Indeed, we find ourselves at the twilight of an era for Subaru. Much like its counterpart, the Legacy sedan, the Outback—sharing its lineage with the Legacy—will make its final bow in 2025. However, the future that awaits the Outback in 2026 diverges significantly from its storied past. Today, we reflect on the last iteration of the Outback that truly embodies its heritage before it morphs into a crossover SUV, potentially shedding the legacy that has defined it for three decades. 

The Outback boasts a fascinating history, having been introduced in 1995 as Subaru’s last-ditch effort for salvation. Credit where it’s due: this audacious move paid off. At a time when the SUV craze was gaining momentum, a modestly elevated wagon adorned with a bit of plastic cladding turned out to be precisely what millions of consumers craved. Who knew that a vehicle straddling the line between practicality and adventure would capture the hearts of so many? 

Styling is another feather in the Outback’s cap; it’s undeniably a handsome wagon. Admittedly, in our higher trim Touring XT, we believe a splash of paint on some of the black cladding could enhance its aesthetic, but then again that would probably take away from its identity. Nonetheless, that rugged detailing does lend it an adventurous flair. In contrast, the Wilderness package is like a botched California plastic surgery—an aesthetic that may not suit everyone. Yet, there’s an ineffable quality about the Outback that possesses a secret ingredient that the others couldn’t quite replicate. Do you remember some of its competitors? Like the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, Volvo V90 Cross Country, they just couldn’t quite crack the code.  

 LIKES: Easy accessibility, quicker than expected, decently appointed interior 

The Outback also boasts a competitive starting price of $30,430, which includes its renowned all-wheel drive as standard—a feature that has become synonymous with the brand. For those seeking a bit more vigor under the hood, the turbocharged variant enters the premium arena, with the XT starting at $40,895. Our top-tier Touring XT, priced at $44,330, delivers the luxurious touches one expects from a vehicle in this price point. Features include heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, sumptuous leather upholstery, and adaptive headlights that turn with the steering wheel. 

For 2025, the Outback remains largely unchanged, having undergone a minor overhaul in 2023. This facelift introduced a refreshed front end, featuring updated headlights, grille, and bumper. Notably, a new 12-way power-adjustable seat was added to the driver’s configuration, enhancing comfort and customization. Additionally, the well-regarded EyeSight system received software enhancements, now boasting improved automated-braking capabilities for an even safer driving experience. 

While the Outback isn’t primarily designed for performance, the XT’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers commendable performance, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to sprint to 60 mph in approximately 6.0 seconds. All Outbacks come equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring eight fixed ratios, which can be selected via steering wheel paddles. The additional torque from the turbocharged engine effectively mitigates the CVT’s initial sluggishness, enhancing the driving experience.   

DISLIKES: violent start/stop shutter, aggressive adaptative cruise control system, starting to age out.  

Choosing the turbo variant also increases the Outback’s towing capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds. Notably, this turbocharged powerhouse is content running on regular 87 octane fuel, achieving an average of 22 mpg. However, as is often the case with performance, a little extra power does come at the expense of fuel efficiency. 

The Outback may not compete with rugged off-road beasts, but with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it’s well-equipped to navigate your average well-maintained trail. Its adaptable suspension and generous tire sidewalls contribute to a plush ride on paved roads. The driving experience leans more toward luxury than sportiness, as the CVT works diligently to keep engine revs subdued—unless, of course, the driver opts to take matters into their own hands.  When it comes to road feedback, however, you might find yourself wondering if these are indeed the same engineers who crafted the legendary STi.  

The overall ambiance inside the cabin exudes serene refinement, with one notable exception: the stop-start system, which jolts the engine back to life with the intensity of a defibrillator reviving a patient. Fortunately, this rather startling feature can be easily disabled via the 11.6-inch touchscreen.  

Cabin-tech traditionalists will appreciate the inclusion of a genuine CD player (standard on the Touring and Touring XT), cleverly tucked away in the center console, ready to house your collection of self-downloaded Napster hits. Thankfully though, some of us has left the past behind for a reason and for that there is wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that your favorite tunes are just a tap away. 

Ultimately, we find ourselves contemplating the enigma of the Outback’s allure. To be fair, we live in a desert where rain blesses us just five days a year, leaving the benefits of its symmetrical all-wheel drive largely theoretical. By the time we venture to areas where snow has fallen, it’s usually been cleared away. 

However, one undeniable advantage of the Outback is its convenient entry height—far less of a chore than climbing into a crossover or executing an acrobatic slide into a sedan. It’s a handsome brute that should age gracefully, and as the last wagon standing, it will undoubtedly be missed. After all, where else will we find a vehicle that combines rugged charm with such easy access?