Subaru e-Outback Trademark Hints At Brand's Next Possible PHEV

by Michael Accardi

Published: August 22nd, 2024

subaru e outback hints at next possible phev

The research department at sister site, AutoGuide.com, recently uncovered a Subaru trademark application for the name "e-Outback" in Japan, sparking speculation about the brand's plans for its popular crossover.

While details remain scarce, this move hints at the possibility of a new electrified variant of the Outback. Though Subaru hasn't confirmed any specifics, the trademark filing fuels speculation that a hybrid or fully electric version could be in the works, potentially arriving by 2027.

Considering Subaru's existing hybrid offerings, like the Crosstrek, expanding electrification to the Outback would make sense. The Crosstrek Hybrid has already gained traction in markets like Canada, making the leap to an electrified Outback a logical step in Subaru's broader strategy.

Subaru recently showcased a new hybrid powertrain that could pave the way for the e-Outback. The system features a series-parallel setup, maintaining a mechanical connection between the internal combustion engine and the wheels, while also using the engine to generate power for an electric motor.

The reworked system packages the engine, hybrid system, transmission, and transfer case together, while the power control unit is also located in the engine bay. In the past the PCU was located in the rear, negatively impacting the size of the fuel tank.

This new tech was presented in a camouflaged Crosstrek, hinting that the Outback could soon share a similar setup. Subaru's next-gen hybrid boxer engine powertrain will enter production this fall at a factory in Kitamoto, Saitama in Japan.

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.

Michael Accardi

An experienced automotive storyteller known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge and experience having been part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic and built cars that raced in TCR, IMSA, and IndyCar.

More by Michael Accardi

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 8 comments

Redapple2 on Aug 23, 2024
I like Subaru. Super safe, well engineered, economical cars with tremendous resale. They need to JUMP in hybrids fast. Start dropping the bojangly flat 4 0r 6. Use Toyota engines / hybrid systems up and down the product line double fast.

Like Reply
VoGhost on Aug 25, 2024
This only makes sense. $2,000 of additional hardware saves $7,500 for consumers buying a PHEV. Every legacy automaker should switch 90% of their US ICE sales to American build PHEVs ASAP. Those that don't will not survive.

Like Reply

Recent Comments

Jalop1991 I had the Chrysler van, PHEV, 3.5 years old. We were going to go a different direction, and get a Bronco. I asked Carvana and Carmax, how much will you buy this from me for? They each gave me a number--the same number. I drove the van to the CDJR dealer and asked; he gave me a number significantly lower, something like 19% lower. I said hmmm, ok. I told him I was looking at Bronco; he said let's go look at Jeeps. Sure. WOW, those prices. What, made of gold? ✔️ So: lower trade by far, higher price by far. Yep. We went and got the Bronco. Ford knows how to unweld those tires from the lot.
Ajla They were not perfect but FCA was a healthy company in 2018. The Challenger, Wrangler and Ram truck had its best year ever in 2018. In 2019 the Charger had its best year since 2008. The Grand Cherokee had sales increase every year from 2011-2018. Unfortunately Sergio died in the 2nd half of 2018 and Elkann & Tavares f*cking suck. They took an efficient company and turned it into something with Ford-tier cost overruns, which lead to huge price increases. And now they are overcompensating by cost-cutting to the bone, which in turn is killing product quality and employee morale.
GregLocock "The automaker did announce a $406 million investment in Michigan (the state where it has seen a large number of layoffs recently) on the same day as its rebuttal to the NDC. However, that may have been something it was already working on before the dealer letter went out."Well golly gosh, that's insightful, no wonder we come to TTAC to be informed. Car companies routinely spend half a billion dollars on a whim. Not.
Mister Corey, this series (and the Lincoln series that preceded it) are so very good that I'd like to suggest you find a publisher and rework both series of posts into coffee table books.
Jerry I will never own a fully electric automobile!