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Don't mess with success.

You may think it's Forester, but Subaru of America (SOA) still offers the Outback as its flagship model. They want to ensure its redesign is a success and runs smoothly. However, any redesign can have potential challenges. The next-generation Outback is a year away. What will the remodel look like? 

The midsize SUV is doing well now, but it could do better. The Outback was the overall sales leader for SOA in 2023, and it's challenging the Forester to make it two years in a row. 

Subaru's Outback is on pace to push 170,000 sales this year and become the sales leader for SOA for the second consecutive year. It's planned to be redesigned next year, and Subaru needs to get it right. 

The Outback won't be slowing down.

Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales at Subaru of America, says, "The Subaru Outback put Subaru on the map in the United States and continues to be a sales leader today. Led by the Outback as our top seller this month, we have achieved 22 consecutive months of yearly month-over-month sales growth in the United States. The Outback remains a key driver of that success."

So, how do you improve upon it? By modernizing it, meeting emissions regulations, monitoring its competitors, and making sure they're making the right product improvements.

Wait and get it right. 

Subaru waited an extra year to remodel the Outback from the ground up. The redesign was scheduled for the 2025 model year, but recent supply chain and production issues delayed it. The 2025 Outback was a carry-over model. 

While Subaru of America has yet to announce the 2026 model change upgrades, one thing is certain- the automaker is committed to preserving the Outback's success.

One thing won't change.

Subaru customers have come to expect the Outback to deliver a car-like ride and exceptional SUV utility. Its utility will stay the same except for minor improvements in the rear cargo area. However, the Outback's ride quality is expected to improve over the outgoing 2025 model. 

Make it better, but don't hurt Subaru's golden goose.

The Outback is still the brand's fair-haired model. It will get plenty of new upgrades. Look for improved ride quality over the current generation model. Increased stiffness in the Subaru Global Platform will enhance the ride and driving dynamics, giving the Outback a smoother ride.

How does Subaru improve on success?

It's important to remember that the current-generation 2025 Subaru Outback is already considered the best, most comfortable midsize 2-Row SUV you can buy, according to Consumer Reports. This is something to be proud of. 

A Consumer Reports ranking (by subscription) says the current-generation 2025 Subaru Outback is the best, most comfortable midsize 2-Row SUV you can buy now. Read my Outback comfort report here. 

"Comfort is an important element in driver safety," says Alex Knizek, CR's associate director of auto test development. "You can be more attentive to driving if you're not distracted by a sore back or achy legs. Plus, in a comfortable car, you'll arrive at your destination more refreshed."

The new Outback will be even better. You can count on it. 

It's what customers want. The Outback is the flagship because it offers the most for young families. The new generation Outback will have more comfort than before. Do you value quiet? The Outback is already the most comfortable model, along with the Ascent. Subaru will mess with success in this area. 

Improved quietness.

The new Outback will be more comfortable than the current model. The midsize SUV will get upgrades in sound-deadening material and changes in the roof to improve the quietness of the cabin. The new generation midsize SUV will be quieter and offer more comfort on the inside.

Subaru of America sells 3-millionth Outback because they haven't messed with its success. Read my 3-millionth Outback report here.

Outback customers are loyal because they know what to expect. There are few surprises. Subaru of America says its 3-millionth Outback was sold to David Jett, a four-time Subaru owner. So this customer knows his Subarus. 

Subaru knows its customers.

The 2026 Outback will keep its exterior design much the same as it is now and maintain its familiar Subaru family traits. But there could be some surprises. Stay tuned. 

Eight things won't change.  

You can rest assured the automaker won't mess with success. Subaru will keep the Outback's formula for success. That formula is the automaker's Symmetrical all-wheel drive, the most updated safety technology, all-terrain capability, car-like ride, utility, fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability. 

Are you an Outback owner? What do you value most about the midsize SUV? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter 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