The Outback Isn’t Even Close To Subaru’s Top Compact SUV

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The 2024 Subaru Outback has fallen behind and may be unable to catch the hot Forester. See what happened in March and, more importantly, what's next for the midsize SUV.

For customers wondering what's going on with the next-generation Subaru Outback midsize SUV, here is what's happening now and what's coming next. There's good news and bad news for Outback shoppers. First, here is where the Outback is now.  

The Outback Can't Keep Pace With Forester

The Outback sales followed closely behind the Crosstrek's sales (14,527), with 13,501 midsize SUVs sold to U.S. customers compared with 13,245 in March 2023, an increase of 1.9 percent. However, Outback is now in third place overall, with 35,213 midsize SUVs delivered to customers in the first three months. Outback is up 7.5 percent for the year.

Here are the top three Subaru model rankings in March.

  1. Subaru Forester - 21,045 (+105%) 48,546 total sales year-to-date
  2. Subaru Crosstrek - 14,527 (+3.5%) 38,405 total sales year-to-date
  3. Subaru Outback - 13,501 (+1.9%) 35,213 total sales year-to-date

As you can see, the 2024 Outback is falling far behind the Forester in sales volume in the first three months of 2024. Two years ago, the Outback was the number one sales volume leader. 

Is The 2024 Outback Wilderness The Top Volume Trim?

I would like to see the Outback Wilderness sales volume, but unfortunately, Subaru of America does not release Outback or any other model's sales by trim level. I think the Outback Wilderness is the highest-volume outdoor-themed Wilderness model with active customers. The more rugged Subaru Wilderness sub-brand has been a smashing success, and, from what my sources close to Subaru say, Outback Wilderness leads the way.

Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales at Subaru of America, says, "Car buyers preparing for warmer days and outdoor adventures have been enthusiastic about our wide range of vehicles, including Wilderness models which highlight additional capabilities alongside the safety standards Subaru vehicles are known for."

What is the price of the 2024 Outback?

For the 2024 model year, the Outback will be available in nine trim levels. The Base is priced at $30,190, Premium ($32,490), Onyx Edition ($37,400), Limited ($37,090), Touring ($41,640), Onyx Edition XT ($40,655), Wilderness ($41,255), Limited XT ($41,490), and Touring XT ($44,090). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).

What changes are coming for the 2025 Outback?

From what I've seen Subaru do in the past, the 2025 Subaru Outback will get few, if any, new changes. It will be a carry-over model and may get a slight price increase. Sorry, Outback fans, the remodeled Outback won't come in 2025.

When Will The Next-Generation Outback Be Available?

I reported earlier that the next-generation Outback is delayed. Subaru has decided to hold off an extra year to launch the redesigned Outback. The seventh-generation Outback will be a 2026 model and should arrive in the spring of 2026. 

The Next-Gen Outback Wilderness Is Pushed Further Out

The next-generation Outback Wilderness could be two years away as a 2027 model. Subaru chose to wait one extra year to upgrade the Forester Wilderness, which will now be a 2026 model year. They will likely do the same with the Outback Wilderness. 

There's Good News For Outback Buyers

Subaru of America announced special financing now for all 2024 Outback trim levels. If you've been on the fence about buying an Outback Wilderness, now is the best time to buy the rugged outdoor-themed midsize SUV trim level. Subaru has never offered this kind of a deal on the Wilderness trim.

Subaru says, "Now through April 30, 2024, get 1.9% APR financing for 48 months on a new 2024 Outback Limited, Touring, Onyx XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims. No down payment is required; the monthly payment is $21.65 per $1,000 financed."

The 2024 Subaru Outback is still an excellent model for midsize 2-Row SUV shoppers. It offers exceptional value, and Subaru retailers will likely give you a good deal now. 

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

MORE SUBARU OUTBACK NEWS

Watch: The 2024 Subaru Outback Continues to Deliver | MotorWeek Road Test

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.

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Photo credit: Tucson Subaru