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2026 Outback hybrid?

1.8K views 12 replies 11 participants last post by  dhawk  
#1 ·
I traded in my superb 2017 outback for a 2023 Outback touring. The new car has much better drivability, but gas mileage plummeted. I have heard that Subaru may be coming out next year with a hybrid (probably similar to this years Forester). I wonder if the acceleration from the hybrid plus its great mileage would be a good compromise? Any thoughts?
 
#2 ·
How badly did your milage drop? Both the 2017 and 2023 are supposed to get near the same average mpg. Maybe a little less on the highway for the 2023, but only by like 2-3.

Are you running stock tires? Have you maybe moved over chance? I ask because road conditions can affect milage heavily too.

But to answer your question, I love hybrids even though I'm driving an ICE right now. The acceleration AND mileage are great in them! I really hope they come out with a hybrid model for both the Outback and the Crosstrek eventually.
 
#4 ·
While I have never had a hybrid, and will probably not be getting one in the future, I have had both a normally aspirated 2021 Touring and now have a 2025 Touring XT. I find that most of my driving (short trips with a cold engine) have yielded about the same fuel economy with both cars - - about 18 - 20 MPG. I much prefer the power and acceleration, if needed, of the XT. Highway mileage is also about the same; 27 - 30 MPG.
 
#5 ·
I have a 2020 Outback Limited (NON turbo). Average 25 mpg city and 31 on highway, even with AC.
I just spoke with the general manager of my local Subaru dealership and he says NO outback hybrid is planned at this time.
(He confirms the hybrid will be available for crosstrek and forrester). He was not sure why subaru made this decision.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Just my opinion:
If anybody at the dealer's knew when an OB hybrid would be available, or anything else, I'm certain they've been instructed not to talk about it.

They're also not going to tell anything about a future model that cannot be ordered yet; they don't want customers walking out and not buying today, because they are want to wait for the release of a different model at some future date. Lost sale today, which is what matters at the store.

2026 Forester and Crosstrek all varieties can be ordered right now, also OB but just ICE versions.
I recall talk here, before the Solterra went on sale, of waiting lists and even earnest money down payments but I've never heard proof that it was true.