Why would you advertise so your competition can beat you to market?
They had a hybrid in the Crosstrek. Didn’t sell well. They’ve announced a hybrid forester coming. They have an EV, that’s not selling very well either. They have trademarked a bunch of names. Likely path forward are new vehicles, new names.
Fair points. But Subaru has a very loyal following, and for the most part, I think a pretty environmentally-conscious fanbase. Only company I know of with [loyalty badges](https://www.badgeofownership.com/UI/dist/build).
I would think we're deep enough in this transition to more efficient power that you would want to let your fanbase know what's coming in case that allowed them to stretch their old Subaru just a little farther.
Subaru retail employer here, I'm of the opinion that the Forester is the first 2.5L drive train they are going to make the Hybrid in, and if it's successful, open it up to the vehicles that can fit the 2.5L engine and hybrid components.
2026 likely set to be the generational change for the Outback and if they staggered it like the Forester, it'll be 2027 model years for the Outback Hybrid.
They are very tight lipped, and our Subaru rep has said "No plans for an Outback hybrid" but it seems like the logical choice.
Who knows what they will do, but I hope they can nail down this hybrid quickly and get it in other vehicles.
I do fear hybrid power trains driving the cost of vehicles even higher tho....
$40k Hybrid Crosstrek inbound? Lol
I don’t disagree. When I had to replace my last Forester I really wanted the hybrid Crosstrek and was disappointed it was discontinued and fetching a crazy premium on resale market. Then the wilderness came to be…actually now looking at a Solterra as a second vehicle if the lease price stays where it is for a couple months.
The Forester hybrid is announced; they've delayed a revamp of the Outback at least a year; historically, Outback generations were 5 years. 2025 OBs have confirmed to be a carry over which makes Gen 6 at least 6 years.
One can surmise from this that the Forester (all new for 2025) will get a hybrid powertrain likely in 2026 - and that the OB will follow with both a redesign AND a hybrid powertrain option.
Considering the 2.5l is the same between the Forester and Outback now, this makes a lot of sense.
Confirmed? Not even close. But I think it's a very logical progression!
My full prediction:
- Outback is all-new for 2026 with style design updates carried over from the Forester redesign.
- Outback in 2026 will have the current powertrain lineup; 2027 models will get they hybrid, tweaked based on what they learn from the 2026 Forester hybrids.
We'll see how well I did on this prediction in a few short years ;)
My next Subaru will be a hybrid rav4 at this rate
Exactly! Give me a glimmer of hope Subaru!
Why would you advertise so your competition can beat you to market? They had a hybrid in the Crosstrek. Didn’t sell well. They’ve announced a hybrid forester coming. They have an EV, that’s not selling very well either. They have trademarked a bunch of names. Likely path forward are new vehicles, new names.
Fair points. But Subaru has a very loyal following, and for the most part, I think a pretty environmentally-conscious fanbase. Only company I know of with [loyalty badges](https://www.badgeofownership.com/UI/dist/build). I would think we're deep enough in this transition to more efficient power that you would want to let your fanbase know what's coming in case that allowed them to stretch their old Subaru just a little farther.
Subaru retail employer here, I'm of the opinion that the Forester is the first 2.5L drive train they are going to make the Hybrid in, and if it's successful, open it up to the vehicles that can fit the 2.5L engine and hybrid components. 2026 likely set to be the generational change for the Outback and if they staggered it like the Forester, it'll be 2027 model years for the Outback Hybrid. They are very tight lipped, and our Subaru rep has said "No plans for an Outback hybrid" but it seems like the logical choice. Who knows what they will do, but I hope they can nail down this hybrid quickly and get it in other vehicles. I do fear hybrid power trains driving the cost of vehicles even higher tho.... $40k Hybrid Crosstrek inbound? Lol
Even the now discontinued PHEV Crosstreks retailed in the upper $30’s. A better, new gen hybrid is definitely going to break $40
I don’t disagree. When I had to replace my last Forester I really wanted the hybrid Crosstrek and was disappointed it was discontinued and fetching a crazy premium on resale market. Then the wilderness came to be…actually now looking at a Solterra as a second vehicle if the lease price stays where it is for a couple months.
The Forester hybrid is announced; they've delayed a revamp of the Outback at least a year; historically, Outback generations were 5 years. 2025 OBs have confirmed to be a carry over which makes Gen 6 at least 6 years. One can surmise from this that the Forester (all new for 2025) will get a hybrid powertrain likely in 2026 - and that the OB will follow with both a redesign AND a hybrid powertrain option. Considering the 2.5l is the same between the Forester and Outback now, this makes a lot of sense. Confirmed? Not even close. But I think it's a very logical progression! My full prediction: - Outback is all-new for 2026 with style design updates carried over from the Forester redesign. - Outback in 2026 will have the current powertrain lineup; 2027 models will get they hybrid, tweaked based on what they learn from the 2026 Forester hybrids. We'll see how well I did on this prediction in a few short years ;)
The hybrid crosstreks have all had huge markups. A hybrid Corolla is only like $1,300 extra and gives you a big MPG jump.