The Subaru Outback, with its unique features and capabilities, still lags behind the Hot Crosstrek

Smaller is better, for now.

Once dominant Outback The midsize SUV is behind the smaller Crosstrek subcompact SUV. It’s not because Crosstrek is a better model; it is because of three market dynamics. In this report, I’ll cover the Outback’s sales performance, its unique place in Subaru of America’s all-wheel-drive lineup, and why you might want to wait for the 2026 model change.

First, Subaru of America (SOA) says, “The Crosstrek achieved its best-ever October with 15,928 vehicles sold, a 15.7 percent increase over October 2023. The Outback was the second best-selling line of cars in October, with 13,549 vehicles sold, and Forester sales are up. to 13,431 vehicles sold as production continues to reach full capacity.”

The Outback was top last year.

Outback it was The best selling SOA model in 2023and it looked like the midsize SUV would repeat itself in 2024. But the Crosstrek has made a strong comeback and is now the number one carline seller for SOA.

The Outback has 139,882 model sales in the first ten months of 2024, compared to 135,277 through the ten months of 2023. However, The Outback drops to third place in the rankingsbehind the Crosstrek (147,775) and Forester (143,529). However, the Outback is up 3.4% year-to-date versus 2023.

The Outback, with its unique features and capabilities, still holds an edge over the Forester.

The Forester The compact SUV fell in sales, falling 13.2 percent in October. The Forester has fallen in sales for four consecutive months now.

The Outback remains a top choice for customers, with Subaru of America reporting a 9.3 percent increase in October deliveries. Customers who want a car-like ride with SUV capability are choosing the Outback over the newly redesigned Forester.

Subaru says, “Forester production continues to reach full capacity.”

I’ll be keeping an eye on the Forester’s sales performance. Stay tuned for my Forester report tomorrow.

However, the Outback can’t keep up with the hot Crosstrek.

The Crosstrek seems to be practically unstoppable and outruns the Outback. Read more in my report here.

The Outback is still doing well in terms of sales performance. However, the Crosstrek is ahead because of three market dynamics. The Crosstrek has been recently redesigned, has the new Wilderness trim level, and the small SUV is priced under $30,000, which is affordable for many customers in today’s economic climate.

The 2025 Outback Base price is nearly $30,000.

Base is priced at $30,290, Premium ($32,590), Onyx Edition ($37,500), Limited ($39,250), Touring ($41,740), Onyx XT Edition ($40,755), Wilderness ($41,355), Limited XT ( $41,590) and Touring XT ($41,590) $44,190). Additionally, destination and delivery charges are included in the above price ($1,395).

The Outback is slated for a facelift.

Like the Crosstrek, the Outback will receive a complete redesign for the 2026 model year. The Outback will receive significant upgrades over the 2025 model. Recent spy photos reveal that the Outback will have new exterior styling similar to the new-generation Forester, with slim LED headlights which sit above the rectangular projector lights.

The Outback may gain cargo space over the current model in the rear thanks to its new exterior styling with a taller rear pillar.

More significant changes will come further down the line, as Subaru will give the next-generation Outback new fuel-saving hybrid technology. Subaru calls it a strong-hybrid system (SHEV), also called a full-hybrid technology. More information on Subaru’s new fuel-saving hybrid powertrain can be found in my report here.

Subaru has not yet announced when the Outback Hybrid will be available to US customers. It will likely arrive in 2027 or 2028, following the launch of the Forester and Crosstrek Hybrids in America.

Subaru has decided to discontinue the Outback model in Japan.

If you are a regular reader of my Subaru reports, you know this Subaru will drop the Outback on the Japanese market after this year. The Outback was consumable after the launch of the new Subaru Layback SUV for Japan. Check out the new Layback in my report Here.

When will the 2026 Outback arrive in the US?

The all-new 2026 Outback is scheduled to hit US dealerships late next year. Will Subaru reveal the new Outback at the LA Auto Show later this month? If they do, the automaker will release a teaser image soon. Stay tuned.

Are you waiting to see the newly redesigned Outback before you buy? If so, click the red Add a new comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierla Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I have invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with all the major car brands. I am a seasoned member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. You will find my expert Subaru review Here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, Also Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebookand Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru competition