2024 Subaru Outback Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Mark S on November 13, 2024

The OB XT is a mixed bag from my 9 months of ownership. This is my second Subaru and I was excited about owning another. There is just something about the way Subaru designs and engineers that clicked with me. In the PLUS category, the power is great, when the turbo finally spools up. Seats are nicely contoured and the HK stereo is one of the best OEM offerings out there. The wagon will cruise at 80 without much effort, though it isn't as planted as a good sedan. The adaptive cruise control is one of the best designed out there. While not a large vehicle, it will swallow up your gear. It was suffering from heavy rear dip syndrome until I got a set of rear Rallitek load springs. Now it doesn't seem to drop it's rear in undulating road conditions. Highway MPG didn't break out of the 20s until I had over 4k miles. On cruise control, set at a leisurely 65 MPH, it will easily do 30+ MPG. 28 MPG at 80 MPH. Wind noise isn't nearly as bad as I expected from the big chunky (size) roof rack. The MINUS category. Oh that CVT is something evil. For the love of all that's good Subaru, put a good 8-speed transmission in the OB XT. Unless you are at 30% or more of throttle, the CVT does everything possible to restrict engine performance and forward motion. Over 40% throttle, and you get a surge of power as the turbo finally comes online. Lot's of throttle modulation needed on a very sensitive peddle. It has many rattles, many. My previous Subaru never had this many freely vibrating pieces. Turbo lag. I've almost been creamed more than once when pulling into traffic or crossing roads. If this had a manual transmission, I could rev the engine into boost prior to pulling out, but the CVT doesn't really allow it. Best to just put the pedal down because modulating the pedal only causes the engine to get confused and add more time till boost. Turn off or disable the start/stop to save a second more. I hesitate to let my teenage daughter drive it because you have to factor in that 1 to 2 second power delay. Around town, due to it needing to be in the boost to move from a stop, MPG is below 20 MPG. The vehicle also shudders when taking off from a stop when turning L or R, when not at operating temperature. Dealer says that was an issue with early 6th gen, but supposed to be fixed now. Will revisit the dealer when it gets colder and they are willing to keep it overnight to drive it cold. When at temp, under more throttle, the drivetrain makes a few loud popping sounds from L & R turns. The NEUTRAL category. The styling is 'different'. The 2020-2022 looked a little better. The AC is best controlled old-school. Adjust your temp and blower speed separately and you will stay cool. Also, a K&N cabin air filter is a must have. Not sure I'd buy the OB XT again if I could go back in time with my experience gained.

Steve Hull on October 8, 2024

The infotainment center has had issues since purchase January 2024, random phone connectivity issues , random screen changes , navigation at times works partially , recent spooling at times , has been at selling dealership 5 times , nice to get free loaner , all of them Subaru’s , infotainment centers worked perfectly , SOA rep admitted she wound not accept all these issues , 2 software updates have been done , no help , is currently still at dealership 10/08/24 , waiting on Subaru to fix it , has about 5500 miles , 2024 onyx XT editing

Azlan Tajuddin on June 23, 2024

We currently own the Outback 2024 XT, and it’s a great car to drive. However, its turbo CVT engine does produce a slight lag in acceleration and when slowing down. Just a matter of getting used to. Also had issue with the lift gate button, which broke after only two months in possession. My wife and I are in our 60s, and all our kids have their own families, so thank goodness we don’t have to drive those 8 seater SUVs anymore. This outback has been the best alternative for us.

Roger on June 18, 2024

This is my 7th Outback and I have had problems with all but one, my previous 2021 Outback Touring TX otherwise all give me problems with steering alignment and CVT especially my new 2024 Outback Wilderness I have alignment problem, CVT and to top it off the driver door opened up on me twice on deferent occasions as I was driving on highway speed. The suspension on the wilderness is not that good and it is very bumpy. The infotament is like 90's Samsung phone slow and sluggish, rear and front cameras look like back from the early 90's Nokia phone, my wife made me swear this will be our last Subaru.

Bill on April 28, 2024

Car has an excellent ride. It is quiet. The comfort, interior quality is very good including leather seats. Fit and finish is very good. I enjoy the quality.

Jill on January 26, 2024

Excellent car, wish it came with more interior color choices. I waited to buy until the interest rates went down, very good deal. I highly recommend!

LG on January 26, 2024

Subaru America and dealers are aware there is a problem with the EYESIGHT safety system. 2023 and 2024 models have a new generation of camera and eyesight equipment. Manuf and dealers are aware that the system will be intermittently or in some cases completely non operational with the equipment experiencing multiple failures while driving the car. Therefore all EYESIGHT SAFETY FEATURES - car distance recognition. Lane assist et al - items advertised in the car - do not work. At 1400 miles and 6 weeks of ownership my module failed. A full and final fix was installed on my car in 12/20/23 but it did not solve the issue. NOW, SUBARU CLAIMS there is another full and final fix - allegedly - with no ETA available. Their solution is to take your money and you drive the car as is until TBD fix. Why don't they advertise this defect? What don't they warn buyers? Issue a recall? Car bought new and been back for 4 repair visits. Pursuing legal remedies as Subaru America and Dealer are playing games hoping to aggravate me to a point that I will walk away. Not cool behavior!

Leland on December 18, 2023

I have an 3,000 miles on my new basic 2024 Outback. (My only add on was a rock chip protection.). I drove from North Utah across Wyoming to Colorado Spring & learned that my vehicle has plenty of power without a turbo. It ran true and handled efficiently at the speed limit of 80 miles per hour. I added a Cargo cover (as insisted by my lady to hide valuables from prying eyes in our parking garage). One comfort problem discovered the absence of a car charger for a passenger up front. A 2nd missed item on my basic 2024 Outback are the smaller visors (The Sun in my eyes was difficult to block.). I notice road noise which interferes with my hearing conversations from my console. I am not sure if Subaru insulates the “loaded” models better? My trip took me to Galveston where We parked in a hotel long term parking for a week long Cruise. Getting to know the car this way… the driving back thru I 45 & I 35 to Waco & Dallas had me wishing I had negotiated for a few more creature comforts than the basic model provides.

Sammy Hernandez on December 17, 2023

My first Subaru, My opinion is the 2.5 DOHC lacks the power to move this vehicle. The auto start/stop feature is slow to respond and take off thus almost causing me accidents. Today’s markets have smaller engines with a turbo that give better mileage and horsepower.

Sarah on December 15, 2023

the thing about buying a Subaru was that a new one was less than a used car (I was pricing out Volvo V90s). I traded in a Crosstrek so I am familiar with Subaru - and think their reliability is solid. I needed a larger cargo space and the 2024 Outback is a good size (I have an 80 lb. setter that I want to drive around and not have him slobbering on my head rest). I now have ample cargo space and not a huge car