The Legacy Outback has long been beloved as Subaru’s flagship SUV. However, it has been announced that production of the Japanese market model will end at the end of March 2025. This time, we will look back on the history of the Legacy Outback, which will sadly be disappearing, and explore its appeal.
Legacy Outback production end article summary
- Subaru will continue to develop crossover SUVs, leveraging the technology it has cultivated with the Legacy Outback.
- The first model was released in 1995 and became popular as a crossover SUV that combined the comfort of a passenger car with the off-road capabilities of an SUV.
- Its appeal includes excellent driving performance thanks to its horizontally opposed engine and symmetrical AWD, high safety performance thanks to EyeSight, and a spacious interior.
- The reason for the end of production has not been officially announced, but it is thought that changes in the SUV market and Subaru’s electrification strategy are behind the decision.
What is the Legacy Outback?
The Legacy Outback is Subaru’s signature crossover SUV. The first model was released in 1995, and since then, it has been popular with many users as Subaru’s unique crossover SUV, combining the comfort of a passenger car with the off-road capabilities of an SUV.
History of the Legacy Outback
The history of the Legacy Outback begins with the first-generation Legacy Grand Wagon, which was released in 1995. The Grand Wagon, which incorporated elements of SUVs that were popular in the United States at the time, quickly became a hit and grew into one of Subaru’s flagship models. In 1997, the Legacy Lancaster, based on the Grand Wagon and featuring a stronger SUV character, was released.
First generation BG series
A minor change was made in June 1996. The engine format remained the same, but it was updated to the “MASTER4.” In August 1997, the sub-name in Japan was changed to “Lancaster” and a minor change was made.
Second generation BH series
On June 17, 1998, it underwent a full model change at the same time as the Touring Wagon. Aiming to balance packaging and functionality, the overall height was reduced to 1,550 mm while maintaining a ground clearance of 200 mm, allowing it to be parked in mechanical multi-story parking garages. A minor change was made on May 22, 2001. The front end was given a three-dimensional shape, and the ornament on the front grille was changed to Subaru’s CI six-star emblem.
3rd generation BP series
The third-generation Legacy, which was released on October 22, 2003, was renamed the “Legacy Outback” in Japan. A minor change was made on May 24, 2006. The front grille was changed to a hexagonal shape, the turn signals on the rear combination lamps were made clear, and round reflectors were added to the inside of the tail lamps.
4th generation BR series
The fourth-generation Legacy Outback, which was released in 2009, adopted Subaru’s new design philosophy, “DYNAMIC × SOLID,” resulting in a more refined exterior design and a spacious interior.
It underwent a full model change on May 20, 2009, along with the Touring Wagon and B4. By increasing the interior length, width, and height, the overall width became 1,820 mm, the largest for a Subaru vehicle sold in Japan. A minor change was made on May 18, 2010, and a minor change was made on May 8, 2012. Like the Touring Wagon and B4, the front face was redesigned, and a special design was adopted for the grille and bumper, and large fog lamps were also installed.
5th generation BS series
The Japanese version of the fifth-generation Legacy discontinued the Touring Wagon and was made up of two body styles: the four-door sedan “Legacy B4” and the crossover SUV “Legacy Outback.”
The fifth-generation Legacy Outback, which was released in 2014, comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight safety technology. This not only significantly improves safety performance, but also enhances driving performance and comfort.
6th generation BT series
Then, in 2019, the current sixth-generation Legacy Outback was released. It was officially announced in Japan on October 7, 2021. It adopts the new-generation platform “SGP (Subaru Global Platform),” further improving driving performance, safety, and comfort.
The appeal of the Legacy Outback
The Legacy Outback has the following features:
- Excellent driving performance : Subaru’s unique horizontally opposed engine and symmetrical AWD provide stable driving performance, allowing you to drive safely even on snowy or rough roads.
- High safety performance : The latest safety technology, EyeSight, is standard equipment, helping to avoid accidents and reduce damage.
- Spacious interior : The spacious interior provides ample space for all occupants to feel comfortable.
- Well-equipped : The vehicle is well-equipped to support a comfortable drive.
- Sophisticated design : The sophisticated exterior design blends in with both urban and natural surroundings.
Why is production being discontinued?
The reason for the discontinuation of the Legacy Outback has not been officially announced, but it is thought that the reason is that while SUVs have become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years, traditional car models such as sedans and station wagons have been declining in popularity.
Subaru has also announced a policy to accelerate electrification in the future, and its focus on developing EVs and hybrid vehicles may also be influencing the end of production of the Legacy Outback.
2023 sales volume
Annual sales of the Legacy Outback in 2023 were 6,460 units.
| year and month | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | 748 units |
| February 2023 | 351 units |
| March 2023 | 799 units |
| April 2023 | 680 units |
| May 2023 | 579 units |
| June 2023 | 539 units |
| July 2023 | 424 units |
| August 2023 | 261 units |
| September 2023 | 236 units |
| October 2023 | 501 units |
| November 2023 | 828 units |
| December 2023 | 514 units |
| total | 6,460 units |
Subaru Legacy Outback Registration Number Registration Number Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Sales volume in 2024
The number of units in the first half of 2024 appears to be the same as in 2023.
| year and month | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | 537 units |
| February 2024 | 396 units |
| March 2024 | 663 units |
| April 2024 | 401 units |
| May 2024 | 593 units |
| June 2024 | 498 units |
| total | 3,088 units |
Subaru Legacy Outback registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
The future of the Legacy Outback
Although production of the Legacy Outback will end at the end of March 2025, Subaru will continue to develop crossover SUVs. It is expected that the technology and know-how cultivated through the Legacy Outback will be utilized in the development of the new SUV.
Legacy Outback End of Production Information
Information regarding the end of production of the Legacy Outback is as follows:
- Order deadline : March 31, 2025
- End of production : End of March 2025
- Note : Orders may close even during the order period once the planned production number has been reached.
A word from the editorial department
Subaru’s signature crossover SUV, the Legacy Outback, is featured in this article. We look back at its history and appeal, and explain the reasons behind its discontinuation and future prospects.
Production of the Legacy Outback will end at the end of March 2025, but its DNA will likely be passed on to Subaru’s new SUV.
