Subaru’s Last Outback Gets STI Performance Parts and A Rubber Coaster

It's the Outback's last run.

If you are a regular reader of my reports, you know that Subaru Corporation is discontinuing the beloved Outback wagon in Japan. Read my report here for complete details on why they dropped the long-running all-wheel-drive vehicle and what it means for U.S. customers. 

The 30th anniversary Subaru Outback, a symbol of exclusivity, is now available in Japan, adorned with unique STI parts and a few more surprises for our esteemed Japanese customers.  It's the final chapter of the Outback's legacy before it gracefully bows out.

Subaru's Japanese dealers are taking orders now   

Subaru Corp. says, "Today (October 24), the lottery applications begin for the "Legacy Outback 30th Anniversary", a special piece that marks the culmination of the Outback's storied history. The domestic Outback will no longer be produced after the current model."

In this report, I'll cover some unique STI parts the last Outback gets and more goodies for customers who step up and buy the 30th-anniversary edition Outback. There will only be 500 examples manufactured for the homeland's customers, so they must hurry.

Outback's special STI equipment.

The Outback's performance is enhanced with new STI parts. It features STI-tuned Hitachi Astemo Sensitive Frequency Response Front Damper (SFRD) front dampers and STI-tuned rear dampers. These upgrades, similar to what the Forester STI offers customers in Japan, improve the vehicle's driving dynamics and handling, making it a more thrilling ride.

Subaru says the new Forester STI suspension tuning developed by STI improves driving performance and handling with the new STI tuning damper. The last Outback standing will have similar improved driving dynamics. Check out my Forester STI report here. 

My question is, and you may be asking, why doesn't Subaru give the STI upgrades to the U.S.-specification Outback? The Japanese automaker may offer it when the American Outback is redesigned in 2026. Stay tuned. 

More 30th anniversary Outback's special equipment.

• 18-inch aluminum wheels (painted matte black)
• 30th Anniversary exclusive rear ornament says "STI Performance."
• Rear door and side cladding with black Ooutback logo
• Genuine leather seats (Ivory and Black Nappa leather with silver stitching, seat ventilation on the driver and passenger seat, and a cushion length adjustment mechanism on the driver's seat. 
• 30th Anniversary exclusive embroidery on the driver's and passenger seat.

Subaru sends the Outback out in style.

Subaru says, "Born in 1994 as a pioneer of the new crossover genre, the Legacy Outback has been loved by drivers worldwide as a partner with which to spend quality time. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, we have prepared a special car that is the culmination of the history that has been accumulated." 

"The Legacy Outback 30th Anniversary is a special design that further stimulates the driving pleasure with more refined driving performance and higher quality. We will deliver you a car that proves the essence and value of the Outback."

The 30th-anniversary edition Outback comes with more premium upgrades.

• Front grille (painted black + luster black) 
• Front bumper guard (painted black) & front fog lamp cover (painted black with decorative details)
• Roof rails (built-in crossbar type, painted black) 
• Rear bumper guard (painted black) 
• Door mirrors (painted black)
• Harman Kardon sound system [11 dedicated speakers (6 front + 4 rear + subwoofer)]
• Instrument panel trim (upper/lower) Ivory upholstery (silver stitching)/Black upholstery (silver stitching)
• Door trim Black upholstery (silver stitching) 
• Outback/Symmetrical AWD rear ornament (painted luster black) 
• Roof spoiler (painted black)

There's still more.

The last Outback comes with a commemorative 30th edition color catalog and two Outback specification wall posters "that can be hung anywhere you like."

One more thing.

The Subaru Outback 30th anniversary Fair starts on November 2, and anyone who visits will receive a unique "Rubber Coaster" available only during the Fair. The coaster reads "Legacy Outback Since 1994."  

What is under the hood of the last Outback?

The 30th-anniversary Outback is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection (DIT) four-cylinder, lean combustion Boxer engine. It produces 175 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It's coupled with a Lineartronic CVT transmission and comes with the automaker's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive.

It's sad to see the iconic Outback wagon/crossover dropped in Japan, but they have the new 2025 Subaru Layback SUV to replace it. Check out my Layback report here to find out more.

It's Your Turn. 

What do you think of Subaru Corp. dropping the Outback in Japan? 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