Subaru Outback, With Its Unique Features and Capabilities, Still Falls Behind The Hot Crosstrek

Smaller is better, for now. 

The once dominant Outback midsize SUV falls behind the smaller Crosstrek subcompact SUV. It's not because the Crosstrek is a better model; it's because of three market dynamics. In this report, I'll cover the Outback's sales performance, its unique place in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup, and why you may want to wait for the 2026 model change.

First, Subaru of America (SOA) says, "Crosstrek achieved its best October ever with 15,928 vehicles sold, a 15.7 percent increase compared to October 2023. Outback was the second-highest selling carline in October with 13,549 vehicles sold, and Forester sales increased to 13,431 vehicles sold as production continues to reach full capacity."

Outback was at the top last year. 

The Outback was SOA's top-selling model in 2023, and it looked like the midsize SUV would repeat in 2024. But the Crosstrek came roaring back and is now the number one selling carline for SOA. 

The Outback has 139,882 model sales in the first ten months of 2024 compared with 135,277 through the ten months of 2023. However, the Outback drops to third in the lineup, behind the Crosstrek (147,775) and Forester (143,529). However, the Outback has increased 3.4 percent year to date over 2023. 

The Outback, with its unique features and capabilities, still holds an advantage over the Forester.

The Forester compact SUV has declined in sales and dropped 13.2 percent in October. The Forester has decreased in sales for four consecutive months now. 

The Outback remains a top pick for customers, with Subaru of America reporting a 9.3 percent increase in deliveries in October. Customers who want a carlike ride with the capability of an SUV are choosing the Outback over the newly-redesigned Forester. 

Subaru says, "Forester production continues to reach full capacity."

I will keep an eye on Forester's sales performance. Stay tuned for my Forester report tomorrow. 

However, Outback can't keep pace with the hot Crosstrek. 

The Crosstrek appears to be virtually unstoppable and outperforms the Outback. Read more in my report here. 

The Outback is still doing well in terms of sales performance. However, Crosstrek is ahead because of three market dynamics. The Crosstrek was recently redesigned, it has the new Wilderness trim level, and the small SUV is priced under $30,000, which is affordable for more customers in the current economic climate.

The 2025 Outback Base pricing comes in near $30,000.  

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 Outback is scheduled for a remodel.

Like the Crosstrek, the Outback will get a complete redesign for the 2026 model year. The Outback will receive significant upgrades over the 2025 model. Recent spy photos reveal the Outback will get new exterior styling similar to the next-generation Forester, with slim LED headlights sitting above rectangular projector-beam lights.

The Outback may gain cargo space over the current model in the rear because of its new exterior styling with a taller rear pillar. 

More significant changes will occur underneath as Subaru will give the next-generation Outback a new Hybrid fuel-saving technology. Subaru calls it a strong-hybrid system (SHEV), also called a full-hybrid technology. More information on the new fuel-saving Subaru hybrid powertrain can be found in my report here. 

Subaru has yet to announce when the Outback Hybrid will be available for U.S. customers. It will likely arrive in 2027 or 2028, after the Forester and Crosstrek Hybrids launch in America. 

Subaru decided to discontinue the Outback in Japan.

If you are a regular reader of my Subaru reports, you know that Subaru will drop the Outback in the Japanese market after this year. The Outback was expendable after the launch of the all-new Subaru Layback SUV for Japan. Check out the new Layback in my report here. 

When will the 2026 Outback arrive in the U.S.? 

The all-new next-generation 2026 Outback is slated to appear in U.S. dealerships late next year. Will Subaru reveal the new Outback at the LA Auto Show later this month? If they do, the automaker will release a teaser image soon. Stay tuned. 

Are you waiting to see the newly remodeled Outback before buying? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

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: Denis Flierl via Competition Subaru