Subaru Outback AWD Sport Touring XT 2024 Review

The 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT is based on the range-topping Touring XT variant.

The limited edition is $500 more expensive than the donor car and renders it the most expensive Outback variant at $57,490 before on-road cost (ORCs).

Selecting the turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four petrol engine adds a premium of $5000 to the price, and it is available in Sport XT ($53,190) and Touring XT ($56,990) guises.

Entry into the six-variant Outback line-up starts at $43,690 for the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre flat-four engine (all prices exclude on-road costs).

Direct rivals are hard to come by. Given its designation as a large SUV, it technically competes with something like a Ford Everest. However, it’s more likely to face the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe or even Subaru’s own Forester in the marketplace.?

Subaru supports the Outback with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty as well as one year of roadside assistance.

Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). In total, the price for your dealership visits can be capped at $2579 for the first five years or 75,000km of ownership.

It’s all about observing the finer details to spot the 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT.

In a parallel to Henry Ford's famed remark about ordering the Model T in black, you can have your limited edition in any colour you like – as long as it’s Geyser Blue. The hue is exclusive to the Sport Touring XT and is accompanied by dark metallic-finish 18-inch alloy wheels, black rear badges, green accents as well as a Crystal Black rear spoiler and garnish.

And that’s about it. Otherwise, it’s standard Touring XT specification.

Some of the goodies included from that specification are electronically operated front seats (with two-position memory for the driver), Nappa leather upholstery, seat heating (front and rear outboard), front seat ventilation, powered tailgate with gesture control, leather multi-function steering wheel, sunroof and automatic mirror adjustment.

The range was tested by ANCAP in 2021, so the 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT holds a five-star rating.

In total, eight airbags are fitted as well as dual ISOFIX points in the rear with three top tethers.

Subaru’s pioneering EyeSight technology continues with front and rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, fatigue/distraction monitoring and reversing cameras with sensors.

In general, the systems work well, but there are some annoying audible bings and bongs – especially for speed signs and the lane-departure system. The reversing camera angles can also awkwardly skew the view.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT uses a portrait-style 11.6-inch touch-screen for infotainment. This type of arrangement, usually reserved for electric vehicles, sits neatly within the dash.

It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also housing native satellite navigation, Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio as well as an old-school CD changer in the central storage compartment. It's certainly a rarity these days, but at least your tunes are played through a high-end nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

There’s also a wireless charging pad and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

Just like the CD changer, the instrument cluster looks a little too analogue in a modern context. Some will like the traditional dials, but others might be disappointed at having only a central 4.2-inch display for things like the trip computer.

It’s also frustrating how small some of the icons are when mirroring your smartphone – especially with Apple CarPlay. Using the system while moving can be annoying, attempting to 'bullseye' the ‘button’.

The engine used to be the weak point of the package. However, that’s no longer the case with the turbo-petrol boxer under the bonnet of the 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT.

It comes from Subaru royalty, too, with the 2.4-litre unit nabbed from the WRX. However, it isn’t tuned for the full-fat performance of the rally champ. Still, the Outback produces a healthy 183kW and 350Nm – a significant uplift from the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine.

Of course, that newfound grunt is sent to the venerable symmetrical all-wheel drive system via an ‘eight-speed’ continuously variable transmission (CVT). A lower final drive ratio has been added for improved acceleration too.

So, it’s safe to say the lacklustre powertrain issue has been solved by specifying the boosted boxer. The performance is now energetic across a range of speeds, delivering spritely motivation from a standing start through to fuss-free highway overtakes.

The CVT does still perch revs somewhat, but the eight programmed steps do an appreciably good job of mimicking a torque-converter automatic – and there are even steering wheel-mounted paddles to play with. Overall, the extra punch takes a lot of effort out of the driving experience.

There is a catch to the extra pace found in the 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT – and that’s clearly in terms of fuel consumption.

The famed Japanese marque claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.0L/100km. However, we didn’t see that average, with our number consistently hovering around 10L/100km.

The turbo flat-four engine also requires at least 95 RON when its 63-litre tank needs replenishing.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT handles surprisingly well.

Okay, it’s no sports car, clearly. Yet despite running on somewhat off-roading Bridgestone rubber, there is sufficient grip available and the Outback will hold on tenaciously. Plus, the all-wheel drive system always supplies sufficient purchase, aiding safety and security in all situations.

The ride quality is exemplary. It soaks up lumps and bumps with aplomb and is very sophisticated for what is essentially a jacked-up wagon. To achieve this the Sport Touring XT uses MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone rear suspension setup.

Its passive dampers offer decent rebound control. There is a bit of movement over bigger undulations, however, it’s acceptable and won’t have the kids in the back getting car sick.

Separate to X-Mode, Sport and Intelligent driving modes allow the driver to tailor the on-road experience. You don’t really need the sharper responses of Sport mode, and the steering remains quite slow with a bit of play on-centre, no matter the mode.

While the Outback doesn’t offer the towing capacity of larger SUVs, it’s still rated at 2400kg (braked). See how the Touring XT went in our tow test.

Isn’t that the point of buying a 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT? And yes, it can go off-road with a surprising level of capability.

Just don’t expect to go as far as in a dedicated SUV. That’s because ground clearance isn’t abundant. Still, there’s 213mm between the underside of the Outback and terra firma.

You can change various parameters via X-Mode (Dirt, Snow, Deep Snow, Mud and Normal) to aid progress. It works well and gives the Outback added useability in all conditions.

The long wheelbase (2745mm) and slower steering offer greater stability on dirt, too. It’s a shame that the electronic stability control is a tad overzealous – both on and off tarmac.

Overall, it’s noticeably adept off-road and more fun than you’d expect. And if you do choose to go off the beaten track you’ll be thankful for the full-size alloy spare wheel.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we think there are rivals out there offering a more aesthetically pleasing cabin than the 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT.

Yet, it doesn’t lack space or comfort and the overall build quality is top-notch. And despite the myriad of different materials, they’re generally of the soft-touch variety and pleasingly tactile to ramp up the ambience.

Ergonomics are sound, and while there is a lack of physical buttons, at least all the controls you access most of the time are easy to reach and navigate. You don’t need to delve through numerous menus to change most of the climate controls, for example.

Adding to the pragmatic appeal is the amount of room inside the cabin. Rear-seat occupants won’t complain about leg or headroom, as both are abundant. Amenities extend to rear air vents, USB-C ports, map pockets, plush floor mats and a centre armrest with cupholders.

The boot is also capacious, measuring 522 litres. It extends to 1267 litres with the 60/40-split rear seat folded – a process made super easy by way of levers located in the boot. You’ll also find a 12-volt power outlet back there for powering something like a portable fridge.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT doesn’t really do anything demonstrably wrong. The reality is it’s hard to argue against the Subie and what it brings to the table, especially if you want an SUV without fully getting an SUV.

Whether or not you need the limited-run special-edition Sport Touring XT variant is less of a consideration, but the extra touches for only $500 do add some visual flair – and the bespoke colour makes it unique.

Either way, choosing turbocharged propulsion is the way to go, even if it is at a $5000 premium and drinks more fuel. It transforms the driving experience and only adds to the long list of positives to be found in this somewhat quirky offering.

2024 Subaru Outback AWD Sport Touring XT at a glance:

Price: $57,490 before on-road costs
Available: Now
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 183kW/350Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 9.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 204g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five stars (ANCAP 2021)

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