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The Top-Selling Subaru Outback Drops To Third Place In The New Year

What happened to the Subaru Outback in January, and what's next for the midsize SUV? The 2024 Subaru Outback is not the top model; it falls two spots to start 2024. Check out its performance to start the new year.
2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback claimed the number one model status to finish last year, but what a difference one month makes. I cover all Subaru of America's models monthly, and the Outback falls to third place to start the new year. 

What happened?

Even though the Outback was up 8.5 percent in January (11,300 models delivered to customers compared with 10,416 in January 2023), the midsize SUV couldn't keep up with the hot Forester and next-generation Crosstrek. 

2024 Subaru Outback on the highway

It was the tightest of races for the second spot. The Outback midsize SUV was only 25 model sales behind the Crosstrek subcompact SUV.

Outback by the numbers

  • Subaru Forester - 12,619 (+24.8%)
  • Subaru Crosstrek - 11,325 (-10.9%)
  • Subaru Outback - 11,300 (+8.5%)

That was January, but what's next for the popular Outback?

As I've written recently, significant changes are coming for the 2025 Outback. The Outback will get a complete remodel from the ground up. 

2024 Subaru Outback rear badge

Here's what I know so far. We already know that the next-generation Outback will come with new exterior styling, interior, infotainment, and upgraded safety features. There is no further information there you didn't know. 

The new Outback will likely get a new hybrid trim level.

An Outback Hybrid is speculation as Subaru is always 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.

Subaru offers a 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection (DIT) engine in the Japanese-specification 2024 Outback. Subaru could couple the small turbocharged engine with the hybrid technology they are now developing with Toyota. 

Subaru has not confirmed the 2025 Outback information, but it fits their goals and the Japanese automaker's revamped vision plan they announced last year. 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 upward again.

Until the new 2025 Subaru Outback arrives, the 2024 Outback sales can't keep up with Forester and Crosstrek. I expect that to change when the next-generation midsize SUV arrives late this year or early 2025. Stay tuned for the 2025 Subaru Outback announcement from Subaru. 

 

 

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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Watch What's NEW for 2024?? -- The 2024 Subaru Outback is Only Getting BETTER! (More Standard Features)

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.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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