Subaru’s Outback Redesign Breaks from 30 Years of Wagon Heritage

After introducing the Outback as an option on the Legacy in the 1990s, Subaru eventually spun the nameplate off into its own distinct model. In doing so, the Japanese automaker created what has been one of the most successful and enduring station wagons on the American market.

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Green Subaru Outback SUV parked on grass with trees in the background.The redesign comes just in time for the Outback’s 30th Anniversary, though Subaru is taking the model in a decidedly different direction.Subaru

Oddly enough, for the Outback’s 30th anniversary, Subaru finally succumbed to the crossover epidemic and made the model look more like a midsize SUV than ever before. Completely redesigned inside and out, it’s no longer a high-riding station wagon on account of its split headlights, taller roofline and boxier shape.

As such, even though Subaru made only minor changes to the Outback’s flat-four powertrain, the vehicle does bring some significant upgrades when it comes to the user experience.

Front view of a dark green Subaru SUV with LED headlights on a grassy lawn.The split headlights are key to the vehicle’s boxier look.Subaru

In addition to helpful creature comforts like Nalgene-compatible cup holders, gear organizers and cable keepers, it also brings overhauled tech in the form of a fresh infotainment system and — refreshingly — a return to buttons and knobs.

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