What Are the Best Hidden Features of the Subaru Outback?

The venerable Subaru Outback has been a reliable companion for countless adventurers. It offers a long list of standard safety, comfort, and entertainment features. The vehicle consistently earns high praise for its value and utility, so let’s take a look at some of the best features of the 2024 model.

Updated Infotainment System

Subaru offers its new 11.6-inch touchscreen with StarLink infotainment software for 2024, bringing wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ with full-screen display capability. The system also wraps in all vehicle controls and functions, including the climate system and other settings. That optional system is available in higher trim levels, while the more basic configurations get a dual seven-inch screen setup. Standard tech includes Bluetooth, a rearview camera, SiriusXM, HD radio, and over-the-air updates.

Performance 

The standard Outback powertrain includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The XT and Wilderness trims get a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission that offers an eight-speed simulated manual shift mode and all-wheel drive.

The X-Mode drive system offers hill-descent control to aid driving on steep and slippery downhill grades, and some trims add snow, dirt, and mud modes. Most Outback models offer 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the off-road-oriented Wilderness trim steps up to 9.5 inches.

Safety Equipment

All Outbacks come with Subaru EyeSight safety tech. The package includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, lane departure alerts, lane keep assist, and sway warning. Available features include blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, driver distraction mitigation, automatic LED headlights with auto high beams, and eight airbags. Rear-seat reminders are standard.

Premium-Feel Interior

The Outback comes standard with cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats, but higher trims add synthetic or genuine leather and power adjustments. Some models get heated seats, while top trims also get front-seat ventilation and heated rear outboard seats. Depending on the configuration, the Outback may also offer a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power moonroof, push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and illuminated USB-C inputs.

Subaru of Rochester carries the full line of new Outback models and a vast selection of the latest Subaru vehicles. If you’re interested in learning more about the new Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, or Impreza, make sure we’re your first call. Our staff would be happy to assist you with a test drive, and we can walk you through the steps to order a new Subaru and have you on the road in no time.