The Strange And Unusual 3 Subaru Model Decline Taking Place Now

A significant opportunity for Subaru shoppers.

New Subaru vehicles haven't been this affordable in years. See why the Subaru Outback, Ascent, and Legacy are among the ten most inexpensive new cars you can buy now and offer competitive pricing compared to other popular car brands.

Three Subaru models are selling the most under MSRP.

If you are shopping for a new Subaru all-wheel-drive vehicle, it may be the best time now to buy, especially if you are looking at a 2024 Subaru Outback midsize SUV, a 2024 Ascent 3-Row SUV, or a 2024 Legacy midsize sedan.

According to a recent report from Consumer Reports (by subscription), the Subaru Outback, Ascent, and Legacy are among the most affordable, safest, and most reliable vehicles on the market.  

A strange and unusual decline is taking place now. 

It's a unique time for Subaru shoppers. Inventory has increased in the U.S., demand has slowed because of the economy, and it's now a buyer's market. Subaru retailers are motivated to move out of the 2024 models. 

What are customers paying now?  

Consumer Reports says, "The measure of a good deal is always relative to the prices secured by other customers in your area. We combed through the latest nationwide transaction data to find those models selling for less than the sticker price or at least going at the sticker price."

The vehicles I've listed here are 2024 models, and they're ranked based on the transaction price relative to the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) as a percentage. "The closer a shopper can get to that figure, the better the deal," says CR.

• Buick Enclave: 8% Off
• Ram 1500: 6% Off
• Volvo S60: 6% Off
• Subaru Outback: 5% Off
• Subaru Legacy: 5% Off
• Audi A3: 5% Off
• Subaru Ascent: 4% Off
• BMW 2 Series: 4% Off
• Infiniti QX50: 4% Off
• Toyota Crown: 4% Off

The Subaru Outback, Ascent, and Legacy are not just affordable, but they also offer great value for money. They are the least expensive new models on CR's list, making them a wise investment for new model shoppers. 

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Outback?

• Price Range:  $28,895 - $42,795
• CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #1 of 17  Midsized SUVs

2024 Subaru Outback Limited XT AWD

• MSRP: $40,195
• Average spent under MSRP: $1,961
• Average transaction price: $38,234

Some 2024 Subaru Outback models are still available on U.S. retailer's lots. The 2025 models are arriving, and Subaru wants to move out of the remaining 2024 models. 

There's no advantage in waiting for a 2025 Outback midsize SUV because the 2025 models are carry-over models with no changes in design or features. The next-generation Outback has been delayed until 2026. Find out more about the 2026 Outback in my report here. 

So, you'll find the best deals on the 2024 Outback now. If you wait another year, until the fall of 2025 or early 2026, the all-new remodeled Outback is coming. This next-generation Outback promises significant upgrades and changes, which might make it worth the wait despite the expected increase in pricing. 

What is the 2024 Outback MSRP?

For the 2024 model year, the Outback comes 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). Destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Ascent?

• Price Range:  $34,395 - $48,695
• CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #8 of 19  Midsized SUVs 3-row

2024 Subaru Ascent Limited

• MSRP: $42,095
• Average spent under MSRP: $1,808
• Average transaction price: $40,287

There are still 2024 Subaru Outback models available on retailer's lots now. Subaru of America announced last week that the 2025 Ascent will arrive this fall with a few new trim-level upgrades. Subaru needs to move out the remaining 2024 models before the 2025 model year Ascent arrives. 

However, if you wait for the 2025 Ascent, you'll find two new family trim levels. 

Subaru decided to wait on the next-generation Ascent for another year and dropped the Ascent Base trim level for the 2025 model year. They added two new Ascent trim levels for 2025: Bronze Edition and Onyx Edition Touring. 

However, pricing did increase on the 2025 Ascent trims. You can read my report here for complete details and decide whether to wait for the 2025 Ascent family hauler. 

What is the 2024 Ascent MSRP?

The 2024 Subaru Ascent has six trim levels: the Base trim starts at $35,490, and the Premium trims begin at $38,090. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,890, the upper Limited starts at $43,190, the Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,890, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,790. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Legacy?

• Price Range:  $24,895 - $38,195
• CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 19 / Hwy 39 mpg
• #4 of 12  Midsized cars

2024 Subaru Legacy Premium AWD

• MSRP: $27,195
• Average spent under MSRP: $1,289
• Average transaction price: $25,906

Like the Outback, some 2024 Subaru Legacy sedans are still available on retailers' lots. The 2025 models are arriving, and Subaru retailers are motivated to move out of the remaining 2024 models quickly. 

There's no advantage in waiting for a 2025 Legacy midsize sedan because the 2025 models are carry-over models with no changes in design or features. As I've reported, the 2025 Legacy is the last year you can buy the model as it's been discontinued. You can learn more about why Legacy has been dropped from the lineup and what's coming next in my report here. 

So, you'll find the best deals on the 2024 Legacy now. If you want the last 2025 Legacy model, there was no price change, but you'll still find the best deal on the 2024 model year. 

What is the 2024 Legacy MSRP?

For the 2024 model year, the Legacy sedan comes in five trim levels: Base ($25,985), Premium ($28,285), Sport ($35,585), Limited ($33,035), and Touring XT ($39,285). Destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,090).

Consumer Reports says, "Be aware that this is near the end of the model year, and any 2024 cars purchased now will technically see accelerated first-year depreciation. That might not matter if you plan to hold on to a vehicle for a long time, especially if you're a high-mileage driver."

It could be the best time to buy now if you plan to keep your new Subaru Outback, Ascent, or Legacy for five or more years. 

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 USA