Subaru’s Beloved Family Hauler May Finally Get a Fix for Its Biggest Shortcoming

Subaru is reportedly preparing to give the Outback a much-needed hybrid powertrain. Car and Driver postulates that the quirky automaker could be brewing up a gas-electric variant, following in the footsteps of its more upright sibling, the Forester Hybrid.

It was only recently that Subaru began embracing hybrid power with the Crosstrek Hybrid. Now, the company seems to be on a gas-electric kick with the recent launch of the Forester variant.

That said, given the circumstances, C/D believes that all roads point to a possible Outback Hybrid in the near future. Should it happen, it could tackle one of the Outback’s biggest criticisms.

Addressing one of the Outback’s biggest shortcomings

Subaru

Although the Outback remains one of Subaru’s most popular models, fuel economy has never been one of its strong suits. Even with a measly naturally-aspirated flat-four and a soul-sucking, but efficient, continuously variable transmission.

The Outback also features a more powerful turbocharged flat-four, which provides surprisingly quick performance. But it’s obviously at a greater expense of fuel economy.

Subaru

While the Outback is rated respectably at 25 miles per gallon city, 31 highway and 27 combined for the base engine (the turbo gets 21 city/29 highway/24 combined), such numbers still pale to what a hybrid powertrain could provide.

As exhibited by the Forester Hybrid and Crosstrek Hybrid, both models see performance and economy gains, thanks to their newfound gas-electric powertrains.

Subaru

It only makes sense for the Outback to follow. Additionally, most if not all of the Outback’s direct competition have optional hybrid powertrains. So Subaru is lagging behind its rivals in that regard.

Improving the all-terrain experience

Another upside to the addition of electric motors is extra low-end torque. Not only does the additional pound-feet make cruising around town smoother and more fuel efficient, it also makes trail crawling more effortless.

Subaru

Electric motors provide immediate torque when actuated and they do so far better than any internal combustion engine can. Instant torque is an actual off-roader’s best friend.

And, while most Subaru owners aren’t four-wheeling the heck out of their Outback, Forester and Crosstrek models like a Jeep Wrangler owner would, that additional always-available torque still makes treading rougher surfaces all the easier.

Subaru

Although specifics aren’t available and Subaru itself has neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of an Outback Hybrid, all roads and circumstantial hints suggest it’s a real possibility.

For instance, the Outback shares the same Subaru Global Platform as its Crosstrek and Forester siblings. Both of those cars also utilize hybrid powertrains borrowed from Toyota. And Toyota and Subaru have both been collaborating for over a decade.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics