On April 16, 2025, Subaru announced a full model change (7th generation) of its popular crossover wagon, the Outback. It will make its world debut at the 2025 New York Auto Show. It is scheduled to be released in the US market in the second half of 2025.
The model known as the Legacy Outback in Japan has undergone significant evolution to mark its 30th anniversary, being reborn as an SUV. The new model of the Outback, which is highly popular in the North American market, has undergone a wide range of evolutions, including a major change in exterior design, the inclusion of the latest technology, and improved off-road performance.
Summary of the new Subaru Outback article
- Subaru’s new Outback has undergone a full model change and was announced on April 16, 2025.
- This is an evolved version of the model known as the “Legacy Outback” in Japan.
- The exterior design has been significantly changed from a crossover wagon to an SUV style.
- The front features a large grille and two-tiered headlights.
- The interior space has been expanded and the ground clearance is now 220mm.
- The roof rails can withstand high static and dynamic loads and are suitable for a variety of outdoor uses.
- The interior is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital meter and a 12.1-inch infotainment system.
- The infotainment system has a new processor for improved response.
- Compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Wind noise throughout the cabin has been reduced by 10%, improving comfort.
- An “Outback Wilderness” model with enhanced off-road performance is also available.
- The Wilderness model is equipped with a 2.4L turbo engine and has a ground clearance of 234mm.
- The Wilderness model offers improved approach angle, ramp breakover angle, and departure angle.
- The Wilderness model comes equipped with electronically controlled dampers, Bridgestone DUELER all-terrain tires, and special 17-inch wheels.
- Two types of gasoline engines are available: a 2.5L and a 2.4L turbo.
- The transmission is a CVT with manual mode.
- The AWD system has an improved center differential lock-up speed, improving off-road performance.
- The price of the new Outback starts at 4.8 million yen.
- It will be released in the US in late 2025 as a 2026 model.
- Compared to the previous model, the exterior design is more angular.
- The roof rails’ load-bearing capacity has been improved to accommodate a variety of loading needs.
- The HVAC controls for the infotainment system have been changed to physical buttons.
- It is expected to be equipped with a function that will enable hands-free driving on some expressways.
- The Wilderness Edition is equipped with specially tuned dampers.
- The Wilderness Edition’s AWD system has been improved to reduce wheel spin off-road.
- The new Outback combines ease of everyday use with serious off-road performance.
Subaru 7th Generation Outback Fully Redesigned Exterior Design: A Bold Shift to SUV Style
The exterior design of the new Outback has undergone a major transformation from the previous crossover wagon style to a more powerful and sophisticated SUV style. The front features a large grille and brand emblem, and headlights arranged in two rows. The body lines, with their pronounced corners, also contribute to the expansion of the interior space. A minimum ground clearance of 220mm has been secured, improving off-road performance. The roof rails are designed to be robust enough to withstand a static load of approximately 360kg and a dynamic load of approximately 100kg, making them suitable for a variety of outdoor uses.
Subaru’s 7th-generation Outback fully redesigned interior design: Latest features improve texture and usability
The interior features numerous cutting-edge features that enhance the quality and ease of use of this premium model. The display is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital meter and a 12.1-inch infotainment system, and a new processor is used to improve operation response. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported, improving convenience. In addition to expanding the interior space, comfort has also been improved by reducing wind noise by 10%.
Subaru’s 7th-generation Outback is now fully redesigned. Off-road performance is further enhanced with the Wilderness model.
The Outback Wilderness model is also available, offering enhanced off-road performance. The Wilderness model is equipped with a 2.4L turbo engine and has an increased ground clearance of 234mm. The approach angle, ramp breakover angle, and departure angle are set at 20 degrees, 21.2 degrees, and 22.5 degrees, respectively, further improving off-road performance. The suspension features electronically controlled dampers that respond in real time to road conditions. It also comes equipped with Bridgestone DUELER all-terrain tires and special 17-inch wheels, making it suitable for serious off-road driving.
Subaru 7th generation new Outback full model change Powertrain: Two types of gasoline engines: 2.5L and 2.4L turbo
Two powertrains are available: a 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder gasoline engine (180ps/24.6kgm) and a 2.4L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine (260ps/38.3kgm). The transmission is a CVT with a manual mode, allowing for powerful driving. The AWD system locks up the center differential faster than before, reducing wheel spin on off-road terrain and improving driving performance.
Subaru 7th generation new Outback full model change price and release date
Pricing for the new Outback starts at $48,000. The price has increased slightly due to improvements over the previous model. It will have its world premiere on April 16, 2025, and will be released in the US in late 2025 as a 2026 model.
A word from the editorial department
The new Subaru Outback has undergone a full model change and is expected to make a unique presence in the mid-class SUV market with its bold shift to SUV style, the inclusion of the latest technology, and improved off-road performance.
While competing models emphasize the refinement of urban SUVs and environmental friendliness through electrification technology, the new Outback boasts Subaru’s traditional symmetrical AWD system for superior driving performance, off-road capability, and practicality. The Wilderness model in particular will be an attractive choice for users who enjoy serious outdoor activities.
The latest digital interior and improved quality are also elements that enhance the appeal of the new Outback. Whether it can provide value that is worth the price compared to competing models will be the key to its future market success.
Subaru’s new Outback is not simply a vehicle that follows the SUV trend, but rather one that has the potential to attract new customers based on its unique technology and concept.
Subaru news release
https://media.subaru.com/pressrelease/2309/subaru-debuts-all-new-2026-outback-bold-new
