Subaru Outback Reclaims The Brand's Top-Selling Nameplate But Not By Much

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Which Subaru model is the number one-selling nameplate for Subaru of America? The Outback is back on top, but not by much. Check out how the midsize SUV finished in 2023.

Last year, when I reported Subaru of America's year-end results, the Subaru Crosstrek was the top seller for Subaru of America. It looked like the hot Crosstrek would make it in two consecutive years. To finish 2023, the Outback barely edged the Crosstrek to reclaim the brand's top-selling nameplate, but it was by a slim margin.  

The Subaru Outback midsize SUV edged the hot Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV by only 2,621 sales. The Outback held on to the lead after dropping slightly in December. 

photo credit: Competition Subaru 

Outback is in third place in December but holds on to regain the top spot.

In my year-end Subaru story, I reported the 2024 Subaru Outback midsize SUV was the third-place performer in the lineup, decreasing 3.3 percent in December, with 14,304 models sold compared with 14,797 in December 2022. But, the Outback was up 9.9 percent to finish 2023. Outback is the overall leader in 2023, with 161,814 midsize SUVs delivered to customers.

It was a tight race for the top Subaru SUVs

photo credit: Competition Subaru 

The Outback edged the hot Crosstrek and beat the resurgent Forester to reclaim the brand's top-selling nameplate for 2023. Here is how Subaru of America's top three models finished 2023. 

  1. Subaru Outback - 161,814
  2. Subaru Crosstrek - 159,193
  3. Subaru Forester - 152,566

What's next for the top-selling Outback?

The 2025 Subaru Outback is expected to get a remodel, but Subaru of America has yet to released the details. I said in a previous report that the next-generation Outback will come with new exterior styling, interior, infotainment, and upgraded safety features. 

But there's more.

I think that Subaru will launch the all-new 2025 Outback with a hybrid powertrain. This is speculation on my part as Subaru is historically tight-lipped about future product plans, and the automaker has made no announcements about the 2025 Outback. 

I have written before that the Outback needs a hybrid powertrain to compete with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Explorer Hybrid, and Jeep Grand Cherokee Hybrid.

We know the 2025 Forester will get a new hybrid trim level, so it would make sense for Subaru to do the same with the next-generation Outback. As I've reported before, a fuel-stingy 2025 Subaru Outback Hybrid could be the model to propel the vehicle further ahead. Stay tuned, and I will bring you the 2025 Subaru Outback details when Subaru of America makes the announcement. 

The 2024 Subaru Outback is ready for a remodel, but it's not deterring customers from buying the midsize SUV. The Outback is back on top, but only by a little. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Outback story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

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By the way, you shouldn't take Consumer Reports' recommendation on the best Subaru oil. Please watch this video from the Torque News YouTube channel based on my previous report.

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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photo credit: Competition Subaru