The Subaru Outback is an affordably-priced midsize SUV with some energetic engine choices and diverse trims. If you spend much time on the road, you’ve probably seen a lot of Outbacks. Once people drive an Outback, they tend to become lifetime loyalists to the youthful but dependable model and look for a Subaru Outback for sale every time they’re ready for another ride. The almost cult-like devotion people have for this car leaves many asking: why is the Subaru Outback the best car? The Subaru Outback is considered one of the greatest cars on the road by many because of its generous number of thoughtful adventure-ready features, its diverse trim lineup, its amazing fuel efficiency, its competitive affordability and its well-planned cargo.
The experts have spoken, too. Experian gave the Outback the Built to Last award, noting that 97 percent of Outbacks sold in the last decade are still on the road. Kelley Blue Book gave the adventure-ready vehicle the Best Resale Value Award in 2022. The Outback has also earned accolades for safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick in 2023 and recognized it with its Superior Front Crash Prevention award in the same year. From value-per-dollar ratio to safety and more, the Outback just ranks high across the board, year after year. If you’ve been curious about this fun and affordable vehicle, here’s a look at what makes the 2024 Subaru Outback one of the best vehicles money can buy today.
Everything About It Is Low Cost
Every part of buying and owning a Subaru Outback is cost-efficient. First, the starting MSRP for the 2024 model sits at under $30,000, and even the top trim only barely breaks the $40,000 mark. So, drivers who are ready for the bare bones (though it’s really anything but) trim can get it at an amazing price. If you want to spring for the more luxury and advanced features, you’ll still pay considerably less than you would for top trims of comparable vehicles (for reference, the competing Chevy Blazer starts at $35,100 and goes up to nearly $45,000).
Filling up at the tank shouldn’t bring much sticker shock, either. The all-wheel drive Outback with the 2.5L liter engine can get an EPA-estimated combined 28 MPG, 26 MPG in the city, and 32 MPG on the highway. So you can save some cash to pay for that lakefront parking spot at the campsite or the non-generic chocolate for your s’mores. The 2024 Outback can even tow up to 3,500 pounds, sparing you the cost of renting a heavier-duty vehicle for times you need to tow a small camper or boat to your wilderness destination.
You can also save money on major repairs and parts replacements, thanks to the standard warranties that come on new Subarus. Each new one comes with a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year or 36,000-mile limited factory warranty. These protections can give drivers peace of mind that if a factory-originating problem comes up during the warranty period, they won’t be on the hook to pay for it.
Adventure-Ready Features
By now, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that the Subaru Outback is something of the adventurer’s vehicle. Subaru does not hide this. In fact, it makes it quite obvious with many of its features. The 2024 Outback gets raised roof rails with integrated crossbars and tie-down points so you can secure your kayaks, hiking sticks, or other gear needed to thoroughly explore the great outdoors. Plus, when you aren’t using the crossbars, they fold away.
You’ll also get standard symmetrical all-wheel drive on the 2024 model, which automatically sends power to the wheels, getting optimal traction on slippery roads to improve control. Plus, with up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, the Subaru Outback is ready to leave paved roads for less predictable terrain.
Many Outback lovers are particularly excited about the Wilderness trim, which has off-road wheels and all-terrain tires to really empower you to go just about anywhere you want to go. For a midsize SUV, the 2024 Subaru Outback is bringing full-size off-road SUV energy. Drivers who opt for the Onyx model get even more features clearly designed for some fun outdoors, like water-repellent upholstery in the cabin and the addition of snow/dirt and deep snow/mud mode for the symmetrical all-wheel drive, giving you added command in the trickiest (and slipperiest) of situations.
Cargo for Days
It’s sort of amazing how many clever cargo compartments and features Subaru was able to fit into the 2024 Outback. You’d think they were trying to win some award for most cargo compartments in a vehicle (they might even win it if that’s a thing).
First off, you get a total of eight cup and bottle holders in the 2024 Outback. That’s more cupholders than seats, meaning almost everyone can have two beverages with them, should they choose to. Hey, sometimes you want a soda and a water bottle for health points.
In addition to an overhead console for small things, there’s also a deep center console for snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and more. Moving back in the vehicle, with the rear seats down, you can get over 75 cubic feet of cargo space, making the 2024 Subaru Outback ready to carry your luggage, some foldable bicycles, a cooler, and more. Putting down those rear seats is easy with the simple rear seatback release levers.
There are even grocery bag hooks and cargo tie-downs in the cargo area to help you secure your items. Plus, there’s a cargo area beneath the cargo floor to conceal valuables. If your hands are full when approaching the trunk, the hands-free power rear gate will make loading up the cargo area easy. No matter what you need to bring with you to take your adventure to the next level, you can probably get it inside of (or on top of) the 2024 Subaru Outback.
The Subaru Outback Is Loaded With Fun-Boosting Features for a Price You’ll Love
Once you get to know the Subaru Outback, it becomes quite clear why it’s considered by many to be the best vehicle on the road. Drivers do not have to choose between affordability and a suite of convenience features when they get this vehicle. Subaru put serious thought into every corner and inch of the Subaru Outback, considering the real ways people interact with their cars and creating features that make day-to-day life easier and adventures more thrilling.
From the roof rails to the several storage compartments to the fold-down seats, there are so many places to stash the things you need for daily life or weekend excursions to the great outdoors. The high ground clearance, off-road ready Wilderness trim, and symmetrical all-wheel drive system empower drivers to explore new terrain. Meanwhile, the impressive fuel economy means that going to far-off places is a no-brainer because filling up won’t cost you much. In fact, the great MPGs of this vehicle make it equally right for commuters and explorers. Subaru delivers its customers tremendous value in the Outback, and once you drive one, you’ll see why, for many, once you’re an Outback driver, you’re one for life.
