AutoTrader Says New Subaru Outback, Crosstrek Are The Best Small SUVs Again

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What are the best new SUVs you can buy now? The new AutoTrader awards say two Subaru models are the best in class. Here’s why the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Outback are the best and who should take a look.

Are the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2024 Subaru Outback the best new SUVs you can buy? A recent award from AutoTrader (Canada) says yes. I cover the best new SUVs annually, and it’s not a surprise the all-new next-generation Crosstrek is picked as the Best Subcompact SUV, and the Outback is named Best Compact SUV. I covered the AutoTrader awards last year, and both won for the second consecutive year.

How does AutoTrader pick the winners?

For the AutoTrader Awards, a jury of over 20 expert automotive journalists considered every vehicle Canadians can buy and voted on the best in 28 categories.

What does AutoTrader say about the two Subaru SUVs? Subaru is going to need a bigger trophy case.

“It’s impressive to see Subaru earning repeat wins with its Crosstrek and Outback,” said Jodi Lai, AutoTrader Editor-in-Chief, “These are two vehicles that continue to impress the AutoTrader jury with their practicality, user-friendliness, standard safety features, and added confidence in Canadian winters. Congratulations to the team at Subaru for this pair of excellent crossovers.”

What does AutoTrader say about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

photo credit: Competition Subaru 

“The latest Crosstrek earns our top praise for a variety of reasons. Subaru’s signature standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and the inherent handling characteristics of boxer-powered models give the Crosstrek a performance edge in winter driving conditions. The X-Mode system offers drivers additional custom-tuned traction settings to tackle challenging scenarios with a simple tap, with above-average ground clearance and ruggedness encouraging even further exploration.”

What is the 2024 Crosstrek pricing?

For 2024, the Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels and has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission).

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225). 

What is the price of the Crosstrek Wilderness?

The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

My Take

I was surprised AutoTrader didn’t mention the all-new 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness trim level. The Crosstrek Wilderness gets even more off-pavement upgrades that set it further apart from other subcompact SUVs. Customers with active lifestyles will want to check it out further. I have covered the new outdoor-themed extensively. Check out my report here. What does AutoTrader say about the 2024 Subaru Outback?

photo credit: Competition Subaru 

“Covering a price range of about $36,572 to $49,972, the Outback is a highly familiar nameplate with numerous earlier generations having found homes in Canadian driveways. A major consideration in the Outback’s win was how it strongly delivers on key attributes like practicality, value, and ease of use, which are all important to Canadian car shoppers.”

“Regarding safety, flexibility, practicality, user-friendliness, and familiarity, the Outback is tough to beat.”

What is the 2024 Outback pricing?

For the 2024 model year, the Outback is 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).

My Take 

The 2024 Subaru Outback is an excellent SUV. If you are buying a midsize SUV now, the 2024 Outback is a top pick. Customers may want to wait a year if you are debating whether to purchase this year. The 2025 Outback will get a complete remodel from the ground up. I don’t have details yet, but the improvements will be significant. Stay tuned. 

“We are thankful and proud that both Crosstrek and Outback are receiving this recognition,” said Subaru Chairman, President and CEO Tomohiro Kubota. “This award is a testament to the collective effort and passion of our entire team and fuels our commitment to delivering excellence in everything we do.”

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Crosstrek and Outback story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

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I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Competition Subaru