The 2025 Subaru Outback, Is It What You Expected?

Is the new 2025 Outback what you want?

Which 2025 Subaru Outback trim is the best, and what can customers expect from the new model? Subaru of America has a new configurator tool to build your midsize SUV. What's new on the 2025 Outback? There is an asterisk by the "new" Outback because, for the 2025 model year, it's a carry-over model. 

Customers should know that the Limited trim level has a few trim and pricing adjustments. And I'll explain what's coming in future models. 

Outback customers will have to wait another year for the next-generation model. Keep reading, and I'll explain why Subaru made you wait. First, here are the pricing and trim details and 2025 model highlights.

Here's what you get in 2025.

The 2025 Outback is available in nine trim levels: Base, Premium, new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine, Limited Touring, Outback Wilderness, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT models. 

What Is The 2025 Outback Pricing?

The Base is priced at $30,290, Premium ($32,590), Onyx Edition ($37,500), Limited ($39,250), Touring ($41,740), Onyx Edition XT ($40,755), Wilderness ($41,355), Limited XT ($41,590), and Touring XT ($44,190). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,395).

Find out more more in my 2025 Outback model guide here.  

Only one trim level increased in price. 

The Outback Limited increased +$2,160. A power moonroof, DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, navigation, and a 360-degree heated steering wheel are now standard on Limited trims.

However, destination and delivery fees increased by $100 on all 2025 Outback trims. 

The 2025 Outback is still an excellent midsize SUV. Here are a few of its best characteristics. 

Outback is not your typical SUV. 

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, Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive, and X-Mode for all-terrain performance. It also gets the highest safety scores from the IIHS. 

If you want a finer ride, choose the Outback.

It's the SUV alternative—the best of both. The Outback seamlessly combines the driving dynamics and ride quality of a car with the utility and versatility of an SUV, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of lifestyles.

Which Outback trims offer the best value?

The 2025 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium and Limited trim levels are where many buyers will land and offer the best value with no price increases. The Premium and Limited trim levels still provide the best value for customers who spend most of their time in an urban setting.

The 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine in the Subaru Outback Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims is a good choice for commuters who won't use their vehicle for off-road adventures.

Choose the XT if you need more juice when you step on the gas. 

Unless you need the Outback XT's additional power (260 horsepower vs.182 horsepower) and off-pavement capability, you will pay around $5,000-$8000 less for a comparably equipped 2.5i trim level.

Wilderness takes you to the next level. 

The Wilderness offers an off-road experience that's perfect for those with active lifestyles. With 9.3 inches of ground clearance and additional off-road upgrades, the Wilderness trim is designed to take you further off the grid, appealing to the adventurous spirit in you. Find out more in my Wilderness report here. 

Should you wait for the next-generation Outback?

As I reported recently, Subaru of America has delayed the next-generation Outback launch until the 2026 model year. So, I would say it's another year away from making its dealer launch. Find out more in my report here. 

It will receive significant upgrades and improvements—read my report here—and a hefty price increase. Remember the 2025 Forester price change? 

The next-generation Outback Wilderness will arrive at a time different from the new model change.

The next-generation Outback Wilderness could be two years away as a 2027 model. Subaru chose to wait an extra year to upgrade the Forester Wilderness, which will now be a 2026 model year. They will likely do the same with the Outback Wilderness. 

What about a new Outback Hybrid?

I've heard that the Outback Hybrid is also on the drawing board. The seventh-generation Outback will get a new Hybrid trim level, but like the Forester Hybrid, it will likely arrive one year after the next-generation 2026 Outback. Although it's not been confirmed by Subaru, the Outback Hybrid could make its reveal sometime in early 2027. 

There are still good reasons to be excited about the current Outback before the model change. 

The 2025 Subaru Outback remains the automaker's flagship model in the U.S. and is the brand's second-best-selling all-wheel-drive vehicle. The midsize SUV is available now at Subaru of America retailers.

Which new Outback trim level piques your interest the most? Is it all you want, or are you disappointed? Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your thoughts.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru