With The Subaru Outback It’s Too Little Too Late
The Subaru Outback is a top model for Subaru of America (SOA) and is about to undergo a complete overhaul. Before I explain why it's the next most important new model launch, let's look at what's happening with the midsize SUV now.
SOA reported that they delivered 13,131 Outbacks to customers in April. However, sales of the model dropped 14 percent compared with a year ago, when it had 15,263 models. For the year, the Outback is only one of three models that has increased in sales through the first four months. And there's more.
Three Models Are Up In Sales This Year
It's not much, but Outback is up 0.7 percent in 2024. Forester, which I covered here, is smokin' hot (+65.8%), and the all-new surprising Solterra EV is also up for the year (+32.7%).
What Would Subaru Do Without The Forester? @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto photo @SmithtownSubaruhttps://t.co/9yF8uYZwcW#subaru #forester #subaruforester #foresterhybrid pic.twitter.com/6Em6lngW7g
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) May 3, 2024
Subaru says it's still happy with the Outback despite its decline in April and says, "Outback also continued to have a strong showing, with 13,131 vehicle sales."
Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales at Subaru of America, says, "Car buyers are seeing Subaru's growing model lineup become one of the strongest in our history, and we look forward to offering them the value, reliability, and longevity that our brand is known for."
Outback Is Due For A Remodel
When will the Outback get a remodel? As I've said in a previous report, it is due for a remodel in the fifth year of its generational life cycle, but customers have to wait another year.
Update The Next-Generation Subaru Outback, It’s Delayed Until 2026 @SubaruReport @torquenewsautohttps://t.co/hND0JYacnX#subaru #outback #subaruoutback #outbackwilderness pic.twitter.com/vcEGLuNg3Q
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) March 16, 2024
The Outback midsize SUV will not receive a complete remodel until the 2026 model year. The 2025 Outback will be a carryover model with no changes other than minor trim level adjustments.
It's Too Little, Too Late
I know why Subaru waited another year to bring out the next-generation Outback. The 2025 Forester is about to make its dealer launch, and they want it to be the significant design change for 2024. They want Forester to be in the spotlight, not the Outback. The Outback will get its turn next year.
It's Not All Bad
I don't think it's a bad thing the remodeled Outback is delayed a year because it gives Subaru of America and Subaru Corporation another year to get the new 2026 Outback right. The Outback is still Subaru's flagship model around the globe.
The Outback has dropped to the third best-selling model in 2024 behind the Forester (66,396) and the Crosstrek (50,532). The Outback is a close third (48,344).
The Good News For Outback
Customers who want to buy the current generation Outback can get a good deal now. Subaru says you can get a 2024 Outback for 2.9% APR financing for 72 months. Subaru says it's good through May 31, 2024, no down payment required." But from what I've seen Subaru do in the past, they will likely extend it.
There’s A Perfect Storm Brewing At Subaru @SubaruReport @torquenewsautohttps://t.co/7MsnBVcDaB#subaru #outback #forester pic.twitter.com/jBGD5r8JB2
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) April 16, 2024
So, with that said, there's no advantage for customers to wait for the 2025 Outback models.
IT'S YOUR TURN
Are you looking to buy a new Outback now, or was it for the next-generation 2026 Outback? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Outback performance story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.
Watch BEST Subaru to BUY! 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness Review
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 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 The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Tucson Subaru