At this point, the only Subaru crossover with a hybrid engine is Crosstrek. The carmaker made a partnership with Toyota and we expect more electrically-supported drivetrains in the future. The first one could be the 2024 Subaru Outback Hybrid. It wouldn’t be any surprise, since a lot of hybrids are available in the compact crossover segment. We’ll see how this system is going to work with the Boxer engine.
This is just the first step in the process of complete electrification. According to the big plan, every Subaru vehicle is going to offer an all-electric drivetrain by 2030. Not impossible, but the carmaker is still at the beginning of a very long journey. Nevertheless, take a look at the news from General Motors. The leading carmaker in the US never had a hybrid crossover or SUV, and now they are building EVs that will take over the market from Tesla and other rivals.
2024 Subaru Outback Hybrid Specifications and Gas Mileage
A 2.5-liter flat-four engine is the main choice when you are buying a regular version. It also comes with the CVT gearbox and all-wheel drive. The opposed position of cylinders makes them look like boxers, so that is why we call Subaru’s flat-four engines – Boxer. This configuration is also fuel-friendly, with 30 mpg combined (reminder – AWD is standard). But, the company wants to make it even more efficient. Electric batteries can definitely help, especially used with the base engine. In that case, the 2024 Subaru Outback Hybrid will probably get to 200 hp, while matching city fuel economy with the highway return – around 34 mpg.
Another option is to electrify a turbocharged Boxer. It is less likely since the 2.4-l turbo-four is the performance setup. Gas mileage is not a priority here. The engine is good for 260 hp and Outback XT accelerates 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds. Also, the configuration is not too thirsty, so it doesn’t need an electric boost that can harm performance. On the other hand, a PHEV system is possible, to increase every number on the specs sheet. Subaru can follow the footsteps of the Toyota Rav4, whose Prime edition can deliver 302 hp and still return 38 mpg.
New Engine
Subaru introduced the new Forester with a 1.8-liter engine. Although this configuration is currently exclusive for the Japanese market, fans believe the company is going to make it available in other countries. It can produce 175 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the US edition, the power output is at a similar level, while the torque gets a significant boost.
Experts already think about the new 1.8-liter unit as the central piece of the 2024 Subaru Outback Hybrid. It is not impossible. Again, we can find a Forester hybrid, but only in Japan, and with a 2.5-l MHEV system. Well, the Outback is a larger vehicle, so extra power is a key when it comes to performance. Still, potential buyers will also check the gas mileage before purchasing a vehicle.
Mid-Cycle Facelift
The Outback crossover is based on the Legacy sport sedan. Vehicles are on the market for 35 years across seven generations. The latest version debuted in 2020, so the first revisit is very close. In this segment, it is not impossible to see a new series after only 4 years in the market. However, Subaru is not going to do that with the Outback. Besides a new hybrid drivetrain, the crossover is about to bring its first facelift.
The 2024 Subaru Outback Hybrid will follow in the footsteps of the standard package. Of course, this one comes with advanced features available in higher trim levels. The entire lineup is getting revisited bumpers, headlights and hood. While the exterior is not being reshaped, the interior brings more significant changes. There is a total of 9 trim levels, and further expansions are coming with a hybrid engine. Well, all packages will be centered around drivetrains – standard 2.5, XT Turbo, and Hybrid. Many fans are already asking about the combo of this drivetrain setup and the Wilderness trim. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen.
2024 Subaru Outback Hybrid Expectations
This market is one of the fastest-growing nowadays. Subaru is not among the pioneers, so the Outback Hybrid has some catching up to do. Leaders in the segment can do 40 mpg, but that is not a priority for Subbie. The first version doesn’t have to be the best, but it is important to show up.
The base Outback costs from $28,500, and the XT is not under $35,000. That is where we expect to see an entry-level of the 2024 Subaru Outback Hybrid. The debut date is not set yet, but according to insiders, the development progress is in advanced stages. The start of sales will wait until the last quarter of 2023. The release date also depends on the redesign and the number of changes the update is bringing.