More than a station wagon but not the typical tall SUV, the Subaru Outback is a bestseller despite its uncommon form factor. On sale now for nearly three decades, the Outback received a face-lift for 2023 and a handful of updates for 2024. Which trim level is right for you? Read on to see features and equipment for each trim of the 2024 Subaru Outback—there are quite a few.
2024 Subaru Outback: The Basics
Some key features are shared between every 2024 Outback. Primary among those is AWD, a signature item that makes the Outback and other Subaru models so popular. A CVT automatic is used across the range. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter flat-four, and the Wilderness and XT models use a more powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four.
Another value-add is the suite of driver assist and active safety features, which Subaru calls EyeSight. Thanks to EyeSight, every 2024 Outback comes with front automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Furthermore, the LED headlights are curve adaptive with automatic high-beams; LED foglights are also standard.
2024 Subaru Outback Base
Simply referred to as the Base trim, the entry-level Outback starts at just over $30,000. It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and has roof rails with retractable cross bars. Inside, the seats are manually adjustable and covered by cloth upholstery. This Outback uses an infotainment system comprising two 7.0-inch touchscreens, with the upper unit devoted to media functions, and the lower to vehicle and climate settings. It makes do with a single USB port and four-speaker audio system.
2024 Subaru Outback Premium
Opting for the nearly $32,500 Outback Premium brings, well, premium features. The side mirrors gain a metallic black finish, heating, and integrated turn signal repeaters. De-icing functionality is added to the front and rear window wipers. The front seats are heated, and the driver’s seat is power adjustable. Although cloth seating remains, the steering wheel and shift knob are leather-wrapped. Dual-zone climate control and second-row air vents make things more comfortable. The cargo area is improved with a removable cover and LED lighting in the tailgate.
On the Outback Premium and all trim levels above, an upgraded infotainment system is installed. It’s an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented display, which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Wi-Fi hot spot capability. Both rows of seats have USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system is equipped.
2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition and Onyx Edition XT
The Onyx Edition leans into the Outback’s rugged spirit, although it doesn’t have anything in the way of ruggedness-increasing hardware. Instead, it’s more about looks, taking a darker aesthetic via black-painted 18-inch wheels, black badging, and deleted chrome trim. Rather than basic cloth, the seats are upholstered with durable water-repellent fabric accented by bright green stitching. A heated steering wheel and moonroof contribute to a more upscale feel; the Onyx Edition XT gets a power-adjustable passenger seat and heated rear seats.
Convenience features added to the Outback Onyx Edition include a power tailgate, keyless entry with push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and one-touch up/down functionality for all four door windows. Additionally, EyeSight features expand to include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, emergency evasive steering, and rear automatic braking. Only the XT version has a wide-angle front camera meant to improve visibility of obstacles ahead.
The only features that might increase the Onyx Edition’s off-road abilities are its snow, mud, and sand driving modes. Note that only the XT version has a full-size spare tire. The Onyx Edition goes for about $37,500, while the turbocharged Onyx Edition XT costs a little under $41,000.
2024 Subaru Outback Limited and Limited XT
An assortment of upscale features are added in the $37,000 Outback Limited and $41,500 Outback Limited XT. Two-tone 18-inch wheels stand out a bit. Perforated leather upholstery covers the seats. Of those, both up front are power adjustable, and the driver’s has two memory settings. Both outboard rear seats are heated. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium system makes audio sound better.
In addition to a turbocharged engine, the Limited XT trim gains Subaru’s DriverFocus distraction mitigation system, which detects if the driver is looking away from the road. If they are, the system beeps alarmingly. In our experience, it can get annoying, compounded by the fact that it can get thrown off by sunglasses, or if the driver is looking anywhere outside of the system’s parameters, even if that is at the road ahead.
2024 Subaru Outback Touring and Touring XT
Available for about $42,000 with the standard engine or slightly more than $44,000 in XT spec, the range-topping Outback Touring has all the bells and whistles from lower trim levels. Side mirror caps and door handles with a silver finish are subtle telltale differentiators. Nappa leather covers the seats, and the front seats gain ventilation.
An additional front-facing EyeSight camera is intended to improve detection of potential hazards. In terms of exclusive tech, the Outback Touring goes old-school with a CD player, but also futuristic with its high-resolution digital rearview mirror. Built-in navigation is also added; note that a wireless charging pad is only available in the Outback as a dealer-installed accessory.
2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness
For adventurous drivers, Subaru created the Outback Wilderness, which starts at about $41,500 and comes with a slew of trail-tuned hardware plus the turbocharged engine. All-terrain tires and a unique suspension system raise the ground clearance to 9.5 inches, up from 8.7 inches. Metal underbody armor provides protection from obstacles. Stronger roof rails have a higher maximum load—ideal for a rooftop tent. A full-size spare tire is included.
The 2024 Outback Wilderness looks slightly different from the 2023 model due to a restyled, tougher-looking front bumper. It still has a slew of jewelry, such as its matte black 17-inch wheels, gold accents, hexagonal foglights, and exclusive Geyser Blue paint—not to mention several Wilderness badges. Gold details continue on the steering wheel, gear selector, and seat contrast stitching. Other premium features on the Outback Wilderness include a heated steering wheel, sunroof, and wide-angle front-facing camera.
What’s the Best 2024 Subaru Outback Trim?
Regardless of which Outback you choose, you’re getting an SUV that’s safe, versatile, comfortable, and a solid value. But our pick of the range is the Onyx Edition XT. We dig its dark-themed looks, but its mix of features is even more appealing. It has plenty of useful equipment that makes everyday driving a little nicer, while still coming in for less money than higher Outback grades. The Onyx Edition XT is also the least expensive way to get that turbocharged engine—definitely worth its higher performance over the sluggish base offering.