The Popular Subaru Outback Is Falling Behind

The aging Subaru Outback can’t compete with the all-new Crosstrek.

The Subaru Outback continues to deliver the groceries, but it needs a remodel. I will cover what's going on now and what's coming next year. First, what happened in September?

Subaru's Outback was the second-highest-selling carline in September, but it's still far behind the Crosstrek, which is on fire. Check out my report here on why Crosstrek is the new sales leader and the hottest vehicle in America. 

The Outback lags behind two models. 

Subaru of America reports they delivered 13,991 Outback midsize SUVs to customers in September, compared with 14,545 models sold in September 2023. The popular Outback decreased by 3.8 percent and finished third in SOA's lineup for the first nine months of the year behind Crosstrek and Forester. 

SOA has sold 126,333 Outbacks to customers in 2024 compared with 122,881 through the first nine months of 2023. Outback has increased by 2.8 percent this year. It's okay for a vehicle needing a complete remodel. 

The remodeled Crosstrek streaks ahead. 

Last month, the all-new next-generation Crosstrek subcompact SUV continued to outpace the Outback midsize SUV and is now the top-selling model. Crosstrek achieved its best September ever with 16,633 vehicles sold (surpassing the record of 16,092 set in September 2022), a 24.7 percent increase compared to September 2023. 

Crosstrek is number one now.

Subaru sold 131,847 Crosstrek models in the first nine months, compared with 114,632 models sold in the U.S. in the same period in 2023. Crosstrek is up 15 percent for the year. Crosstrek has moved past the Forester and Outback and is now the number-one-selling model for Subaru of America. 

Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales, Subaru of America, says "With Crosstrek's popularity steadily growing and Outback seeing continued success, both carlines closed out the month with very strong results, connecting with both first-time and returning Subaru owners."

The 2025 Outback is a carry-over model with few changes. 

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. However, some buyers are waiting for the new model change next year.

When will Subaru launch the next-generation Outback?

As I reported recently, in my report, you can read here that 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 will get new upgrades.

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. 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 cosmetic; however, they will also contribute to improved aerodynamics and visibility, enhancing the overall driving experience. It will accomplish this while still retaining 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. 

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. 

An all-new Outback Hybrid is coming.

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 next-generation Outback will 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 other trim levels make their dealer launch. I now know the Outback will be a regular hybrid, not a plug-in hybrid. You can get the details in my report here.

What about the Outback Wilderness?

It's a good bet Subaru will delay the next-gen Outback Wilderness for one year, and it will arrive in 2027. Subaru of America has not released any information on the new next-generation Outback or Wilderness trim. That's not unusual because Subaru is notoriously tight-lipped and secretive about new model launches. 

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. 

The Outback needs new model changes to keep up with the all-new next-gen Crosstrek. Stay tuned as I will cover any new 2026 Outback information for customers. 

Are you interested in the remodeled 2026 Outback? How likely are you to wait for it? Your opinion counts, so click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know what you think about the upcoming changes.

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: Tucson Subaru