspired engine. Yet with minimal updates year-over-year, has it kept pace with an increasingly competitive market?
Price and Lineup
Typically, the Touring XT sits at the top of the Outback range, although the limited-run Sport Touring XT currently holds that position. Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 Outback lineup:
- 2024 Outback AWD: $43,690
- 2024 Outback AWD Premium: $47,190
- 2024 Outback AWD Sport: $48,190
- 2024 Outback AWD Touring: $51,990
- 2024 Outback AWD Sport XT: $53,190
- 2024 Outback AWD Touring XT: $56,990
- 2024 Outback AWD Sport Touring XT: $57,490
Interior and Technology
The interior of the Touring XT is practical, comfortable, and relatively high-quality for the price. Soft Nappa leather seats provide a premium feel, with heating and ventilation for the front seats, electric adjustments, and soft cushioning ideal for long drives. However, it lacks firm lateral support, a factor more relevant for aggressive driving.
The Touring XT interior also features soft-touch materials on the steering wheel, armrest, and dash, though glossy black plastic around the shifter could be prone to scratching.
The cabin feels spacious, with a sunroof allowing ample light despite the dark color scheme. However, the technology lags a bit; the standard 11.6-inch touchscreen is split into three sections (vehicle data, infotainment, and climate controls), resulting in a busy layout.
This design creates challenges for wireless Apple CarPlay, as icons appear small and the screen layout feels cramped, especially while driving.
Old-school elements like the CD player contribute to a somewhat outdated infotainment setup, further reflected in the cartoonish graphics and aging navigation system. There’s also a collection of analogue dials and a modest display, which, while functional, feels basic.
On a positive note, storage is generous. There are ample bins, holders, and cubbies throughout the cabin, while second-row passengers enjoy heated seats, USB ports, and adequate headroom and legroom for taller passengers.
The rear is family-friendly with ISOFIX mounts and tether points for child seats, while a 522L boot (expanding to 1267L with rear seats folded) easily accommodates weekend luggage.
Powertrain and Performance
The Touring XT is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 183kW and 350Nm, paired with a CVT transmission and all-wheel drive.
This combination offers smooth and reliable performance for daily driving, providing adequate power for accelerating from a stop, merging, and overtaking. However, Subaru’s CVT operates quietly, maintaining comfort without the high-rev noise common to some CVTs.
City driving is made easier with features like auto-hold, and while fuel efficiency isn’t particularly impressive—averaging 11.1L/100km during testing—the Outback compensates with a confident, composed ride.
It handles bumps well, with minimal disturbance on various surfaces, and the all-wheel-drive system gives it excellent traction on wet roads.
For longer journeys, the Outback shines as a comfortable cruiser. The lower center of gravity and all-wheel drive keep it steady on winding roads, while well-balanced steering offers good feedback and control. Road noise is muted, contributing to a relaxed experience for both driver and passengers.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority in the Outback, which has earned a five-star ANCAP rating. It includes a suite of features such as AEB with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction assist; lane-departure warning; lane-keeping assist; traffic sign recognition; and several cameras to assist with parking.
However, the adaptive cruise control has room for improvement, as it occasionally undershot the set speed by 5–10km/h and was sluggish in heavy traffic.
The EyeSight system also tended to generate frequent warning sounds, which could become annoying. Still, speed camera alerts proved helpful.
Cost of Ownership
Subaru offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty on the Outback, with capped-price servicing over five years totaling $2,646. Turbocharged models, like the Touring XT, require maintenance every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers.
The Subaru Outback proves that a vehicle doesn’t need the latest technology or avant-garde design to be successful.
It remains a spacious, practical family car with all the essentials and a well-rounded wagon body style that’s rare among SUVs.
The Touring XT offers a comfortable, engaging drive, a powerful turbo engine, and effective suspension. Safety features are comprehensive without being overly intrusive.
Among its SUV alternatives, few offer the Outback’s unique combination of features and utility. For those seeking a family-friendly vehicle with a blend of tradition and versatility, the Outback Touring XT is well worth considering.