by Subaru’s model lineup is evolving, and while some models are already cautiously taking steps toward electrification, others are still firmly holding on to tradition. The Crosstrek and Forester are now offered with hybrid powertrains, but the new generation Outback continues to rely entirely on an internal combustion engine.
However, this may not last long, as new reports suggest Subaru is weighing an electrified option that could boost the new Outback’s efficiency figures and broaden its appeal.
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The new generation Outback debuted earlier this year, moving away from the proportions of the crossover wagon of its predecessors in favor of a more upright, off-road-like profile.
The current range is equipped with two non-electrified gasoline engines: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter unit producing 180 hp (134 kW / 183 PS) and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivering 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS). Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD all-wheel drive.
A Hybrid on the Horizon?
Nevertheless, Outback product manager Toshihiro Oya hinted that the lineup may not remain purely ICE for long. Speaking with the Australian publication Drive.com.au at the Tokyo Motor Show, Oya said: “Hybrid… we are considering some powertrains, but we have not yet decided what the next powertrain will be.”
His wording left room for interpretation, but it clearly hints that development of an electrified version is already underway.
If Subaru follows its current model, the most likely approach would be adapting the brand’s self-charging hybrid system used in the Crosstrek and Forester. This setup combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 1.1 kWh battery, together producing 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS).
Such a powertrain could bring tangible benefits. Lower emissions and a noticeable improvement in fuel efficiency would make it easier for Subaru to comply with tightening regulations in key markets, especially in Australia.
In the Forester, the hybrid system improves fuel economy by up to 40 percent in the city cycle, and this figure would likely make the Outback Hybrid attractive to buyers seeking lower running costs without giving up all-wheel drive or capability.
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Price will be another factor. In the US, the Forester Hybrid costs $1,590 – $3,315 more than the equivalent gasoline version, depending on trim. If the Outback follows a similar pricing structure, a base hybrid version could start at around $38,000 to $40,000.
For those who want to skip hybrids altogether, Subaru already offers the fully electric Trailseeker, known in Europe as the E-Outback. It offers comparable dimensions and off-road capability but swaps gasoline for electricity, pointing to where the brand may be headed in the long term.
