2024 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained much of its aesthetic appeal from the previous year, with minor tweaks to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Touring XT model, a color that was both unique and appealing. The Outback's various trims offered different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim featuring the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied by trim, with standard black 17-inch alloy wheels and larger 18-inch wheels on the Onyx Edition. The interior of the top-trim model was notably luxurious, featuring Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, which was both attractive and comfortable.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Outback continued to stand out in a dwindling wagon market, adopting crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and a robust roof rack. The Crimson Red Pearl paint of the test car paired well with its black leather interior, though the Outback was said to look best in earthy tones. Subaru focused on off-road capabilities, appealing to a niche market that had proven successful for the brand. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with the Limited trim gaining additional features like a power moonroof and a 360-degree heated steering wheel. The Touring XT trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats, while the exterior design balanced ruggedness with a well-executed interior.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with a standard 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard, with the turbo engine providing a better fit for the vehicle's weight. The CVT mimicked eight distinct gears, enhancing the driving experience. The Outback offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness trim increasing it to 9.2 inches and adding all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Subaru Outback retained the same engine options, with the standard 2.5-liter engine and the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine for XT trims. The CVT and AWD system provided smooth acceleration, though the turbo engine was recommended for those seeking more power. The Outback offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness trim increasing it to 9.5 inches and adding a front skid plate. The vehicle's suspension and tire design ensured a comfortable ride, while the steering and throttle were smooth and responsive. The stop/start technology was noted for its abruptness, but the CVT's faux gears helped maintain a pleasant driving experience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more front headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, with ample legroom in both the front and rear seats. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded, slightly less than some crossovers but still practical. Features like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat were standard on most trims, with higher trims offering additional amenities like heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate and roof rails with retractable crossbars added convenience.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality, with easy entry and exit and a lower roof height for loading the roof rack. The cargo space was slightly smaller than some crossovers but offered a flat floor and square shape for maximum usability. The Outback's total passenger volume was larger than its competitors, with more front headroom and legroom. Buyers were encouraged to test different trims, as the driving experience varied between models. The standard towing capacity was 2,700 pounds, increasing to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old and new technology, with a CD player available on the Touring trim and both USB-C and USB-A ports on most trims. The 11.6-inch infotainment screen was standard on higher trims, with the base model retaining dual 7-inch screens. The Starlink multimedia platform offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless options starting with the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with some hard buttons for convenience. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM were standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on most trims.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink system was noted for its slow response time. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless options on most trims. The Harman Kardon audio system provided good sound quality, though navigational commands occasionally interrupted audio playback. The dashboard featured a mix of physical controls and touchscreen options, with a CD player available on the Touring trim. USB-A and USB-C ports were included for device connectivity.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available on higher trims, with the Touring trim adding a wide-angle camera and driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The system was noted for its side-to-side movement, but it effectively kept the vehicle in its lane. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with the DriverFocus system monitoring for driver distraction. The 2025 model was expected to perform well in safety testing, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.