The Subaru Outback has always been a bit of an enigma in the world of 4x4s. It’s neither your traditional rugged, boxy off-roader nor is it a soft crossover SUV with only a hint of adventure. The Outback firmly carves out its own niche, appealing to those who like their adventure with a side of practicality. The 2024 Subaru Outback continues this legacy, mixing robust off-road capabilities with on-road comfort and a tech-savvy, well-thought-out interior. So, let’s delve into how it fares on the tarmac, how it handles rough terrain, and whether it’s the kind of companion you’d want for a road trip or outdoor expedition

On the road

A lot of the time, when we think of 4x4s, rugged mountain tracks and mud-soaked adventures might come to mind, but let’s be honest, most of the time they’re more likely to be found on the M25 than a remote wilderness. So, the question is: how does the 2024 Subaru Outback handle your daily commute or that weekend escape to the countryside?

On the road, the Outback is composed. Its 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine, coupled with Subaru’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), provides a steady flow of power. With a 0-60mph time of 10.2 seconds it will never win any drag races, but that’s not what the Outback is about. It’s more about smooth acceleration and consistent, dependable performance. With around 165 horsepower under the bonnet, it doesn’t feel underpowered, but it’s more a steady climber than a sprinter.

The steering is responsive and provides enough feedback to make you feel connected to the road, without being too heavy. This balance between ease and control makes it pleasant to drive for long stretches. The suspension is tuned just right for soaking up bumps and imperfections on UK roads, which seem to sprout new potholes overnight. It leans more towards comfort than sportiness, but that’s no bad thing when it comes to an all-purpose vehicle like this.

The Outback’s ride is refined enough to handle motorway speeds with ease. Road noise is impressively muted, and wind noise only creeps in at higher speeds. All in all, it feels solid, stable, and comfortable, exactly what you’d want from a car designed to carry you and your gear through both city streets and open roads.  Overall, the Outback is consistently the comfiest press car that I get to drive, and as you know, I drive a lot of cars.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, WLTP-tested fuel consumption of 32.8mpg seems about right, oh and it produces 193g/km Co2 emissions.

Off the road

Now, we know what you’re really wondering: is the Outback any good when the tarmac runs out and the real fun begins? Thankfully, Subaru has maintained its legacy of making vehicles that can handle rough terrain without breaking a sweat. The 2024 Outback is equipped with Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which has been fine-tuned over the years to provide excellent traction and stability on all types of surfaces.

What’s particularly impressive is the X-Mode system. This off-road setting adjusts the engine response, transmission, and all-wheel drive to help tackle tricky surfaces like mud, snow, or gravel. You’ve got Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes to choose from, and they work wonders. The Outback may not look as rugged as a Land Rover Defender or Isuzu AT35, but it can certainly hold its own when things get dicey.

Ground clearance is a respectable 213mm, with an approach angle of 19.7º, departure angle of 22.6º and ramp angle of 21º, which is more than adequate for most green-laning situations in the UK. Whether you're navigating forest trails, gravel roads, or even a bit of shallow water fording, the Outback feels stable and secure. Its body roll is well-controlled, and while it doesn’t have the locking differentials of some hardcore off-roaders, the traction, stability control and hill descent control systems are more than up to the task.

It’s also worth noting that the Outback’s off-road prowess doesn’t come at the expense of on-road comfort. Some 4x4s can feel like a compromise, great off-road but uncomfortable on it, but the Outback strikes an excellent balance between both worlds.

Interior

Subaru’s interiors used to have a bit of a reputation for being more functional than luxurious, but the 2024 Outback steps things up a notch in this department. The moment you step inside, you’ll notice the 11.6” infotainment touchscreen taking centre stage. It’s intuitive to use, though some might find that Subaru has put a bit too much reliance on the touchscreen for climate controls - me especially!  Traditional knobs and buttons are easier to use on the go, especially when driving off-road.

The interior materials feel durable, which is crucial if you plan to use the Outback for its intended purpose, getting outdoors. There’s a decent mix of soft-touch materials, leather upholstery (on higher trims), and rugged plastic where necessary. This isn’t a luxury SUV, but it certainly doesn’t feel spartan. Seats are well-padded and offer good support for both short trips and long hauls. Heated seats come standard, a much-welcomed feature during frosty UK mornings.

Practicality is at the heart of the Outback’s design. There’s plenty of storage cubbies and cup holders, and the boot is more than ample for your camping gear or dogs. With the rear seats folded down, you get a cavernous 1,827 litres of space, ideal for those weekends away in the countryside, and car camping. Roof rails come standard too, meaning you can easily throw a couple of bikes or kayaks up top without fuss.

Comfort

Whether you're embarking on a cross-country road trip or just nipping down the shops, the Outback is designed to keep you comfortable. The seating position is high and commanding, giving you a great view of the road ahead, something 4x4 drivers will appreciate. Legroom is generous, especially in the front, but passengers in the back won’t feel cramped either.

As I’ve already mentioned, the suspension is tuned to favour comfort, smoothing out uneven surfaces and making motorway driving a breeze. Even after hours behind the wheel, fatigue is kept to a minimum, thanks to the well-bolstered seats and thoughtful ergonomics. The Outback’s cabin is impressively quiet too, which is no small feat given its off-road capabilities. Engine noise stays largely out of the cabin unless you're really pushing it, and the adaptive cruise control works seamlessly, making long journeys more relaxed.

Safety

Subaru has always taken safety seriously, and the 2024 Outback is no exception. It comes loaded with the brand’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. The adaptive cruise control is particularly handy for motorway driving, keeping a safe distance from the car in front and adjusting speed automatically.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also included, adding an extra layer of protection. The Outback’s strong safety credentials are further backed up by its crash test ratings, scoring well in both European and global safety standards. With a solid frame and extensive airbags, the Outback is built to keep you and your passengers safe, no matter where your journey takes you.

Conclusion

The 2024 Subaru Outback is a bit of a Swiss Army knife in the 4x4 world. It’s comfortable and composed on the road, ready to take on a variety of off-road challenges, and packed with enough tech and practicality to make it a fantastic choice for those who need a vehicle that can do it all. It may not be the flashiest or the fastest, but the Outback’s reliability, capability, and comfort make it an excellent companion for both urban and outdoor adventures. Whether you're hitting the green-lanes or just braving the school run, the Outback is always up for the task, and remains one a very few vehicles that I would quite happily buy with my own money.

Website - Subaru.co.uk