2024 Subaru Outback Review For The New Zealand Buyer

The Subaru Outback continues to earn acclaim for blending rugged capability with everyday practicality, making it an ideal choice for Kiwi motorists who seek adventure without compromising comfort. Its exterior design combines sleek wagon lines with SUV-inspired toughness, giving it a confident and versatile stance on both city streets and country roads. Inside, the cabin is spacious and thoughtfully appointed, featuring high-quality materials, intuitive controls, and a modern infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 Subaru OutbackUnder the hood, the 2024 Outback offers two strong engine options: a 2.5L naturally aspirated flat-4 for reliable everyday performance, and a 2.4L turbocharged variant for drivers who want more power and towing capability. All models come standard with Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive, ensuring exceptional traction on wet or uneven surfaces, and making it equally adept on gravel tracks, coastal roads, and alpine passes.

The Outback also excels in safety, equipped with the latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping support, and automatic pre-collision braking, providing confidence in all driving conditions. While it impresses with its all-rounder capabilities, it faces competition in the New Zealand market from the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

With its combination of comfort, versatility, and rugged capability, the 2024 Subaru Outback remains a compelling option for those who value adventure, safety, and practicality in a single package.

Engine Options
The 2024 Subaru Outback comes with two engine options:

  1. 2.5 L Naturally Aspirated Flat-4

  2. 2.4 L Turbocharged Flat-4 (available on XT, Wilderness, and Touring XT trims)

Transmission Options Subaru Outback
Both engines are paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), tuned for smooth acceleration, efficiency, and reliable performance.

2024 Subaru Outback Grades

  1. Base / Standard

  2. Premium

  3. Limited

  4. Onyx Edition XT

  5. Wilderness

  6. Touring / Touring XT

For a detailed review of these trims, features, and recommendations on the best pick while buying, kindly refer to the 2024 Subaru Outback Buyer’s Guide.

2024 Subaru Outback Interior

 Subaru Outback
The 2024 Subaru Outback boasts a spacious and modern cabin designed for comfort and practicality. Soft-touch materials dominate the dashboard, creating an upscale feel, while the layout is intuitive and driver-focused.

 Subaru OutbackFront-row seats are supportive and roomy, offering ample headroom and legroom for long journeys. The rear seats are equally accommodating, with generous knee and shoulder room for passengers. Higher trims also feature power-adjustable and heated front seats, along with a power sunroof that fills the cabin with natural light and enhances the overall ambiance.

 Subaru Outback

The Outback includes numerous storage solutions to improve convenience for all occupants. The first row comes equipped with a glove box, center console storage, cupholders, and door pockets. Rear passengers benefit from seatback pockets, additional cupholders, and door panel storage.

 Subaru Outback

Cutting-edge technology enhances both safety and entertainment. The 2024 Outback features an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB ports, and advanced navigation options. Driver-assist technologies, including the EyeSight system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping support, add to the convenience and confidence while driving.

2024 Subaru Outback Exterior

 Subaru Outback
The 2024 Outback presents a rugged yet refined appearance that balances SUV toughness with sleek wagon lines. At the front, the signature hexagonal grille, flanked by angular LED headlights and daytime running lights, establishes a confident road presence.

 Subaru OutbackThe sloping hood ensures excellent visibility for the driver, while fog lights and functional air vents improve performance in misty or dusty conditions.

 Subaru Outback

From the side, subtle character lines enhance aerodynamics and give the Outback a dynamic stance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17- to 18-inch depending on the trim add a touch of style and practicality, while body-colored door handles and mirror caps create a cohesive look.

 Subaru Outback

At the rear, C-shaped taillights and an integrated roof spoiler contribute to a distinctive and sporty profile, while enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.

 Subaru OutbackThe exhaust is neatly tucked under the rear bumper. With a variety of color options available, the 2024 Outback offers choices to suit diverse preferences, blending rugged capability with everyday elegance.

2024 Subaru Outback Carrying Capacity/Cargo Capacity

 Subaru Outback
The 2024 Subaru Outback offers 522 liters of cargo space with the rear seats upright, expanding to 1,867 liters when the rear seats are folded down, providing ample room for luggage, outdoor gear, or daily errands.

2024 Subaru Outback Fuel Consumption

  • 2.5 L Naturally Aspirated Flat-4: 10–11 km/l (combined)

  • 2.4 L Turbocharged Flat-4: 8–9 km/l (combined)

2024 Subaru Outback Fuel Tank Capacity
The Outback is equipped with a 63-liter fuel tank, suitable for longer trips without frequent refueling.

2024 Subaru Outback Ground Clearance

Subaru Outback
Standard models feature 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the Wilderness trim offers 9.5 inches, making it highly capable on rough or uneven terrain.

2024 Subaru Outback Performance
The 2024 Outback comes with two engine options: a 2.5 L naturally aspirated flat-4 producing 182 hp and 176 lb‑ft of torque, and a 2.4 L turbocharged flat-4 producing 260 hp and 277 lb‑ft of torque. Both engines are paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, tuned for smooth acceleration and fuel-efficient performance.

 Subaru Outback

Handling is composed and responsive, aided by power-assisted steering and a well-tuned suspension system that absorbs bumps and maintains stability on rough roads. The low-slung boxer engine provides a low center of gravity, reducing body roll and improving cornering confidence.

Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive comes standard across all trims, distributing power evenly to all wheels to increase traction and stability, whether navigating wet roads, gravel tracks, or sandy surfaces.

Safety is a strong focus in the 2024 Outback. All trims come equipped with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist, ensuring both driver and passenger confidence on every journey.

2024 Subaru Outback Reliability

 Subaru Outback
The 2024 Subaru Outback is widely regarded for its reliability. Its flat-four boxer engines have a long-standing history across multiple Subaru generations, allowing for refinements and improvements that enhance durability and performance. With regular service and proper maintenance, the Outback can deliver many years of dependable driving.

2024 Subaru Outback Maintenance Schedule
Routine maintenance helps keep the Outback in peak condition. Key service intervals include:

  • Every 5,000 km: Engine oil and oil filter change, inspection of fluid levels, and air filter check.

  • Every 10,000 km: Air cleaner, fuel filter, cabin filter, spark plugs (depending on trim), front and rear brake pads, CVT fluid inspection, brake fluid flush, and coolant check.

For a complete maintenance schedule, please refer to the 2024 Subaru Outback Owner’s Manual.

2024 Subaru Outback Competitors

  • Toyota RAV4

  • Honda CR-V

  • Mazda CX-5

  • Ford Escape

  • Volkswagen Tiguan

  • Hyundai Tucson

  • Kia Sportage

For a detailed review of these trims, features, and recommendations on the best pick while buying, kindly refer to the 2024 Subaru Outback Buyer’s Guide.