Subaru Has Something Up Its Sleeve, A New e-Outback Trademark Surfaces

What does Subaru have up its sleeve? 

Are you ready for a new Outback EV? According to a new report from AutoGuide, Subaru Corp. recently resisted a new e-Outback trademark in Japan. What does it mean? We are fixin' to find out, as they say in Texas. 

CarsDirect says, "Additionally, rumors of an electrified version of the Outback being introduced have been swirling for years. The recent trademark adds fuel to the fire."

Subaru has trademarked the "e-Outback" name in Japan, leading to much speculation about what it means. There's a possibility of an electrified version of the automaker's iconic wagon that turns 30 this year. Check out my report here. 

While the name was trademarked in Japan, Subaru could use the e-Outback name for a model that's sold in North America. The Japanese automaker hasn't confirmed any details about the possibility of an electrified version of the Outback, but it makes sense with all the changes going on at Subaru now.

We know that a new Outback hybrid trim level is coming sometime after the midsize SUV gets a remodel in 2026. The Outback Hybrid could follow in 2027. But the e-Outback is not a hybrid. There has to be more coming.

As I've reported, Subaru will launch four new electric models in North America by 2028. Could one of those electric SUVs be a new Outback BEV? If so, we can expect to see it on the market within the next few years.

Outback customers would be more likely to embrace the new Outback BEV than the other model customers. Outback customers are sophisticated and educated. That's not to say Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent buyers aren't. Let me explain. 

Outback customers make up a unique demographic. 

According to Subaru, the average age of Outback buyers is 45, and the gender split is 52 percent male and 48 percent female. Seventy-eight percent are married, and the average household income is $75,000 to $99,000. These customers are looking for a vehicle that will get them to work in all conditions and are also concerned with the environment. 

Many nurses and healthcare workers are buying the Outback for its all-wheel-drive, all-weather capabilities. They need to get to work in all kinds of extreme conditions, and they can't be worried about getting stuck in the snow on the way to the hospital. Subaru Outback comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive that offers peace of mind.

A new electric Outback would also have Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system like the new Solterra EV. It would feature X-Mode for severe weather along with its electrified drivetrain. 

Subaru is tapping into Toyota's hybrid and electric technology, and the e-Outback drivetrain may be in the development stages now. It's still likely to be four to five years away from making its global launch. I expect the e-Outback to be a global vehicle that will be sold in Japan, Europe, and North America. 

Significant Outback changes are coming. 

As I reported earlier, Subaru Corporation is moving the popular Outback midsize SUV manufacturing away from the U.S. and back to Japan. 

Automotive News (by subscription) says, "Subaru is expected to consolidate production of its Outback midsize crossover in Japan in 2025 and produce a hybrid version in 2026, freeing up capacity to produce EVs in the U.S. to qualify for federal tax incentives." 

The Outback will get "A full redesign of the midsize crossover is expected in 2025, when production is expected to move to Japan from Indiana, with a reengineering in 2026 to add an optional hybrid powertrain," says Automotive News.

The Automotive News report says, "Keeping to the brand's heritage, an Outback-size electric wagon will debut in 2028."

A new Midsize electric wagon is coming in 2028.

Could the e-Outback be the new electric wagon that is coming in 2028? The new Subaru Wagon EV will likely be developed in-house on the e-Subaru Global Platform, and Subaru has yet to confirm where it will be built. 

It's likely to be designed and manufactured in Subaru's new electric factory in Japan. 

It's more likely that Outback production will leave its U.S. plant in Indiana and move to the Gunma, Japan manufacturing plant. New battery-electric vehicles will be produced in the U.S., and significant changes are coming. I will keep readers informed as announcements are made. Stay tuned. 

What's your opinion on an electric Outback?

Would you consider purchasing a new e-Outback electric wagon/crossover/SUV? Your feedback is important to us. Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and let us know your thoughts.

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: Subaru