Subaru's Classic Outback Morphs into a Conventional SUV

Subaru's iconic Outback station wagon has undergone a transformation.

Though its renowned name continues as Subaru's midsize SUV, the versatile off-roader known for being a hallmark of the American Subaru experience is bowing out by year's end, as announced by the company on Wednesday.

The forthcoming, seventh-iteration Outback positions itself against other newly updated midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Passport, and Nissan Murano.

The Saga of the Outback Wagon: Subaru's Strategic Bet

First rolled out in 1995, the Outback was conceived as an adventurous extension of Subaru's Legacy sedan. Until 2008, a sedan version of the Outback was available, serving as the base platform for the wagon.

Named after Australia's expansive and rugged inland, the Outback boasted rugged bodywork, a more aggressive bumper featuring rally-style lights, and increased ground height, emphasizing its rough terrain capability. To inject personality into the model's identity, Subaru enlisted actor Paul Hogan, famous for his alter ego Crocodile Dundee, to front the promotional campaigns.

This move was a strategic attempt by the Japanese automaker to regain traction amidst dwindling sales over a five-year span, aiming to capture the SUV market without launching a new model.

The vehicle successfully captured its niche by blending the nostalgia of the family station wagon with the emerging SUV sector. Subaru's U.S. sales rose by 31% within two years post-Launch, surpassing the three million sales mark in thirty years, despite facing some market competition which failed to replicate its success.

Despite its achievements, the Outback couldn't circumvent the fate of the Legacy sedan, whose declining popularity saw its sales drop to under 20,000 units last year.

Reasons to Embrace the Revamped Outback

While the latest Outback model sports a fresh look, it retains many of its fundamental elements.

Engine choices remain twofold: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the latter delivering 260 horsepower, identical to its predecessors shared with Subaru's Ascent SUV.

Both versions will keep running with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT.

Innovative improvements enhance the model further. Subaru's hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, standard within the vehicle, now boasts quicker lock capabilities for its center differential, aimed at reducing tire slippage. The enhanced EyeSight technology offers a new front camera and additional radar sensors, enhancing safety features.

In its new SUV form, the Outback promises greater passenger and cargo space due to its enhanced height.

Upgraded Cabin and Features

Subaru assures a quieter ride with a reduction in wind noise by 10%, due to refined aerodynamics. The forthcoming Outback features a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.1-inch infotainment screen, offering swifter processing and increased customization.

Arriving later in the year at showrooms, the 2026 Subaru Outback and its Wilderness variant offer yet-to-be-released prices. As of now, the Outback is manufactured in Indiana, with the 2025 model starting at just under $29,000.