How Does Subaru’s Outback Lead SUVs And Crossovers When Americans Loathe Wagons

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If you think you are seeing more new Subaru Outback wagons on the road, you would be right. How does a wagon lead the entire Subaru lineup?

Americans loathe station wagons and many who grew up in the 70s and 80s have nightmares about riding in an ugly station wagon while going on vacation with the family. Many kids had their brains fried while sitting in a greenhouse facing backward in the hot July heat. With so many bad memories, how does a wagon become the hottest vehicle in Subaru’s lineup, when SUVs and Crossovers are the top selling vehicles in America?

The Outback wagon isn’t just selling well, it’s now the number one selling vehicle in Subaru’s all-wheel-drive lineup. The SUV-alternative Outback had its best July ever, and now leads the Forester as the top seller. It beat Forester handily with 17,581 units sold in July, compared with 15,283 for Forester. And YTD, Outback has move out on top beating Forester by 594 units. Crosstrek remains number three in the lineup with 51,500 units sold YTD.

Subaru’s fifth-generation 2018 Outback has been around for more than 20 years, but it’s a different animal than your typical wagon. It rides 8.7-inches off the ground, comes standard with all-wheel-drive, has a roomy cabin, and has off-road features like X-Mode, Hill Descent Control and Hill Holder. Subaru designed the Outback to be a family hauler with an attitude.

The Outback wagon is a master of outdoors-oriented activities and you'll find owners taking it into the back country for camping, hiking, mountain biking and climbing trips. The 2018 Subaru Outback gets a refresh with newly designed front and rear bumpers and new grille design. It also gets new headlights and door mirrors with improved aerodynamics and reduced wind noise. Even though Outback is designed for rough off-pavement use, it gets new interior upgrades making it a comfortable place to spend time, and the cabin is quieter than the outgoing model.

The 2018 Subaru Outback will likely continue to lead the Subaru lineup because it’s not your typical family wagon many Americans grew up hating. The SUV-alternative all-wheel drive vehicle is a different animal with a “go-anywhere” attitude that fits many family’s active lifestyles.

Photo credit: Subaru