The Outback does have auto
The Outback does have auto start stop, only the Ascent doesn't have it. I'm sure it's coming though.
Your mileage may very but of course the Ascent got worse gas mileage than your 3.6 outback, it's a bigger vehicle. I've tried to hyper mile a 3.6 outback and best you can get is 30/31. I could easy get that out of the Ascent. I haven't tried on the new Outback xt yet, but I'm sure I'll get to.
Also the 3.6r was notoriously neck snapping on throttle uptake, another problem that doesn't exist with the new engines. I will say in certain cases the 3.6r did shine, I do feel it was a little quieter than the 2.4t especially under throttle. But honestly, the 2.4t sounds good and definitely reminds you that it's definitely a boxer under the hood. Not only that but testing shows it puts out only 12 pounds of boost, with very little lag, I imagine it's a small twin scroll. Which also speaks to its planned longevity.