Things we like
- Space and practicality
- Off-road capability
Not so much
- Timid powertrain
- No wireless phone charger
- Infotainment graphics functional but not pretty
In Australia, the Subaru Outback is well-regarded for its dual capacity to handle both city driving and rugged, off-road conditions. Introduced in the mid-1990s, it has built a solid reputation for being reliable and safe.
The Outback appeals particularly to families and those who enjoy outdoor activities, thanks to its all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and robust safety features.
Its design thoughtfully balances comfort with functionality, making it ideal for everyday use as well as adventurous outings. Although positioned as an SUV the Outback feels more like a wagon with added height.
Over the years, it has become synonymous with durability and versatility, capturing the essence of the Australian love for exploration and practicality.
Pricing & Features
The Subaru Outback AWD, with its robust feature set and competitive pricing, starts at $43,890 before on-road costs are added.
The entry-level Outback AWD includes 18-inch alloy wheels and an expansive 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Enhancements such as rain-sensing wipers, six speakers, LED headlights and black roof rails add both functionality and an outback aesthetic appeal.
The Outback is equipped with a 2.5-litre e-Boxer four-cylinder petrol engine producing output of 138kW and 245Nm of torque. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission, and obvious for a Subaru, an all-wheel drive system.
Sport variants in the range come with a more powerful turbocharged 2.4-litre offering.
Safety
The 2024 Subaru Outback boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, a testament to its robust safety features, following tests conducted in 2021.
The Outback model excels in various safety metrics, achieving an adult occupant protection score of 88% and a child occupant protection score of 91%.
It is equipped with comprehensive safety equipment as standard, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for forward and reverse scenarios with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction assist, autonomous emergency steering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Key Rivals
The Subaru Outback faces competition from both medium SUVs and other crossovers such as:
- Volkswagen’s Passat Alltrack
- Toyota RAV4
- Mazda CX-5
- Hyundai Santa Fe (new model coming 2024)
Should I put it on my shortlist?
The 2024 Subaru Outback AWD should definitely be considered for those in the market for a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on safety, efficiency, or off-road capability.
More powerful options are available higher up the range if you're wanting a bit of extra punch from a turbocharged engine. It can also be thirsty at times.
Aside from these points, its array of features tailored for a capable and adventurous lifestyle makes it an attractive option for modern drivers seeking a reliable and sustainable vehicle.
Things we like
- Space and practicality
- Off-road capability
Not so much
- Timid powertrain
- No wireless phone charger
- Infotainment graphics functional but not pretty
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