9 New Wagons That Could Give The Outback Competition, Is Subaru Worried?

Subaru dominates the wagon category, but new competition is coming. Should Subaru be worried about the Outback? Here are ten new station wagons that could cause Subaru concern.  

Subaru dominates, but will it last?

Subaru has dominated the wagon category with the popular Outback, but new competition is coming. Wagons are a rare breed in the U.S. market, and Subaru has thrived up until now with its wagon offering. Outback was the top-selling model for Subaru of America last year, and it's not slowing down this year.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says, "If you're in the market for a new wagon, you're increasingly in rare company. While there's no denying the utility, efficiency, comfort, or style of a good station wagon, the bigger-is-better mentality has seen SUVs rise in their place in overall popularity."

Subaru has carved a unique niche with the SUV-alternative Outback, a vehicle that stands out in the crowd. Whether it's a wagon or a crossover is a matter of debate, but the Subaru Outback is a lifted wagon with a rugged, 'go-anywhere' attitude. The Japanese automaker's success with this model is documented in my report here.

Can they keep up the success?

There are more new wagon offerings in the U.S. market than you may think. KBB has a list I've included here revealing ten new wagons and their prices. 

Note that they are all luxury brands catering to a high-end customer.  Only one, the Mini Clubman, is close in price to the Outback and is a small compact wagon. It is not a consideration for families looking for a midsize all-wheel-drive vehicle. 

Here are 10 of the best new wagons in alphabetical order you'll find in 2024-2025.

2024 model wagons

• 2024 Audi A4 allroad $48,695
• 2024 Audi A6 allroad $70,395
• 2024 Audi RS 6 Avant $126,895
• 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain Wagon $72,400
• 2024 Mini Clubman $33,645
• 2024 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo $113,095
• 2024 Volvo V60 $51,695
• 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country $61,195

2025 model wagons

• 2025 BMW M5 Touring $122,675
• 2025 Subaru Outback $30,240

What does KBB say about the 2025 Outback?

Starting Price: $30,240 ($28,895 + $1,420 destination)

KBB says, "Stepping back from the insanely powerful and luxurious realm into what most of us experience as reality, the 2025 Subaru Outback is another excellent wagon choice that offers many SUV-negating abilities. From its standard AWD to its up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, the Outback is the wagon lover's best response to the SUV onslaught."

How successful is the Outback?

In June, Subaru of America (SOA) announced it had sold its three-millionth Subaru Outback midsize SUV/Crossover/Wagon. Read more in my report here. 

The SUV-alternative Outback is an incredible success story because it defies the odds. It has Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and all-weather and all-terrain performance. And it's getting better with age.

Subaru says, "The Outback became a cultural icon synonymous with outdoor adventure." 

The Outback Wilderness takes it to another level. 

The Outback improved with the all-new rugged outdoor-themed Outback Wilderness. It's the hottest new Outback trim level for SOA. Read my Outback Wilderness report here. 

Should Subaru be worried?

As I mentioned above, Subaru has no competition in offering an affordable wagon all-wheel-drive vehicle. All the new wagons are luxury brands with high price tags. The Mini Clubman is small and doesn't compare with the Outback in utility and capability. It also has a higher starting price than the Outback. 

What is the 2025 Outback pricing?

The Base Outback 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).

Outback is your SUV alternative pick. 

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.

If safety is your top priority, the Outback is a clear winner. It consistently receives the highest safety scores from the IIHS, and all trims come standard with Subaru's advanced EyeSight driver assist safety technology, providing you with peace of mind on the road.

The future of the Outback looks promising. 

If you can wait a bit longer, the next-generation Outback is set to arrive in the 2026 model year, promising significant upgrades both inside and out. The best is yet to come.

Subaru of America has not officially announced it, but the seventh-generation Outback will likely get a new Hybrid trim level. Like the Forester Hybrid, it will likely arrive one year after the next-generation 2026 Outback. 

The all-new Outback Hybrid could make its reveal sometime in early 2027. Stay tuned. 

Until then, the Subaru Outback is the only model in the wagon category that fits affordability, all-wheel-drive, all-terrain, utility, and safety into one package. Subaru isn't worried about new models knocking it off its high perch. 

The Outback, with its standard all-wheel-drive, up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and SUV-negating abilities, stands out as a unique and valuable option in the market.

Are you checking out the 2025 Subaru Outback? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

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