Subaru Outback Could Lose Its Number One Status

Can the Outback stay number one? 

The popular Subaru Outback has been the top-selling model for Subaru of America, but can it stay there? The Outback midsize SUV was the top-selling model for Subaru of America last year, but it's losing its grip on the top spot. 

Here's what happened in August. 

The 2025 Outback is the second-highest-selling Subaru nameplate in August, with 16,435 vehicles sold, compared to 14,503 in August 2023. It was still a good month as the Outback increased 13.3 percent from last August. But it's not as good as the Crosstrek subcompact SUV.

The Outback was passed by the hot Crosstrek that set an all-time record. Read more in my report here. Now, the Outback drops to third place in SOA's lineup year to date, with 112,342 midsize SUVs delivered through the first eight months of 2024. Outback is up 3.7 percent for the year. 

Subaru said, "In August, Crosstrek achieved its best sales month of all time with 20,396 vehicles sold (surpassing the record of 16,092 set in September 2022), a 47 percent increase compared to August 2023. Outback was the second-highest-selling carline in August, with 16,435 vehicles sold. Forester had strong demand with 13,456 vehicles sold, but was down year over year as production ramps up to full capacity."

Here is how Outback stacks up against Crosstrek and Forester through the first eight months of 2024.

It's a tight race.

• Forester - 116,987
• Crosstrek - 115,214
• Outback - 112,342

The Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback are in the tightest race for the number one-selling model I've ever seen. Four months are left for the Outback to catch up to Forester and Crosstrek.

What's next for the Outback? 

Here is what I know now before the new Outback model change. The next-generation Outback is delayed another year. 

The 2025 Outback is a carryover model with no changes. Subaru of America may still have a few remaining 2024 models available, and you can likely get a good deal on them now.

However, Subaru is offering 2.9 percent financing for 72 months on 2025 Outback models now through September 30, 2024.  

What is the 2025 Outback pricing?

The 2025 Outback is available in nine trim levels: Base, Premium, new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine, Limited Touring, Outback Wilderness, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT models. 

The Base is priced at $30,290, Premium ($32,590), Onyx Edition ($37,500), Limited ($39,250), Touring ($41,740), Onyx Edition XT ($40,755), Wilderness ($41,355), Limited XT ($41,590), and Touring XT ($44,190). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,395).

The remodeled Outback is coming next.

The next-generation 2026 Outback is expected to arrive sometime next year. Subaru of America has yet to announce the new model change and upgrades, but I'll be here to cover the remodeled Outback details when they do.

While Subaru of America has yet to announce the 2026 model change upgrades, one thing is certain- the automaker is committed to preserving the Outback's success.

Outback's proven formula. 

You can rest assured the automaker will stay with what has made the Outback successful. Outback will come with the automaker's Symmetrical all-wheel drive, have the most updated safety technology, all-terrain capability, car-like ride, utility, fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability. 

Subaru customers have come to expect the Outback to deliver a car-like ride and exceptional SUV utility. Its utility will stay the same except for minor improvements in the rear cargo area, such as increased storage space and improved accessibility. 

Some things will change. 

However, the Outback's ride quality is expected to improve over the outgoing 2025 model. Increased stiffness in the Subaru Global Platform will enhance the ride and driving dynamics, giving the Outback a smoother ride.

The new Outback is also expected to get a new hybrid trim level. This addition could attract a new segment of environmentally conscious buyers and further solidify the Outback's position in the market. Subaru has not announced any new next-generation Outback upgrades, so stay tuned for more information. 

When the remodeled Outback arrives, it will create new excitement around the Outback and help spur sales of the midsize SUV. For now, the Outback is in a battle for the top spot. 

It's your turn.

Are you waiting for the all-new, remodeled Outback? What changes would you like to see Subaru give the midsize SUV? Click on the red Add new comment link below and join the conversation.  

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