2024 Subaru Outback vs Competitors

2024 outback for sale in ri

Overview

The 2024 Subaru Outback is one of the auto industry’s most versatile and capable midsized crossovers – not to mention one of its strongest sellers. Both wagons and compact crossovers have qualities in common with the Outback. Despite finding itself up against segment stalwarts such as the Honda Passport, Toyota RAV4, Ford Bronco Sport, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volvo V60 Cross Country, Audi A4 Allroad, and Jeep Compass, the ’24 Outback holds its own and then some, meaning it should occupy a top spot on your shopping list.

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Unrivaled Performance

The 2024 Subaru Outback sets itself apart with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing superior traction, stability, and control on varied surfaces. While each of the competitors mentioned here offers AWD or 4WD, this grip-enhancing drivetrain is less expensive with the ‘24 Outback than with most of the aforementioned rivals. The ‘24 Outback also has X-MODE to augment its AWD system with extra control of the limited-slip differential and faster braking on wheels that need more traction on slippery surfaces, especially steep grades. While each of these rivals has its own reputation for handling in challenging conditions, you’ll pay more to get them with AWD, even if it comes standard – such as on the Audi A4 Allroad, which has a base MSRP ($46,900) that’s significantly higher than the Outback’s ($28,895). Plus, with the Outback Wilderness’ 9.5 inches of ground clearance, your off-road adventures will literally be elevated above most of the competition.

The 2024 Outback also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the Wilderness and XT variants. Meanwhile, the Bronco Sport can only pull up to 2,200 lb., whereas the Outlander, V60 Cross Country, and Compass reach their towing limit at 2,000 lb. Engine output is more substantial with the ’24 Outback as well, as it makes 260 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of torque with the turbocharged 2.4-liter powerplant. That’s more than what you’ll get from the RAV4, Bronco Sport, Outlander, V60 Cross Country, and Compass.


Impressive Fuel Economy

Gas mileage is a treat with the ‘24 Outback since it returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg around town and 32 mpg on the highway. Its rivals mostly fall short with these ratings: Passport (19 city/24 highway), Bronco Sport (25 city/29 highway), Outlander (24 city/26 highway), V60 Cross Country (24 city/31 highway), A4 Allroad (23 city/30 highway), and Compass (24 city/32 highway) struggle to match the ‘24 Outback's fuel efficiency, making it the more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. And while the RAV4’s lower trims compete with the Outback’s fuel economy ratings, the higher RAV4 trims with AWD fall short with an around-town rating of 25 mpg.


Standard Safety Features

Subaru puts safety at the forefront with the Outback, starting with its innovative EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite. This important feature bundles technologies like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency steering for a better on-road experience. While its competitors may offer similar driving aids, the ‘24 Outback's comprehensive suite allows you to enjoy peace of mind without overspending.


Amenities and Cargo Space

The ‘24 Outback is a haven of comfort and convenience. With available features like a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, a power-sliding moonroof, and leather upholstery, it makes every road trip a pleasure. While you can enjoy many of those luxuries with the aforementioned competitors, the ‘24 Outback brings them to you at a more budget-friendly price.

You’ll also be able to stay connected and entertained through the ‘24 Outback's STARLINK multimedia system, which is available with an 11.6-inch touchscreen that includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Passport and Bronco Sport only come with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Outlander and V60 Cross Country offer a 9-inch touchscreen, the Compass and A4 Allroad a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the RAV4 a 10.5-inch touchscreen. On top of that, accessing built-in navigation costs less with the ‘24 Outback than with the Passport, RAV4 (subscription required for all trims), V6 Cross Country, and A4 Allroad. The ’24 Outback also provides up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than you’ll get with all of these rival except for the Passport.


Long-Term Reliability

Subaru has a well-earned reputation for building durable and long-lasting vehicles. The ‘24 Outback is no exception, providing a combination of robust engineering and quality materials that stand the test of time. While other models may have their merits, the Outback's long-standing reputation for reliability gives it a distinct advantage in terms of ownership satisfaction, with many drivers of this model reporting their odometers reaching 250,000 and even 300,000-plus miles.