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Summer is not over, and there's still time to go to the beach. What are the best cars to not just drive to the beach, but which vehicles are the best to drive in the sand?
A new report from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) found the twelve best beach cars and says the 2024 Subaru Outback is the top of the seven best new all-wheel-drive vehicles to drive on the beach.
KBB says, "Although some of the drivable beaches feature hard-packed sand, most don't, requiring all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive to prevent getting bogged down. All our on-the-beach vehicles have (and are priced with) either all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive."
The 2024 Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel-drive, and you won't pay extra for Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The Outback also has 8-7 inches of ground clearance and 9.4 inches on the more rugged Outback Wilderness trim level.
KBB gives the Outback the best rating: 4.6 out of 5 for driving on the beach. The Outback has a maximum cargo space of 75.6 cu ft to carry your beach gear.
Related Story: Consumer Reports SUVs With The Most Cargo Room - Subaru Outback, Ascent Check That Box Too
The 2024 Outback pricing
For the 2024 model year, the Outback will be available in nine trim levels. The Base is priced at $30,190, Premium ($32,490), Onyx Edition ($37,400), Limited ($37,090), Touring ($41,640), Onyx Edition XT ($40,655), Wilderness ($41,255), Limited XT ($41,490), and Touring XT ($44,090). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).
The 2024 Outback fuel mileage
The estimated fuel economy of the Onyx Edition with the 2.5-liter engine is 26/32 mpg city/highway and 28 combined mpg. The EPA fuel mileage rating of the 2024 Outback Onyx XT 2.4-liter turbo is 22/29 city/highway mpg and 25 combined mpg. The 2024 Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 21/26 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg.
Related Story: 8 Easy Tips To Improve Your Subaru Fuel Mileage And Save Money At The Pump
Which Outback trim is the best?
KBB says, "We nearly always recommend the Premium trim level when discussing a Subaru model. It's not a huge price jump and provides much more standard content. No matter the model, though, AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance are standard for every Outback. Somewhat of a mutt, this half wagon and half SUV offers qualities of both. Its roomy cargo space and easy-to-use roof rack make bringing beach umbrellas, kayaks, or anything else you might need easy to pack and haul."
Subaru builds it for adventuring.
KBB says, "With each wheel sharing the torque, driving on sand is child's play. As for performance, Subaru gives it a 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. However, you can upgrade to a turbocharged 4-cylinder for more oomph. It has plenty of cargo space for beach chairs, coolers, and all the other beach paraphernalia you want to drag with you."
KBB's seven best vehicles to drive on the beach
2024 Subaru Outback
2024 Jeep Wrangler 2-Door/4-Door
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2024 Land Rover Defender 110
2023 Ford Bronco 2-Door/4-Door
2023 Jeep Gladiator
Check Out This Related Story: The New Subaru Outback - The Best Trim Level Is Not Always The Hottest Model
The Outback Onyx Edition XT also has a new dual-function X-Mode for added off-pavement capabilities. The off-road system has settings for Snow and Dirt mode to the new Deep Snow/Deep Mud Mode and is best for sand where traction is compromised.
For those who want to get into deep sand and water, the 2024 Outback Wilderness is the best pick for beachgoers. Wilderness has 9.4 inches of ground clearance and added suspension upgrades for off-pavement activities.
According to Kelly Blue Book, the 2024 Subaru Outback midsize SUV is the best of the seven new models for a trip to the sandy beach. The Outback won't just get you to the beach; you can drive in the sand, and you won't get stuck like some SUVs.
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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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