Subaru Outback: Top Alternatives for 2024
Aaron Turpen is an automotive writer and reviewer living in Wyoming, USA. A life-long off-road and mechanical enthusiast, Aaron has had a varied career in vehicles. Aaron grew up with home mechanics and maintenance on tractors, trucks, and cars as well as small engines and devices. At any one time, he’s worked as an automotive disassembler (aka “junk yard parts puller”), shade tree mechanic, over-the-road truck driver, and more. Aaron’s interests include family-oriented vehicles, off-roading, and anything fun involving tires and steering. With most of his life having been in rural America, Aaron understands pickup trucks and SUVs, winter weather hazards, and what life is like where phrases like “Just down the road” mean “within 100 miles.” Aaron’s automotive writing career has included outlets such as Carfax, CarTalk, NewAtlas.com, and many others. He’s appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, on various YouTube channels, and on several podcasts. Aaron also operates a couple automotive sites: EVmeme.com and Drivemodeshow.com
The Subaru Outback is primarily known for its station wagon design, ample interior space, all-terrain capability, and upscale feel.
Many consumers consider the Outback the flagship of the Subaru lineup, fitting a niche that others have tried to copy but rarely match.
This is changing as other automakers improve their vehicles and increase competition. It's easier to find competitors in today's market, full of crossovers, now that all-wheel drive (AWD) is more common.
Table of Contents
Subaru Outback vs. Competitors
| Model | Approx Cost Range | Efficiency | Passenger Volume | Full Warranty Lengths |
| Subaru Outback | ||||
| Audi A4 Allroad | ||||
| Ford Escape / Escape Hybrid / Escape PHEV | ||||
| Subaru Forester |
1. Audi A4 Allroad
Of the choices on our list, the Audi A4 Allroad is the only station wagon that’s competitive against the Subaru Outback.
The Allroad is sporty with a lot of European appeal, with a high-quality interior and lots of technology. It’s more expensive than the Outback, but returns similar fuel efficiency and interior spaciousness. Audi’s all-wheel drive system is well-liked and capable as well.
The Takeaway: The Audi A4 Allroad offers an experience that’s equal to the Outback in versatility but with more luxury fitment. It’s also more composed and energetic to drive by comparison.
Current Audi A4 Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Audi | A4 | 3.99% | 10/31/24 | ||
| 2025 | Audi | A4 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Audi deals
2. Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a crossover SUV that is sized about the same as is the Outback. The Escape has more fuel efficiency in all of its iterations. Unlike any of the other options presented here, the Escape comes in a standard gasoline, hybrid-electric, and plug-in hybrid electric version. Though it costs more, the 40 mpg average in the plug-in hybrid and the 30 miles of around-town driving on battery alone are high points worth considering for those looking for maximum fuel savings.
The Escape does not compete off-road, however, with all-wheel drive being only available in the gasoline and hybrid models. That AWD system is geared more towards inclement weather than it is trail running and there is no “Wilderness” option for more get-out-there capability as can be had in the Outback.
The Takeaway: The Ford Escape is primarily focused on a good drive dynamic and daily driving on the pavement with maximum efficiency.
Current Ford Escape Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ford | Escape | 2.90% | $347/month for 36 months, $3,447 due at signing | 10/31/24 | |
| 2025 | Ford | Escape | $407/month for 36 months, $3,356 due at signing | 10/31/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Ford deals
3. Subaru Forester
Subaru’s own Forester model is also competitive with the Outback.
Giving a more traditional crossover-SUV design, the Forester has a drive dynamic to match, being a little higher in seating and maneuverability than is the Outback wagon. It is, in other respects, very comparable to the Outback in terms of fuel economy, warranty, and comfort.
The Takeaway: The Subaru Forester is not quite as upscale in appeal as is the Outback, but it offers a lot more interior space and cargo room when compared.
Current Subaru Forester Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Subaru | Forester | 2.90% | $389/month for 36 months, $3,264 due at signing | 10/31/24 | |
| 2025 | Subaru | Forester | 4.90% | $319/month for 36 months, $3,219 due at signing | 10/31/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Subaru deals
