Could this be our first look at the next-gen Subaru Outback?
Just weeks before it came to light that Subaru would be ending production of the Outback for the Japanese market, eagle-eyed motorists spotted what looks like its replacement in the US.
Multiple users on Reddit and Instagram have snapped a camouflaged wagon-style vehicle roaming the streets of California, and – despite its disguise – it bears a striking resemblance to what could be the 2026 Subaru Outback.
Images of the vehicle – which appears to be boxier and taller than the current Outback – were first uploaded to Reddit on October 9, but we now have clear enough images of multiple angles, including a short video.
Reddit user trev first posted an image of the Outback’s rear to the r/Subaru subreddit, where others were quick to point out the boxy proportions and recognisable Subaru oval on the middle of the tailgate.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert
Two days later, Reddit user Doesntmattaaa posted additional images of the same car to the r/Subaru community, this time with an alternative rear angle and the first proper look at the car’s front end – albeit taken through a rear-view mirror.
The car’s front bumper appears to be a significant departure from the current Outback, while its grille now appears to feature larger hexagonal elements and a generally square design.
The front bumper’s corners have been dramatically squared-off compared to the current model.
Its headlights appear to sit much higher on the front of the car, though the typical Subaru C-shape daytime running lights (DRLs) can vaguely be made out underneath the camouflage.
Interestingly, there appear to be lights below the typical DRLs on the front bumper, which could suggest the new Outback will feature a split headlight design.
At the bottom of the bumper is a large opening and what appear to be foglight housings, much like the current Outback.
Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Subaru Ascent Credit: CarExpert
While some commenters have suggested the camouflaged car could instead be the North America-only Subaru Ascent, others have pointed out the car’s wagon-like shape lends itself to the Outback.
Its tall and boxy proportions do appear to be a shift away from the wagon-style body shape we know the Outback for, but its longer body and roofline still suggest it could just be the next generation model.
Also visible in the photos is large wheel arch cladding, as well as a large rear bumper below the squared-off tail lights. The current Outback includes similar features, lending to its off-road leaning capabilities.
Our most recent sneak peek came on October 27, when Reddit user Economy_Pirate5919 posted a video of the camouflaged Outback rolling past an intersection to the r/Subaru_Outback community. It was followed by an Instagram image from user kindelauto.
If this car is indeed the next-gen Subaru Outback, it appears to have received more drastic changes on the surface than the new Subaru Forester.
The sixth-generation Forester went on sale in the US this year, and it’s expected to arrive in Australia sometime next year.
While that car still maintains similar visuals to the outgoing Forester, its design is nowhere near as boxy as this supposed Outback.
The Outback is also kept seperate to the Ascent in the United States, which offers three rows of seating.
Camera Icon2025 Subaru Forester (US model) Credit: CarExpertCamera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert
The Outback is currently produced in Lafayette, Indiana, and it entered production there in 2019.
It’s possible production for the next-generation Outback (including Australian models) could move to that plant after it’s axed from the Japanese market at the end of March next year.
While the Outback is an important vehicle for Subaru in Australia, it was last year’s best-selling Subaru in the United States – a market that accounts for 66 per cent of Subaru’s global production.
The next-gen model is reportedly set to enter production in 2025, and will gain a hybrid option in 2026.
Camera IconCurrent Subaru Outback Credit: CarExpertCamera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert
MORE: Subaru Outback’s Australian future secure, but where will it be built?MORE: Everything Subaru Outback
#nextgen #Subaru #Outback