When Subaru created the Outback many moons ago, the car as we knew it changed. It was Subaru who popularized all-wheel drive for the masses. The combination of the Outback’s no-frills capabilities and rugged off-pavement character has been copied by nearly every automaker. None have really succeeded in replicating the exact formula - except for Subaru, whose Forester and Crosstrek are also wildly successful using the same recipe and ingredients.

Before we begin, we should tell you that your author has not just tested the most up-to-date versions of the Outback, but has also owned two. Car Talk's managing editor presently owns an Outback Wilderness on which she has mounted studded snow tires and drives snow-covered mountain roads daily. To say we know the Outback well is an understatement. The Car Talk team walks the walk when it comes to living the Subie life.

Is the Subaru Outback an SUV, a crossover, or a wagon? Our answer is “yes.” Subaru has straddled not two but three vehicle types with its Outback design. It has the appearance of a wagon, it is definitely a crossover, and it is tougher and more capable than 90% of SUVs built today. The Outback is rugged, forgiving, capable, reliable, efficient, safe, enjoyable to drive, and always up for an adventure.

Subaru wisely created a pair of new trims with the current generation, which began back in the 2020 model year. The Onyx is what Subaru calls its “youthful” trim. The Wilderness is the go-anywhere snowmobile of the pack. Shoppers can also choose from Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, and XT trims. Whatever it is you want in an Outback, Subaru has a trim just right for you. The only thing we don't understand is why there isn’t a dedicated “Dog-lovers” trim. Maybe every trim meets that definition.

We love the “this one goes to eleven” Wilderness trim because it is all the things an Outback should be, plus a well-chosen list of features that make it even better when the pavement ends or the snow banks are high. The Outback has features within its trim lines like a full-size matching spare tire, nearly 10 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and an interior upholstery called StarTex designed to be water resistant and mud-friendly. The Base and Limited offer value or luxury. The XT is for the folks who want power and performance.

Despite the many variations, all Outbacks, including the Base, offer unbeaten safety, incredible winter capabilities, and a cabin size that is just right for most American families. The price point of the Outback has also long been one of its main attractions. Sure, you can find a European wagon with similar abilities and specifications. But they cost more to buy and more to own.

With over four decades of doling out trusted automotive advice and extensive vehicle knowledge, both behind the wheel and under the hood, Car Talk's founder and original Tappet Brother Ray Magliozzi shares his first-hand experience test driving the Subaru Outback.

The Outback and Forester are fraternal twins. The Outback looks larger and is marketed as such, but really isn’t larger inside. It’s just a few inches longer. Nearly every aspect of these two great vehicles is the same. One big difference is that the Forester is not available with the Outback’s optional turbocharged engine.

The Forester has a shorter wheelbase and a shorter exterior length. That is either good or bad off-pavement, depending on what type of offroading you do. The Forester also has a larger greenhouse and better visibility. If you shop for a Subaru, the chances are you will go one way or the other based on how the vibe of the Outback or Forester hits you. The Forester’s prices are just a smidge lower than the Outback’s.

If you are buying the Outback Wilderness planning some off-roading, or if you relish winter driving, there is a new competitor on the scene. Ford’s Bronco Sport Badlands now offers much of what the Outback Wilderness can deliver but in a boxy traditional SUV shape.

The Bronco Sport Badlands has a turbocharged powertrain that is more fun than the up-powered Outbacks, has better underbody protection (standard), and offers things like fixed front recovery hooks and a limited-slip rear differential. The Outback is hands-down more reliable, has a longer cargo space, and a more modern infotainment system. Those shoppers who plan to be hosing mud off the roof of their vehicle may wish to check out the Bronco Sport Badlands. Skip the lower trims.

One brand that has long offered excellent all-wheel drive wagons with superior safety is Volvo. We are not sure how, but Volvo offers its outstanding 2024 V60 Cross County B5 for just over $51K, making it not that far a stretch from the $44,140 Outback Touring XT.

The Volvo drives much better than the Subaru. Its powertrain feels more refined and rewarding. The interior is classically Scandinavian. Having tested the 2024 V60, we can confidently say that Volvo is the better vehicle in pretty much every way, on-road or on dirt roads. In winter, the Volvo can match the Subaru if the two are wearing similar winter tires. If there is a Volvo dealer close to your home and your budget permits it, you really should cross-shop the top trim Outback against the Volvo V60.

The Subaru Outback Base starts at just $30,240. The Wilderness starts around $42K, and the top-trim Touring XT tops out the line at $44,140. All of our prices include the destination fee but not dealer doc fees or added dealer content.

The Outback entered its current generation with the 2020 model year. In 2023, there was a slight styling change to the front of the vehicle. 2024 is basically a carry-over year. Our driving impressions come from having tested model year 2023 and 2022 Outbacks, and from the pair of 2023 Wilderness Outbacks that our testing team members own.

The Outback works best if you drive it like an adult. It is not a crossover that likes to be thrown hard into corners, and it isn’t a stoplight racer. Thank goodness. When you use the Outback the way in which it was intended, it is brilliant. On the highway, the Outback can smoothly gobble up miles and offers a comfortable ride. On lonely back-country mountain roads, the Outback is very good. In suburban neighborhoods, it is as good as any vehicle in its price point and better than many costing more. It’s a great vehicle in almost all typical driving situations.

Where the Outback really shines is in atypical situations. When the snow piles up, the Outback comes alive. It is the very definition of “good in snow.” If you have the chance to take your Outback off pavement, you will be rewarded with a positive experience. The added clearance suddenly makes perfect sense. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system suddenly becomes the best part of the vehicle.

We’ve driven the Outback down rutted access trails in New Hampshire and over snowy mountain passes in Colorado. There is simply no better vehicle in which to be when the weather turns inclement.

The Outback’s wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay delivered via its huge center tablet, works perfectly. It is one of the best systems available today. It has no downsides and many clever features that make it both simple and, at the same time, sort of techy.

Subaru also knows how to do seats. It’s sad we have to even mention this, but many vehicles we test have weird seats with overly stiff bolters, small barstool-style bottom cushions, or weird firn parts. Try the Mazda CX-50 if you need an example of what we mean. Subaru’s seats are comfy, and they adjust the way they should.

Depending on your trim and options, you can also get smart features like heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer. When you are driving in the worst winter, that windshield wiper de-icer sure comes in handy. Why don’t all vehicles have that?

We do need to talk about the powertrains that Subaru offers in the Outback. The base four-cylinder engine with its CVT transmission is barely adequate. The Outback is a bit pokey, and as we said above already, doesn’t like to be rushed. This suits most owners just fine.

There is an up-powered turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it does not change the Outback’s personality very much. It isn’t a fun and racy engine, but simply a more capable one. If you are just starting to consider the Outback, be advised that the addition of the turbo does not mean the Outback becomes sportier. It’s not a plus-sized WRX. And there is nothing wrong with that.

We could probably sum up the Outback’s safety by simply saying it is the safest vehicle in its size and weight on the planet. Subaru throws the whole shebang of active and passive safety systems at its vehicles. The EyeSight collision prevention and mitigation system is one of the best in the marketplace, and Subaru was a pioneer of affordable active safety. The Outback has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick + award. NHTSA gives the Outback a full five-star rating.

Consumer Reports gives the current Outback three out of five stars for reliability. In its 2023 Dependability Study, J.D. Power ranked Subaru well below average. These ratings surprised us, so we dug a little deeper. At Consumer Reports, the Outback’s powertrain, suspension, brakes, and climate system all earned top marks. It was the in-vehicle electronics category that pulled down the Outback’s score.

If you plan to do a lot of off-pavement driving, the Outback Wilderness is the way to go. If you primarily drive in the suburbs or on the highway, any trim can handle your driving needs. One thing we will say is that if your trim offers an “All-weather Package,” get it. If the vehicle is in stock, it will likely come with it.

The Wilderness trim comes with all-terrain tires. The rest of the trims come with all-season touring-style tires. Be aware that the Outback can instill a false sense of confidence. Any Outback will always move you forward in a snowstorm. Stopping and turning requires appropriate winter tires. Budget for better tires than your Outback (other than Wilderness) comes with if you plan to do serious winter weather adventures.

Subaru covers the Outback with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is strictly average. Subaru also does not offer universal included maintenance for any period, which is odd in 2024. Most brands now offer at least two years.

• Basic: 3 years / 36k miles
• Powertrain: 5 years / 60k miles
• If buying used, consider our list of best extended warranty providers

Subaru is an affordable brand with a following bordering on being a cult. Your author is a long-standing member. Those of us who have kept Subarus past 100K miles know that they are not Toyotas. Older Subarus have a reputation for pricey issues like head gasket failures, CVT problems, and engine oil consumption. Our recommendation is to buy a Subaru that is certified pre-owned (CPO), or new.

Editor's note and disclaimer: Car Talk is supported by our fans, readers and listeners. When you click on some of the links on our website, we may receive referral compensation. However, you should know that the recommendations we make are based on our independent editorial review and analyses.