Subaru Outback trim comparison
2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition vs Touring XT
The Outback Onyx Edition starts at $36,105 while the Touring XT is $42,795. That $6,690 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.5L flat 4 to 2.4L flat 4 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 2.4L flat 4 Turbo every week, the Touring XT makes sense. If not, the Onyx Edition is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Touring XT adds about $118/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $7,080 more overall with interest. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The Onyx Edition and Touring XT are mechanically identical where it counts: the same continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,690 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,338 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Onyx Edition | Touring XT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,105 | $42,795 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L flat 4 | 2.4L flat 4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 32 | 29 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,550/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,692 lbs | 3,946 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 108.1" |
| Length | 191.1" | 191.1" |
| Width | 73.0" | 73.0" |
| Height | 66.1" | 66.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition vs Touring XT Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Subaru Outback lineup, the Subaru brand hub, the Midsize Sedans, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Outback Touring XT cost than the Onyx Edition?
The Touring XT starts at $42,795 compared to $36,105 for the Onyx Edition. That is a $6,690 difference, or approximately $118/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition and Touring XT have the same engine?
No. The Onyx Edition uses a 2.5L flat 4 (182 hp, 176 lb-ft), while the Touring XT has the 2.4L flat 4 Turbo (260 hp, 277 lb-ft). That is 78 more horsepower. Both pair with the same continuously variable-speed automatic.
Do the 2024 Outback Onyx Edition and Touring XT have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2024 Outback Onyx Edition or Touring XT safer?
Both share the same Subaru Outback platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Subaru Outback come with?
All 2024 Subaru Outback trims, including both the Onyx Edition and Touring XT, come with Subaru's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT worth $6,690 more than the Onyx Edition?
The $6,690 buys the 2.4L flat 4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Onyx Edition does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Subaru Outback trim gets better fuel economy, the Onyx Edition or the Touring XT?
The Onyx Edition is the more efficient of the two at 28 combined MPG, versus 25 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $6,690 Gap
The Touring XT earns its premium. For $6,690 more, you get the 2.4L flat 4 Turbo engine (+78 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Outback lineup.
How the Onyx Edition and Touring XT Feel Different
Moving from the Onyx Edition to the Touring XT means a different engine entirely. That means 78 more horsepower and 101 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. In return, expect about 3 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Outback Onyx Edition gets 3 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $180 per year or $900 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
The Outback Touring XT costs $6,690 more than the Onyx Edition (about $118/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $1,338 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Subaru Outback Onyx Edition
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Onyx Edition best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Subaru Outback Touring XT
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Touring XT when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Subaru or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.