The 2024 Subaru Outback arrives this fall, but which trim level is the best? Check out the Onyx Edition with the 2.5-liter engine. Here's why it's a better pick for many customers over the 2024 Outback Wilderness trim.
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If you've been waiting on the sidelines for the 2024 Outback, should you buy the rugged outdoor-themed Wilderness trim level or the 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition? With the Onyx Edition upgrades, there are several reasons why you should consider buying it over the Wilderness.
The 2024 Subaru Outback gets new upgrades over the 2023 models. The Outback Wilderness is the hottest trim level for Subaru of America now. But is it the best trim for you?
Onyx Edition offers two engine options.
The 2024 Outback Onyx Edition is available with the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine, and the 2024 Onyx XT and Outback Wilderness come with the 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Onyx XT with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Boxer produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
What is the difference in fuel mileage?
If you want the best fuel mileage, consider the Onyx Edition with the more fuel-efficient 2.5-liter engine with fuel prices rising.
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.
What is the difference in price?
For the 2024 model year, the Outback Onyx Edition is priced at $37,400, Onyx Edition XT is $40,655, and Wilderness is $41,255. Destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).
Also, Check Out This Related Story: The 2024 Subaru Outback Pricing, Model Guide, And Its Most Significant New Upgrade
What's new for 2024?
Outback Onyx Edition upgrades
The standard 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system is now paired with a Harman Kardon speaker system with a 576-watt equivalent amplifier. In addition, the Onyx Edition now comes standard with a Power Moonroof, Reverse Automatic Braking, and a 360-degree heated steering wheel is now standard.
Related Story: 6 Things You'll Love About The New 2024 Subaru Outback, 3 You Won't
Outback Wilderness upgrades
For 2024, the Outback Wilderness now receives a more rugged look thanks to a new front fascia featuring a redesigned bumper and LED fog lights paired with a more prominent front grille. In addition, a 360-degree heated steering wheel is now standard on the Outback Wilderness.
Onyx Edition XT
A 360-degree heated steering wheel is now standard on the Outback Onyx Edition XT. This feature was only offered on higher trim levels the previous year.
Ground extra clearance is a big difference.
The Onyx Edition is rugged enough for most customers if you aren't navigating steep or rocky trails off-road. The 2024 Outback Onyx Edition has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. But the significant difference is the 9.5 inches for the Wilderness trim. The Wilderness also gets suspension upgrades for improved off-road performance.
Our take
The 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition is a capable off-pavement all-wheel-drive midsize SUV that will handle almost anything you can throw at it. The Wilderness trim is your desired model if you are going deep off-road and navigating steep rocky trails.
The 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition with the 2.5-liter engine hits the sweet spot delivering enough horsepower if you aren't pulling a camper or trailer and gets improved fuel mileage over the 2.4-liter XT and Wilderness models and will cost considerably less.
You Might Also Like: There Are 3 Features Found Only On The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness
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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Nope. If and when I buy a…
Nope. If and when I buy a Subaru, I am not going with the less powerful engine. That's a non-starter. I currently drive a 2000 Honda Civic. It's a wonderful and reliable car, but it's lacking in horsepower. Here in Colorado the altitude also robs the Civic of some of the little power it does have. I am tired of worrying as I put my foot to the floor on on-ramps, merge in and pray I won't be rear-ended. Either give me the turbo so I can flat get up and go when I want or I will stick with my paid-off sedan and my fervent foot to the floor prayers.
I have the 2.5 it’s not a…
I have the 2.5 it’s not a race car but I have no problem getting on the highway. It’s faster than my Dodge 1500 3.7L 6 speed by leaps and bounds. I don’t used it for rock crawling but on some pretty rough terrain around the lakes it does just fine. Test drive one.