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The Aging Forester and Outback Are Keeping Subaru From Sinking  

What's going on at Subaru of America? Subaru's two oldest models need a remodel and are keeping the Camden, N.J. automaker afloat. The Forester and 2024 Outback are the only two nameplates that are up in sales.
2024 Subaru Forester

There's something strange going on now at Subaru of America. The all-new remodeled 2024 Subaru Crosstrek should be the model in Subaru of America's (SOA) lineup, which is the hot model, but it's not. The 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Outback are in need of a remodel, but they are SOA's only two nameplates that are up in sales in 2024. 

In my two decades of covering the Japanese automaker, it's an extraordinary thing happening now. Subaru's two models that are ready for a remodel and are keeping the automaker afloat. The next-generation Forester arrives this spring, and Subaru of America has yet to announce the 2025 Outback that should get a remodel.

Forester and Outback are the only models with increased sales in 2024.

The 2024 Forester is up the most to start the new year. SOA has delivered 27,501 compact SUVs to customers in 2024. Forester is up 36.5 percent. 

The 2024 Subaru Outback is up 11.2 percent in 2024, with 21,712 midsize SUVs sold to U.S. customers. All other Subaru nameplates have decreased.

Here are the 2024 Subaru model rankings in order of percentage of increase and decrease.

  • Forester and Outback have increased
  • Subaru Forester - 14,883 (+36.5%)
  • Subaru Outback - 10,412 (+11.2%)

All Other Models have deceased

  • Subaru Legacy -1,248 (-2.0%)
  • Subaru Impreza - 2,343 (-8.8%)
  • Subaru Crosstrek - 11,325 (-13.2%)
  • Subaru Ascent - 3,791 (-16.5 %)
  • Subaru Solterra - 322 (-17.1%)
  • Subaru BRZ - 243 (-29.6%)
  • Subaru WRX -1,395 (-44.2%)

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV and 2024 Impreza compact hatchback received a remodel, yet they are still significantly down in 2024.  

Performance models are down the most.

The 2024 Subaru WRX performance sedan and 2024 Subaru BRZ sport coupe were remodeled for the 2022 model year. Those performance models have decreased the most of any of SOA's nameplates. 

Like the Outback, the Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV and Legacy midsize sedan are due for remodels in 2025, so I'm not surprised that they have dropped. 

I would say Subaru of America is hanging on to its 19 consecutive months of continued yearly month-over-month growth by a thread. SOA was up only 3.1 percent in February because of two models, the Forester and Outback. 

From what I've seen, the Forester and Outback are keeping Subaru from sinking below the surface of win streaks. The Camden, N.J. automaker is barely hanging on up only 1.7 percent in 2024.  

I think these things are essential for Subaru customers to know.

Subaru's inventory is improving. Customers can find new 2024 models on Subaru retailers' lots. This should help sales in March.

Subaru is offering discounts, special financing, and manufacturer incentives on models they want to sell now, including the Forester and Outback. So, from what I've seen, it's a good time to buy.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is still a hot model, and the subcompact SUV may not be available below the sticker price. 

The 2024 Subaru Impreza compact hatch and 2024 Legacy midsize sedan are selling below MSRP.   

But overall, it's the best time to buy any Subaru model now. It's a perfect storm and buyers market for the first time in a long time. 

This is the latest information regarding the Subaru Forester and Outback. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this used Subaru Forester and Outback report. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 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 The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

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Photo credit: Subaru

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