By: Krish Persaud
Photos By: Josh Coish
July 5, 2024
Since its debut in the mid-1990s, the Subaru Outback has carved out a unique niche in the automotive market as a rugged and capable crossover SUV with genuine off-road credentials. Born from the legacy of Subaru’s durable and versatile station wagons, the Outback quickly gained popularity for its blend of practicality, all-weather performance, and adventurous spirit. This test brings us some seat time in the 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx, graciously provided by the team at Subaru Canada Inc.
The Ice Silver 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx boasts a distinctive and athletic exterior design, characterized by its raised ride height, aggressive front grille, and rugged body cladding, evoking a sense of adventure. Adding to its allure are the 18″ 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, which were wrapped in Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 winter tires for improved winter traction during our test. These tires, paired with the rugged body cladding and black exterior trim, enhance both the vehicle’s aesthetics and off-road capability, exuding sophistication and complementing the overall aesthetic of the Outback Onyx.
The 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx is powered by a 2.5-liter BOXER engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, ensuring reliable power and efficiency for everyday driving. Paired with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters, the Onyx offers confident traction, smooth acceleration, and responsive handling. Drivers will appreciate its refined performance on highways. For those seeking extra power, the optional turbocharged engine available in higher trim levels provides an exhilarating driving experience, especially during passing maneuvers.
Inside, the Outback Onyx offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin designed to provide comfort and convenience on long journeys. High-quality materials, such as soft-touch surfaces and contrast stitching, create a premium feel. The cabin is also impressively quiet, thanks to sound-insulating materials and thoughtful engineering. The Onyx comes generously equipped with a range of features, including Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6” high-resolution touchscreen display, a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon® system that reproduces audio notes quite well, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless access with push-button start, and a power-operated rear liftgate for easy access to the cargo area.
The 2024 Subaru Outback lineup offers a range of trim options to suit diverse preferences and needs, each starting at varying price points. Seven trims are available, including the Convenience trim starting at $33,995.00, the Touring trim at $38,295.00, the Onyx trim at $40,595.00, the Limited trim at $42,295.00, the Wilderness trim at $44,795.00, the Limited XT trim at $45,295.00, and the Premier XT trim at $47,395.00.
According to Natural Resources Canada, the 2024 Subaru Outback equipped with the 2.5-liter engine achieves fuel efficiency ratings of 9.2L/100km in the city, 7.3L/100km on the highway, and 8.3L/100km combined. Despite our efforts to optimize fuel efficiency, our observed fuel economy during combined driving was 9.1L/100km. However, it’s worth noting that this discrepancy could be attributed to factors such as colder weather conditions and the use of winter tires.
Subaru prioritizes safety, and the Outback Onyx is no exception. It comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning with lane-keep assist, and blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, the Onyx offers available features such as reverse automatic braking and a 180-degree front-view monitor for enhanced safety and convenience.
True to its adventurous nature, the Outback Onyx is equipped with features to tackle challenging terrain with confidence. Standard X-Mode with Hill Descent Control optimizes traction and stability on slippery surfaces, while the dual-function X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings ensures superior performance in various conditions. A raised suspension further enhances ground clearance, allowing the Onyx to traverse rough terrain with ease.
The 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx stands out in the crossover SUV segment for its blend of versatility, comfort, and capability. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Passport, the Outback Onyx shines with its renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, ensuring traction and stability across various terrains and weather conditions. While some may prefer the Toyota Highlander for its spacious interior and smooth ride, the Outback Onyx gets our vote over the Honda Passport for its exceptional performance and off-road capabilities.
