The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT Delivers a Premium Experience at an Easy Price, AWD Included
The Subaru Outback is one of those cars that everyone—even those who aren’t mechanically inclined—is familiar with. In fact, you probably know someone who inherited their parent’s old Outback when they first got their license. Maybe a Subaru Outback was your first car. Or, maybe your parents had an Outback as theirs.
For years, the Outback was Subaru‘s largest and best-selling SUV thanks to several undeniable factors like safety ratings, ease of driving, versatility and the brand’s outdoorsy Earth-loving culture. That it has always had all wheel drive standard set it apart from all the other cars on the market, most of which didn’t even offer AWD.
It’s also an incredible value. I recently tested the 2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT, which even with all the optional add-ons and destination and delivery fees, was $44,356. The XT designates the larger, more powerful turbo engine that’s only available in the Outback’s top-shelf models, so you get leather, a fancy sound system, heated power front seats, heated rear seat, and a digital rear view “smart” camera. Subaru’s legendary EyeSight tri-camera safety system is standard on all models, however.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Like all Subarus, You Get [More Than] What You Paid For
When Subaru introduced the Outback to the States in 1994, the marketing strategy was simple: it’s an affordable, reliable, no-nonsense car that can get anyone anywhere without fussing. An ad for the Outback and Forester from the time read simply, “Different Drivers. Different Roads. One Car.”
That mission still holds today. The most expensive Subaru Outback is the Touring XT, which starts at $42,795. In case you missed it, that means it has the 2.4-liter turbo engine, generating 260 horsepower seen in the Ascent, Legacy Sport, and WRX.
It comes with the updated CVT made to handle the extra horses, and man, it shows. The Outback doesn’t look like it from the outside, but it has plenty of get-up-and-go when you need it. It was something that came as a very pleasant surprise since Outbacks have never been known to move quickly.
The model I tested was $44,356, and that’s with all options and the delivery fees. Which, is a fantastic price for the long list of options, creature comfort features, standard safety systems, passenger comfort, and interior quality. I especially appreciated the excellent and open visibility. My oldest loved the sunroof and large rear windows.
It’s a Cost-Effective Car that Felt Incredibly Pricey
While the Outback has been Subaru’s more luxurious model for some time, it’s no Mercedes – but the driver’s seat definitely made me feel like I was in one. The brown Nappa leather was very complimentary to the soft, black leather on the steering wheel, center console and door panels.
The center screen is nicely integrated into the dashboard, unlike some systems that look like someone stuck a giant iPad onto the dash. HVAC/AC controls were easy to access and use thanks to buttons on the side of the screen, though more in-depth settings were easy to find at the bottom of the screen.
The Outback Touring XT I tested had the 12-speaker Harman Kardon system, and when used with the wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay system (which always connected immediately upon startup), was *chef’s kiss.* Especially when I got to drive alone.
The steering wheel warmer switch was easy to use and came in handy driving in Bend, Oregon when the average daytime temperature was in the twenties. It warmed up quickly, it didn’t get too hot and made me realize how much I needed one after my test drive was over.
My test model did lack a wireless phone charger, though I did see that they could be added after purchase at the dealership.
Read: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Same Engine, Same MPG. Which is Better?
The XT with Turbo, AWD and 3,500 Lbs. of Towing Still Got Good MPG
One of my favorite parts of my week-long journey with the Subaru Outback Touring XT was how well it did doing short-distance driving with frequent stops at low speeds. Even though 99.9% of my driving was around town, I ended the test period with an average of 22 mpg.
This doesn’t sound like a lot when you see most modern cars earning well over 25 mpg, but for a heavy SUV with a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and 3,500 lbs. of tow capacity, this is good. The smaller 2.5L engine generates 182 HP, can tow up to 2,700 lbs. and is estimated to get 29 MPG.
The 22 MPG I experienced was right on the nose for EPA estimates and impressed me, especially considering my toddlers and their car seats were in it most of the time, the heater was on full blast, and the defrosters were always running.
READ MORE: Take a Ride on the Wild Side: Which Subaru Wilderness is Right for You?
The Cargo Space is Good But Not Great
With two toddlers actively struggling with a snack and berry addiction, I’m a regular at my local Costco. Even with my camera gear, wipes, pull-ups for my oldest, toilet paper, milk, and various snacks, the Subaru Outback Touring XT still had space for more.
The rearview camera and video rear view mirror made it easy (and safe) to see behind me at any time, so if the car was packed to the gills with camping gear, furniture, or Goodwill donations, you wouldn’t have to worry about losing the ability to see anything behind you.
The Outback’s cargo space is a comfy 32.6 cubic feet, slightly larger than the Forester’s 29.6 cubic feet but smaller than the Toyota RAV4’s 37.5 cubic feet of space. Even so, the back seats had plenty of space in the footwells for other items, and the front of the car has large storage areas in the door panels, a cavernous glovebox, and center console storage.
The Subaru Outback Touring XT Was At Home in Oregon
If you’ve never seen the viral video of the Google Maps game where the mission is to find a street corner in Portland that doesn’t have a Subaru on it, there’s yet to be a victor. In Oregon, especially Bend, the Subaru Outback is everywhere. Every time I parked, it seemed like another Outback would mysteriously appear next to me.
And there’s good reason for that. Today, for instance, Bend saw almost three inches of snow despite the forecast saying it was supposed to be sunny. The Subaru Outback yawns at unpredictable weather since it’s always ready for the unexpected.
Of course, the safety aspect is prevalent, but there’s also the accessibility factor, too. What’s better than a Subaru to get you to the biking trailhead, or a remote campsite, or to a fabled hiking trail?
Drivers of all tax brackets can enjoy the great outdoors, the security of all-wheel drive, stellar safety ratings, ample cargo space, and all-around livability. Go ahead and try and find an Outback owner who shrugs and says, “Eh, it’s alright,” when you ask what they think of it.
However, you should be prepared to sit and listen to them rant and rave about it for the next hour or two.
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