Breaking - Subaru Quietly Discontinues The Outback In Japan

The Subaru Outback is being discontinued in Japan after 30 years. Find out why and what it means for U.S. customers. 

The Outback will be discontinued in Japan.

Subaru Corporation has quietly announced that the Subaru Outback (Legacy Outback in Japan) will be discontinued in Japan after thirty years. I found out from a post embedded in the 30th anniversary Outback model announcement. 

Subaru says, "Today, the lottery applications for the "Legacy Outback 30th Anniversary", a special piece that marks the culmination of the Outback's storied history. (Limited to 500). The domestic Outback will no longer be produced after the current model."

Subaru Corp. will offer its Japanese customers a unique opportunity to own the exclusive 30th-anniversary edition model before the Outback midsize SUV bids farewell. 

The last 30th anniversary Outback will come with unique upgrades. 

• Ivory and Black Nappa leather (with ventilated seats).
• Legacy Outback Exclusive STI Tune FR Dampers
• 30th Anniversary Commemorative Embroidery (driver and passenger seat) and rear badge. 

The last Outback to be produced for Japanese customers is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged direct injection Boxer engine and Lineartronic transmission. 

Subaru will offer the Outback 30th edition in a lottery. The lottery entry period will be from October 24th - November 10th, 2024. It's limited to only 500 units.  

Subaru says, "Born in 1994 as a pioneer of the new crossover genre, the Legacy Outback has been loved by drivers worldwide as a partner with which to spend quality time. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, we have prepared a special car that is the culmination of the history that has been accumulated." 

"Legacy Outback 30th Anniversary. A special design that further stimulates the driving pleasure with more refined driving performance and higher quality. We will deliver you a car proving the Legacy Outback's essence and value."

Why is Subaru dropping the Outback in Japan?

I covered the introduction of the all-new Subaru Layback Sport wagon offered for the Japanese market. The new Layback has rugged looks and an off-road-tuned chassis. It's Japan's version of the Outback XT but in a smaller package. 

The new Layback is considerably smaller and powered by a 1.8-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine. The new Layback better fits the Japanese market than the bigger Outback. Subaru even gave the Layback body cladding like the U.S. Outback and Outback Wilderness. 

Japanese customers require a different model. Some Japanese customers will use the Layback, taking the new sports wagon off-road. However, Subaru knows it will mainly be used by city and urban commuters. 

Subaru Layback is Japan's Outback replacement model for Japanese customers who want a more rugged model. I'm guessing that Outback sales dropped in Japan after the Japanese automaker launched the Layback. It was likely their intention all along. 

Rest assured, Subaru won't be discontinuing the Outback in North America. 

Subaru won't discontinue the Outback in America. It's Subaru of America's top-selling model and will be completely remodeled in 2026. In the U.S., customers will get the all-new, next-generation Outback midsize SUV next year. Stay tuned. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer 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 Corporation