Subaru Outback Model Years and History

The Subaru Outback has been entirely redesigned for 2026. In addition to its new two-row mid-size SUV body style, the Outback's interior has been reworked with more contemporary styling and fresh infotainment tech.

The Subaru Outback rolls into 2025 with minimal changes.

The Subaru Outback carries over with minimal changes for 2024 while the Wilderness trim receives minor updates to the grille and front bumper.

The Outback gets a refreshed exterior but otherwise carries over into 2023 with minimal changes.

The Outback carries over into 2022 with minimal changes although a new Wilderness trim was added.

The Outback was redesigned from the ground up for the 2020 model year, so for 2021 Subaru has made only three minor changes: Adaptive headlamps, a rear-seat reminder system, and a passenger's seatbelt warning light and chime are now standard across the lineup. The Outback sits on Subaru's Global Platform, which is far stiffer than the chassis it replaces, allowing the car to be both safer and better handling, without any penalty to the ride quality.

The Subaru Outback enters its sixth generation with the 2020 model year and the new Outback is sharper looking, more practical, safer and quieter than ever before. The Outback now sits on Subaru's Global Platform, which is far stiffer than the chassis it replaces, allowing the car to be both safer and better-handling without any penalty to the ride quality. In addition to the changes under the skin, Subaru has thrown a hefty load of technology at the Outback in the name of safety.

The 2019 Subaru Outback sees a few changes for the new model year. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver assistance technology is now standard on all trims. This suite of features includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, sway warning, pre-collision braking and pre-collision throttle management. The base 2.5i trim also gets an upgraded audio system with SiriusXM radio, rear view camera and instrument cluster with 5-inch display.

The 2018 Outback is the latest vehicle in the Subaru lineup to receive a series of updates this year. The revised front end and lower paneling appears more capable and buttoned up aiding in ground clearance. New headlamps that include LED running lights and re-tuned suspension round out a familiar go anywhere exterior theme. Meanwhile the center console has been reworked to fit around a new infotainment system that now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This year Subaru implemented higher quality materials for the interior as well that include a stitched dash and available door trims, sound-insulated glass and thicker wheel well trim to stop excess ambient noise. The CVT transmission now includes a 7-speed manual mode via column mounted paddle shifters.

The Subaru Outback remains mostly unchanged for 2017. Limited trimmed cars get a few more standard features including a blind spot detection system and a rear cross traffic alert system, while a new top of the line Touring trim makes its debut this year.

Following a complete redesign last year, the 2016 Subaru Outback returns with only a few changes. Among them, the windshield wipers now feature an auto on/off mode. Subaru's Starlink infotainment system has added capabilities like crash notification and stolen vehicle recovery assistance. Finally, the EyeSight safety system adds Lane Keep Assist, which activates above 40 mph, detects lane departure and seeks to correct it.

The Subaru Outback is all new for 2015. It returns with new styling and a larger roomier interior. A more steeply swept windshield provides better visibility, while an aluminum hood helps reduce weight. Fuel economy is improved from 2014 models, despite the fact that the Outback is bigger in overall size. Plenty of new technology has been added as well, including hill descent mode, hill start assist and liquid filled engine mounts to help quell vibrations. All-wheel drive, as in all Subaru models, continues to be standard across the entire Outback range.

Following significant updates last year, the 2014 Subaru Outback receives only minor changes. Most notably, the Outback Premium gains an All-Weather Package with standard heated front seats, mirrors and windshield wipers, while the 3.6R base model has been discontinued.

The Outback received significant updates for 2013. New front end styling is the most immediately noticeable change, but the improvements are more than skin deep, with the Outback 2.5i receiving a new engine. The CVT transmission has also been improved, and Subaru has implemented its optional EyeSight driver-assist system to enhance the safety of the vehicle. The Subaru 3.6R Premium is no longer offered for 2013, though the 3.6R and 3.6R Limited are still available.

Subaru has given the Outback a minor update for 2012. Outback Premium models get a new standard stereo featuring six speakers, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack, iPod control capability and Bluetooth connectivity. Outback Limited models feature a new 9-speaker display-type audio system by harman/kardon. Buyers opting for the Alloy wheel package on 4-cylinder models will now also get the cold weather package, which was only available on Limited and Premium models last year.

Following a thorough redesign last year, the 2011 Subaru Outback gets only minor changes. XM satellite radio is now standard, and the Power Moonroof Package has been expanded to include a rear vision camera, which shows on a 3.3-inch display in the rearview mirror. Foldaway side mirrors are now standard.

The Subaru Outback created the crossover category in the mid-nineties, and it continues to ride the line between family wagon and off-road vehicle. The biggest news for 2010 is the upgrade to the Outback's engine lineup, a 3.6-liter that replaces the previous generation's 3.0-liter. There are also three trim levels for 2010: base, Premium and Limited. It also has Subaru's available CVT (continuously variable transmission) that gets an impressive 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Also new for 2010 are the roof rails that snap into place when needed and swing out of the way when not, decreasing drag and wind noise. And like all Subaru's vehicles, the Outback is all wheel drive, all the time.

For 2009, the Subaru Outback concentrates on improving safety with its standard VDC stability control system, enhancing style with an expanded exterior color palette and tinted privacy glass and increasing comfort with steering wheel mounted audio controls for the premium Harman Kardon sound system. Also, Subaru introduces another trim level with the 2.5i Special Edition and says goodbye to the L.L. Bean Moniker.

For 2008, the Subaru Legacy Outback sedan has been dropped from the lineup. Otherwise, the Outback wagons get a modest redesign in front and back, along with some interior appearance and equipment changes. From the outside, there's a new grille with chrome crossbars, along with new front and rear fascias, new headlights and taillights, and a redesigned hood and fenders to give a more rugged look. XT and six-cylinder models receive new wheels and unique fog lights. Inside, the instrument panel has been redesigned and interior fabrics have been revamped, a telescopic adjustment for the steering has been added, and a new integrated key and remote entry unit is standard. Electromechanical gauges are now standard on all turbo and six-cylinder models. On top models, a redesigned steering wheel now offers integral audio controls, cruise control, and SI-Drive controls. Availability of the VDC electronic stability control system has been expanded.