The Subaru Outback Is Best In Versatility, Off-Road Ability Says New Global Award

The 2024 Subaru Outback has been awarded the Best Crossover in a new global award. Here is why new midsize SUV shoppers should take a look this winter.

The 2024 Subaru Outback just won a global award for midsize SUV shoppers. I have covered the Outback's versatility and all-wheel-drive abilities, and it has now been named the Best Crossover of the Year by the renowned specialist publication Overlander 4x4.

They give two specific reasons the Outback is the best in its category. Award judges praised the Outback for its versatility and outstanding off-road ability. Outback was also the Best Crossover Estate Award last year by Overlander 4x4.

photo credit: Competition Subaru

What does Outlander 4x4 say about the 2024 Outback?

Alan Kidd, Editor at Overlander 4x4, said, "Subaru's first 4x4 station wagons invented the crossover estate class, way before the sector was defined. It's a class that grew and grew, with all sorts of big-name manufacturers pitching in, but the Subaru Outback always defined it. And now it's seen off the lot of them – to the extent that for this year's awards, we've had to combine the crossover and crossover estate classes into one.

He continued, "The Subaru Outback is up against all sorts of rivals, but ultimately, the Subaru is outstanding in off-road conditions, and the brand is the true master of the art form. The Subaru Outback does everything right as an everyday family vehicle – and it can tackle terrain that would give most other brands a nosebleed."

photo credit: Competition Subaru

William Brown, Managing Director at International Motors said "We are thrilled that the expert panel at Overlander 4x4 has once again recognized Subaru as the leader in All-Wheel-Drive vehicles and crowned the Subaru Outback as their 2024 Best Crossover. 2023 was a year of growth for the brand, and this award, along with the launch of the new Crosstrek model, has really kickstarted this new year off to a strong start."

What is the pricing on 2024 Outback trims?

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

What sets the Outback apart from other popular midsize Crossover/SUVs? 

As I have stated, all Outback midsize SUV trim levels ride higher with extra ground clearance than most family haulers. The Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.4 inches on Wilderness trims). Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and the X-Mode is for severe winter weather. The dual function X-Mode on some trim levels is for all-terrain capability. The Outback also gets the highest safety scores from the IIHS.

Additionally, the Outback is put in the Crossover category because it has the versatility of an SUV and the ride quality and driving dynamics of a car. 

photo credit: Competition Subaru

The Outback comes in a new Wilderness trim level for customers who want to get out of the city, further off the grid, and away from civilization. The 2024 Subaru Outback offers customers what no other Crossover/SUV can. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the 2024 Subaru Outback award 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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Watch the Subaru Outback Wilderness XMode Extreme Snow Test YouTube video

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: main image Tucson Subaru