More Subaru Outback variants on the way
Local ADR documents confirm a trio of new Outback variants are approved for Aussie roadsFederal government homologation data has revealed a possible expansion of the 2024 Subaru Outback model range in the New Year, with a trio of new non-turbo and force-fed XT variants of the popular large SUV now receiving Australian Design Rule certification – but none of them are the long-awaited Wilderness off-road flagship.
The ADR document lists the new variants as the 2.5 Premium, 2.5 Sport Touring and 2.4 Sport Touring, with the former two powered by the familiar 138kW/245Nm naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine and the latter fitted with the WRX-derived 183kW/350Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol flat four.
There’s no obvious indication as to where the new variants may sit in the Outback line-up, though the Sport Touring nameplate suggests a new trim level to slot between the mid-range Sport and flagship Touring grades, while a quick trip down memory lane and a glance as the US line-up indicates the Premium will be a new second-tier offering above the base Outback.
Outback fans will know the Premium nameplate was last employed here in 2022 as a temporary range-filler positioned between the base Outback and the Sport, bridging a $4500 price gap in the process.
Homologation titles don’t always reflect the final market name of a particular variant – the 2.4 Sport Touring name, for instance, is missing an XT label for starters – but it seems in this instance the listed names are reasonably accurate given the similarities between the Outback lines in Australia and the US.
One obvious difference here is the local Sport trim, which is sold as the Onyx Edition in America but still retains all the headline kit including black design cues, water-resistant upholstery and its mid-range positioning.
Subaru Australia had nothing official to say on the matter but a range expansion Down Under would make sense for the Outback since it’s comfortably the best-selling car-based (monocoque) large SUV on sale here – and the fourth most popular behind the ladder-frame Toyota Prado, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X.
Related: Subaru Outback Wilderness on track for Australia
Related: Subaru Outback XT 2023 Review
Related: Subaru Outback 2022 Long-Term Review
Related: Subaru Outback upgraded
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
