Don’t Buy The 2025 Subaru Outback, Wait A Year

The 2025 Subaru Outback is coming, but should you buy it? I'll give a compelling reason why you should wait another year.

Wait, Don't buy a new Outback yet.

Subaru of America said the 2025 Subaru Outback would arrive this spring. Well, it better hurry because the first day of summer is tomorrow. However, it doesn't matter because the 2025 Outback is unchanged from the 2024 Outback. 

While this may be disappointing for those expecting significant updates, it also means that the 2025 Outback retains all the features and specifications that have made it a popular choice among car buyers. 

Subaru of America says, "The 2025 Subaru Outback continues its tradition of offering SUV capability with a car-like ride and handling backed by standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive."

The only difference is the nameplate on the door jam that signifies the production date and the model year. The 2025 Outback is a carry-over model. I'll explain the slight differences between the 2024 and 2025 Outback trims.

Except for some minor trim adjustments on the Limited model, you won't be able to tell the difference between 2024 and 2025 model year Outback midsize SUVs. The 2025 Outback has retained most of the features and specifications of the 2024 model, with only a few changes in the trim levels. Before I explain what's coming next year, here are the 2025 Outback changes.

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. 

For those who do decide to buy now, here is the 2025 Outback pricing.

For the 2025 model year, the Outback comes in nine trim levels, each offering a unique set of features and specifications. Read my 2025 Outback pricing and model guide here.

• The Base is priced at $30,290 
• Premium ($32,590) 
• Onyx Edition ($37,500) 
• Limited ($39,250) 
• Onyx Edition XT ($40,755)
• Wilderness ($41,355)
• Limited XT ($41,590)   
• Touring ($41,740) 
• Touring XT ($44,190) 

In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,395).

Why You Should Wait

When will Subaru launch the next-generation Outback?

As I reported recently, in my report you can read here, 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. 

2026 Outback is the one you want

For the 2026 model year, the Subaru Outback will be completely redesigned from the ground up. That means some new exterior upgrades, but they won't be drastic. 

As I've reported, Subaru Corporation is conservative in its exterior design changes. This means that while the 2026 Outback will feature some new exterior upgrades, they won't be drastic. Subaru's design philosophy is focused on maintaining the brand's signature look and feel, ensuring that each new model is instantly recognizable as a Subaru.

The 2026 Outback will have a redesigned front fascia with new headlights and grille, and the rear taillights and bumper will likely be redesigned. 

These changes are not just cosmetic but also contribute to improved aerodynamics and visibility, enhancing the overall driving experience. It will have the familiar Subaru family traits. 

The most significant changes will come underneath the exterior sheet metal. They will show up in advanced safety technology, driving dynamics will be improved, and a quieter cabin and ride quality will improve. 

These improvements are designed to enhance the overall driving experience, making the 2026 Outback a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable vehicle to drive. 

Forester Clues

Subaru of America has not released any information on the new next-generation Outback. That's not unusual because Subaru is notoriously tight-lipped and secretive about new model launches. 

After looking at the 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV, which recently received a complete remodel, gives us clues as to what the next-gen Outback upgrades will be. They will remake the next-gen Outback with similar upgrades. 

No Surprises Here

Subaru has few surprises when it comes to its SUV changes. The upgrades are thoughtful and calculated. One thing Subaru will do with the new Outback is make life easier for the next-generation Outback customer. There will be more comfort and convenience features on the inside. 

Can You Wait Two Years?

I can confidently say the next-generation Outback Hybrid is coming soon. While Subaru has not announced or confirmed a new fuel-efficient Outback Hybrid trim level, the 2026 Outback will likely get a hybrid powertrain. This could be a game-changer for those looking for a more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient option. 

You may have to wait until 2027

From what I've seen from Subaru, the all-new Outback Hybrid trim will arrive in late 2026 or early 2027 after the regular models make their dealer launch. The question is whether it will be a regular hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid technology. You can find out more about the differences in my report here.

What about the Outback Wilderness?

If history can tell us anything, Subaru of America will wait a year to bring out the next-generation Outback Wilderness trim level. The more rugged outdoor-themed model should arrive in late 2026 or early 2027.

It's a good bet because Subaru delayed the next-gen Outback Wilderness for one year in 2020, and the sixth-generation Forester Wilderness is still a year away from its remodel. 

Waiting to launch allows Subaru to do two things.

1. They have an extra year to prepare the rugged Wilderness and Hybrid trims. 
2. Instead of releasing all trims the first year, the Camden, N.J. automaker will have two more new trims to excite customers the following year.  

If it were me, I'd wait another year for the all-new, remodeled 2026 Outback to arrive. It will come with significant upgrades worth waiting for, including a redesigned front fascia, improved driving dynamics, and a quieter cabin. However, if you can't wait another year, the 2025 Outback is still a reliable and well-equipped option. 

Did You Know?

Here are three 2025 Outback model features you may not know about. 

1. Did you know the 2025 Outback Wilderness has a front-view camera that helps navigate challenging terrain? 
2. It also has four towing access points on the rear bumper exclusive to the Wilderness trim.   
3. With the What3Words feature, you can travel to that off-grid fishing, hiking, or camping spot within a 10-foot by 10-foot preset GPS location using just three predefined words. 

This is the latest information on the 2025 Outback and the all-new next-generation 2026 Outback midsize SUV. Stay tuned as I will cover any new 2026 Outback information. 

Are you interested in the new 2026 Outback? How likely are you to wait for it? 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