Known as one of the most durable and capable crossover SUV’s on the market right now, the Subaru Outback has been a car synonymous with reliability since it was launched to market nearly 30 years ago. Let’s take a look at the Subaru Outback model history, from where it all began back in 1994 to where the car has evolved to today.
Subaru Outback Models by Year
Let’s take a look at the Subaru Outback models by year, discovering the journey this car has taken from the early 90’s to the naughty 20’s. Let’s compare Subaru Outback models now;
The Outback was originally born from the design of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. It first hit the proverbial shelves in 1994 as the Legacy Outback and in 1995 the next model Legacy Outback offered brand new features and revamps like two-tone body paint and roof racks. The Outback was named after the Australian Outback and Subaru chose this name because they wanted the car to represent both ruggedness and comfort to drivers across the world. The Legacy Outback continued to get a few facelifts through the 1990’s, with Subaru designers refining the hatchback SUV model year on year.
In 2000, the second-generation Subaru Outback was released, breaking away from the Legacy as a crossover unto its own. The second-generation Outback featured more interior space as well as revised rear suspension. In 2005 the car got a boost in the form of a turbocharged 2.5l four-cylinder motor, giving it a significant kick in terms of power.
Between 2010 and 2018, a variety of different Subaru Outback models appeared, each one refining certain features and enhancing others along the way. In 2019 the latest Outback edition was showcased with the new 3.6R-S ES model being launched which was bigger, stronger and more capable than anyone could have imagined.
Subaru Outback Generations: Features Year by Year (2018–2025 Models)
Here’s how the Subaru Outback has evolved in South Africa over the past few years, spanning the run-out of the fifth generation and the arrival of the all-new sixth generation.
Subaru Outback 2018:Fifth generation, refreshed
The fifth-gen Outback received its mid-life facelift, with a cleaner, simplified grille and more aggressive bumper treatment, plus updated interior trim. On the safety side, EyeSight-equipped models gained High Beam Assist and steering-responsive LED headlights. The SA line-up ran the 2.5i-S ES and the flagship 3.6R-S ES with its 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer.
Subaru Outback 2019: Safety standardised
EyeSight Driver Assist moved from optional to standard across the range, with the previously optional EyeSight suite becoming standard equipment on all trims — a meaningful value upgrade. Styling and mechanicals carried over from the 2018 facelift.
Subaru Outback 2020: Final year of the six-cylinder
Largely a carry-over year as the next generation was prepared. The 2.5i-S ES and 3.6R-S ES remained the local pairing, making this the last Outback in South Africa to offer the naturally aspirated 3.6-litre flat-six.
Subaru Outback 2021: All-new sixth generation arrives
The sixth-generation Outback launched locally at the start of May 2021. South Africa moved to a two-model range — the Field and Touring — both using a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre boxer engine driving all four wheels through a CVT (the six-cylinder was retired locally). Inside, it gained a fresh 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the upgraded EyeSight added autonomous corrective steering, improved lane keeping and a wider field of view. Ground clearance rose to a genuinely capable 220 mm.
Subaru Outback 2022: Range settles in
The sixth generation carried over unchanged, with the Field and Touring establishing themselves as the local line-up.
Subaru Outback 2023: Continued refinement
No major mechanical or feature changes — the Outback continued in Field and Touring guise, with local pricing adjusted over the period.
Subaru Outback 2024: Stronger ownership package
The Outback’s ownership proposition was strengthened during this period to a five-year/105 000 km maintenance plan alongside the five-year/150 000 km warranty — a notable after-sales upgrade over the launch spec.
Subaru Outback 2025: Run-out ahead of the new model
The sixth generation served as the run-out model as Subaru prepared the all-new seventh generation, with local stock winding down ahead of the next model’s arrival.
Subaru Outback Model Comparison
Beyond the models sold locally, the international Subaru Outback range offers several distinct trims, each tuned for a different kind of driver. Here’s how three of the most talked-about trims — the rugged Wilderness, the luxury-focused Touring and the turbocharged Limited XT, compare on the current-generation Outback. Here’s a break down of Wilderness vs Touring vs Limited XT
Beyond the models sold locally, the international Subaru Outback range offers several distinct trims, each tuned for a different kind of driver. Here’s how three of the most talked-about trims – the rugged Wilderness, the luxury-focused Touring and the turbocharged Limited XT – compare on the current-generation Outback.
| Wilderness | Touring | Limited XT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Off-road / adventure flagship | Top luxury (road-focused) | Turbo power + leather comfort |
| Engine | 2.4L turbo boxer | 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer | 2.4L turbo boxer |
| Power | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft (≈194 kW / 375 N·m) | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft (≈134 kW / 241 N·m) | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft (≈194 kW / 375 N·m) |
| Ground clearance | 9.5 in (241 mm) | 8.7 in (221 mm) | 8.7 in (221 mm) |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb (≈1,590 kg) | 2,700 lb (≈1,225 kg) | 3,500 lb (≈1,590 kg) |
| Wheels & tyres | 17-in wheels, all-terrain tyres, full-size spare | 18-in alloys, road tyres | 19-in alloys, road tyres |
| Suspension / off-road | Raised suspension, electronically controlled dampers, aluminium front skid plate; dual-function X-MODE | Standard suspension; X-MODE | Standard suspension; X-MODE |
| Interior highlights | StarTex water-repellent upholstery, Anodized Copper accents | Ventilated seats, Nappa leather, Head-Up Display, 360° surround-view monitor, power moonroof | Leather, Harman Kardon audio, navigation, surround-view monitor |
Shared across all three: every trim comes standard with a 12.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a Lineartronic CVT with an 8-speed manual mode, X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, and EyeSight Driver Assist with a wide-angle 180-degree camera.
What sets them apart: the Wilderness is the only one built for genuine off-road use, with the highest ground clearance, all-terrain tyres and a reworked suspension. The Touring and Limited XT are both road-focused, but the Touring leans into luxury with the naturally aspirated engine, while the Limited XT trades some of that luxury for the turbocharged engine, added power and higher towing capacity.
Please note: The Wilderness, Touring and Limited XT trims and the specifications above reflect the international (US-market) Subaru Outback range and are provided for comparison only. Not all of these trims are available in South Africa.
Subaru Outback Models to Avoid
When it comes to looking at legacy models and which is the best Subaru Outback model to buy there is no such thing as avoiding one model over another. It really depends on your personal preference and what you’re looking for in terms of features, capabilities and price. At Subaru pre-owned, you’ll be able to pick up a 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5l Premium for around R130 000 with a petrol engine and all-wheel drive capabilities for example- a great car and even better price.
Whenever you’re looking at purchasing an older, used vehicle always ask to see its service history and give it a test drive if you can. In fact, this goes for new, off-the-showroom floor models too.
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