Key Takeaways
- New trademark points to Subaru introducing an electrified Outback in the near future.
- The e-Outback will likely be a hybrid or all-electric model, joining the upcoming Forester hybrid and Solterra EV.
- While a fully-electric Outback is possible, a hybrid is more likely.
Subaru sells just one electric vehicle in the United States, and it’s a rebadged Toyota bZ4X. But the Solterra may soon be joined by a sibling, with a new trademark filing pointing towards an electric (or electrified) Outback. According to AutoGuide, a new filing for the “e-Outback” nameplate suggests Subaru is working on its next EV.
The automaker has been slow to embrace electrification. While rivals have offered hybrid variants for years, the Japanese marque is only planning to introduce an electrified Forester now. Like the new Mazda CX-50 hybrid, the Subaru is expected to utilize Toyota hybrid technology, bolstering appeal for Subaru customers. Will the e-Outback follow suit? It’s very possible.
Trademark filings do not guarantee the use of a name in future vehicles and are often used exclusively as a means of protecting intellectual property and naming trends. Such a filing cannot be construed as confirmation of production intent.
A Hybrid Outback? It Would Make Sense
For months, rumors of a hybrid Outback have been floating around the automotive grapevine, but nothing has been confirmed. It would be very easy for Subaru to adapt the Outback for hybridization. Seeing as the Outback has been around since MY2020, it would be odd for Subaru to introduce a hybrid this late into the model run. The e-Outback will likely debut as part of the seventh generation, although this has not been confirmed by the automaker.
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The other possibility is a fully-electric Outback, but this will likely have limited appeal. For one, wagons are a dying breed in the United States, with customers preferring ubiquitous SUVs and crossovers. Electric vehicle sales are waning, so offering an all-electric wagon wouldn’t exactly bring in profits. Then again, things could change by the time the e-Outback reaches the market. It’s worth noting that Subaru and Toyota are working on three electric vehicles which should arrive as early as 2026. Subaru has used the ‘e-‘ suffix before with the e-Boxer, denoting a flat-four engine paired with an electric motor.
“Achieving a carbon-neutral society is a challenge that must be undertaken by all of Japan’s industries and society as a whole. As we continue to refine electrification technology, we will also enhance our horizontally-opposed engines with an aim to use carbon-neutral fuels in the future. Moving forward, the three companies sharing the same aspiration will continue to advance the pursuit of sustainable excellence in Japanese car manufacturing.”
– Atsushi Osaki, Subaru Corporation President and CEO
Battery-Electric Outback Is Unlikely – An Efficient Hybrid Makes More Sense
Based on this, it’s safe to assume the e-Outback will most likely be a hybrid. Earlier this year, Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda announced they would co-develop carbon-neutral electrified engines for future vehicles, with Subaru opting for a horizontally opposed design. Should the e-Outback come to fruition, there’s a chance these engines could find their way under the Outback hybrid’s hood. CarBuzz has contacted Subaru for additional information and will update the article once we receive a reply.
In recent months, Subaru has trademarked several names for potential future use. While there are no details, these trademarks will likely be used as trims or future models. Names include Trailhead, Uncharted, Viewfinder, Highroad, and Everguide. These could all be used for adventurous trims like the existing Wilderness grade, but this remains to be seen.
Source:
AutoGuide
