The Wagon That Became an SUV
The Subaru Outback is one of the last wagons (albeit rugged) still available in the US. With standard all-wheel drive, decent ground clearance, and a loyal following, it has long been the halfway point between a family car and an adventure-ready crossover. However, everything changed with the arrival of the 2026 Outback.
Introduced earlier this year, Subaru now categorizes the new-generation Outback as an SUV outright, and the styling reinforces this change with a taller stance, an upright front fascia, and more plastic cladding. The transition may sit well with SUV buyers, but it also comes with a new reality: the Outback is considerably more expensive than before. For the first time, the entry-level model breaks the $30,000 barrier, and trims climb steeply (around $2,000) from there.
This change in pricing raises a question: Is it worth considering the 2025 model year while there’s still inventory left?
Subaru
What 2025 Inventory Looks Like
A check of 2025 listings on Cars.com shows thousands of inventory filled with discounts that soften the blow of Subaru’s new pricing strategy. The Base trim, though already discontinued for 2026, can still be found starting at around $29,000, usually with modest $1,000–$2,000 discounts. The Premium, which becomes the new entry point for 2026, is currently available from $30,800, with incentives ranging from $3,000 to $4,000.
Higher trims carry deeper markdowns. The Onyx and Onyx XT, both introduced for 2026, are now available with discounts of $4,000–$5,000. The Limited XT also falls within that range, while the Touring XT offers reductions of around $5,000, making it one of the better-value premium models available.
The Wilderness, popular for its rugged appearance and turbocharged engine, is being cleared at $3,000–$5,000 under MSRP. The only trim holding closer to the list price is the Limited, where discounts are smaller at roughly $1,000.
Overall, the 2025 inventory offers multiple opportunities to sidestep the higher costs of the new-generation Outback, particularly if buyers are open to trims Subaru is phasing out.
Kristen Brown
What’s New for 2026 and Are They Worth the Money?
As mentioned, the 2026 Outback marks a huge update for the nameplate, with Subaru fully transitioning the vehicle into SUV territory.
Inside, the cabin has a more contemporary layout, complete with a 12.3-inch driver display paired with a 12.1-inch central touchscreen. The powertrain lineup remains unchanged: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four engine produces 180 horsepower, or a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-pot generates 260 hp for XT and Wilderness models.
For those considering the Outback, the 2025 inventory units are just too good to ignore, especially since they’re still the Outback we all know and love. The discounts, particularly on higher trims, also help their case. Unless you’re rooting for the sharper SUV design and upgraded tech, we think the outgoing model is the more cost-effective choice.
Subaru
