Subaru Reveals Plans For New Rugged Models By Filing 12 U.S. Patents

First reported by AutoGuide, Subaru has filed for twelve new trademark names and possible names for all-wheel-drive vehicles. This is good news for Subaru fans because the Japanese automaker sticks with outdoor-themed models.

Note: I verified the latest patents on the website this week, but they have recently been removed from the U.S. Patent website. I don't know what this means. Stay tuned.

Here is what we know so far: Subaru of America's 12 new trademarks filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are for new nameplates that could soon be new rugged models.

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Here is the complete list of Subaru's new trademarks in alphabetical order:

• Accomplice 
• Everguide 
• Overpass 
• Getaway 
• Highroad 
• Hightrail 
• Outsider 
• Tailwind 
• Trailhead 
• Trailseeker 
• Uncharted
• Viewfinder

In my two decades of covering the Subaru brand, what sets the Japanese automaker apart is its ability to appeal to active customers who use their vehicles for more than grocery haulers on the weekends and commuting during the week. 

More New Rugged Subaru Models

I was impressed by the new Subaru nameplates. They indicate that Subaru of America wants to introduce more rugged models like the Wilderness family of Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek. 

The Wilderness off-road-ready models do not require any more upgrades to get Subaru customers further off the grid and away from civilization. Subaru offered them to owners who wanted to customize their Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek with lift kits and all-terrain tires. 

Now, customers can drive the outdoor-themed Subaru vehicle off the showroom floor and head to the trailhead. Trailhead is one of the new patented names, and I like it. It gives customers an idea of what Subaru is thinking.

Outdoor-Themed Models

Every of the new twelve names evokes an outdoor approach that made Subaru successful. Subaru's core values are all-wheel-drive, fun-to-drive, and high ground clearance. 

Subaru could use the new names for its seven all-new electric models. 

Subaru has confirmed that it will launch seven new models by 2028, either new hybrid trims or all-electric models. Three hybrid models will likely be existing Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek hybrids.

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That leaves four new electric models that will need new names. I like Trailhead, Highroad, Outsider, and Trailseeker as my top four names. 

I would give Subaru an A for the names that could end up on the new Subaru models. How would you grade the new Subaru nameplates? Let us know in the comments below.

I am Denis Flierl, a Torque News senior writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand, and I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my 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.

photo credit: Subaru USA