Update The Next-Generation Subaru Outback, It’s Delayed Until 2026

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When will Subaru launch the next-generation Subaru Outback? I thought the new midsize SUV was coming as a 2025 model, but new information tells us it's still another year away.

The sixth-generation Subaru Outback rolled off the assembly line in July 2019. With Subaru's current five-year life cycle, that would mean the seventh-generation Outback would be a 2025 model, right? Not so fast. 

Now, the Outback will not be redesigned until the 2026 model year.

Subaru has delayed the next-generation Outback launch until the 2026 model year. So, I would say it's another year away from making its dealer launch when customers can buy one.  

Subaru has a new life cycle for its most popular SUVs. 

Previously, they received a five-year remodel from the ground up. Still, like the Subaru Forester, which had a model change in 2019, the next-generation Forester arrives in the 2025 model year. That's now a six-year life cycle. 

This new information comes from Subaru insider Alex Prestigiacomo, who works at Bachman Subaru in Louisville, Kentucky. So, true to form, from what I've seen Subaru do in the past, I would say the 2025 Subaru Outback will get few if any, new changes.

Here is what I say to Subaru Outback buyers now. 

1. The 2025 Subaru Outback will see few changes. If you are waiting for it, there are better value moves than waiting for this one. The 2025 Outback will get a slight price increase and no upgrades over the 2024 models. 

2. Subaru of America is offering special financing now for all 2024 Outback trim levels. If you've been on the fence about buying one, now could be the best time to buy the rugged outdoor-themed Outback Wilderness trim level. 

The Outback Wilderness is the hot trim level. When will Subaru launch the next-generation Outback Wilderness? 

3. The next generation Outback Wilderness could be two years away as a 2027 model. Subaru chose to wait one extra year to upgrade the Forester Wilderness, which will now be a 2026 model year. They will do the same with the Outback Wilderness. 

When will Subaru launch a new Outback Hybrid?

4. The Outback Hybrid is also on the drawing board. The seventh-generation Outback will get a new Hybrid trim level, but like the Forester Hybrid, it will also arrive one year after the next-generation 2026 Outback. So, the Outback Hybrid will make its reveal sometime in early 2027.  

This is the latest information regarding the next-generation Subaru Outback. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

What about you? Are you waiting for the next-generation Outback? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the 2026 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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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: Subaru USA

Submitted by Julesski (not verified) on March 17, 2024 - 1:55AM

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2026/27 before releasing a decent hybrid Outback? - by that time Chinese car companies, Hyundai and KIA will have eaten Subaru's lunch.

Far too slow IMHO, I own a Outback and enjoy the brand but fuel consumption is poor. So far Subaru have released a disappointing Crosstrek (XV) replacement which does not advance the game at all, barely adequate for now, let alone a few years.

The Forester to me looks like a "holding pattern" upgrade, again barely keeping ahead of what is out there now (and looks like a Ford clone) and a Hybrid not even available until EO 25??

I do worry Subaru is likely to become irrelevant unless they step up their development, and this from someone who likes their cars (in the right environment) - certainly the Solterra is not going to save them....

Submitted by Scott Stachowiak (not verified) on March 17, 2024 - 3:21PM

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This is disappointing. Wasn't the next generation Legacy due for release at the same time? And where are the hybrids? Both models need better exterior styling, too.

Submitted by Bruce Marquis (not verified) on March 19, 2024 - 10:29AM

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If Subaru is delaying their next generation of Outback until 2026 - and the Hybrid until the 2027 year - they'll lose me as a customer. I've been waiting to trade my 2014 Outback in for a hybrid Outback - being frustrated as I watched Honda and Toyota have several generations of hybrid CR-V's and RAV 4's - while Subaru had none. With the CR-V newly updated last year and the RAV 4 coming out with a new generation this fall - the Outback is falling farther behind. That's sad - as I'm at the end of my second Outback - and would love another! Subaru needs to catch up with their competitors - or they'll lose more customers than me.

😭 I've been hoping and waiting for a Subaru Outback Hybrid, hopefully Plugin Hybrid 🤞, for a long time to replace my current Outback. Looks like I'm going to need to wait another 3 years.

Hi,
I agree with the comment. The big problem with Subaru is the engineering side. We should not do marketing too much, but still. They tried with the crosstrek and the Forester to make Mild hybrid... what a disappointment. I have a XV (2018) and honestly I look at Chinese cars like BYD plug-in hybrid or even a petrol like BIAC X75. Sorry but if we invented the car the Chinese have reinvented it. Nice day.