by Subaru’s lineup is evolving, and while some models are already taking cautious steps toward electrification, others still hold fast to tradition. The Crosstrek and Forester now come with hybrid powertrains, but the new-generation of the Outback continues to rely entirely on internal combustion.
That may not be the case for long, though, as new reports suggest Subaru is weighing an electrified option that could bolster the new Outback’s efficiency credentials and broaden its appeal.
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A new generation of the Outback arrived earlier this year, shifting away from the crossover wagon proportions of its predecessors to adopt a more upright, SUV-like profile.
The current range is powered by 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 delivering 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS). Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
Hybrid on the Horizon?
Even so, Outback product manager Toshihiro Ohya hinted that the lineup might not stay purely combustion-based for long. Speaking with Australian outlet Drive.com.au at the Tokyo Motor Show, Ohya said, “Hybrid… we are considering some power unit, but we have not decided the next power unit.”
His phrasing left room for interpretation, yet it strongly implies that development of an electrified version is already in motion.
If Subaru follows its current pattern, the most plausible approach would be to adapt the brand’s self-charging hybrid system used in the Crosstrek and Forester. That setup combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.1 kWh battery, together producing 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS).
Such a powertrain could deliver tangible benefits. Lower emissions and notable gains in fuel efficiency would make it easier for Subaru to meet tightening regulations in key markets, particularly Australia.
In the Forester, the hybrid system improves fuel economy by up to 40 percent in urban driving, a figure that would likely make a Outback Hybrid appealing to buyers seeking lower running costs without giving up all-wheel drive or capability.
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Pricing will be another factor. In the US, the Forester Hybrid costs between $1,590 and $3,315 more than its equivalent petrol version, depending on trim. If the Outback follows a similar pricing structure, an entry-level hybrid could start at roughly $38,000 to $40,000.
For those wanting to skip hybrids entirely, Subaru already offers the fully electric Trailseeker, known as the E-Outback in Europe. It delivers a comparable footprint and off-road practicality but swaps gasoline for battery power, pointing to where the brand’s long-term direction may ultimately lead.
