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6 Questions Looming Large Over Subaru Right Now

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester are the brand's top-selling models, but there are questions about future models. Here are five questions that loom large for the Japanese automaker.

As the 2024 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and other new models arrive, there are questions about future models and trim levels. In my comment section and on The Dirty Subaru, I get valuable information and feedback from my readers. Here are some of the top questions owners have about what's coming. 

Here are six questions you and other Subaru owners have for the Japanese automaker. 

2024 Subaru lineup

photo credit: Clay Subaru

1. Will Subaru bring back the WRX and STI hatchback?

Subaru is always tight-lipped about its next-generation models, and the next-generation WRX and STI are no different. Subaru has been mum about any future plans. Subaru CEO Atsushi Osaki will keep any future model plans private, but there are no plans to produce a WRX hatch soon. 

Subaru could offer a new WRX and STI hatchback body style when the model gets a mid-cycle refresh for the 2026 model year. But don't look for Subaru Corporation to make significant changes until the all-new electric STe arrives in 2027.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

2. When will Subaru bring back a Forester with a turbocharged engine?

Subaru stated in its 2020 Vision plan it would bring new smaller turbocharged engines for its entire all-wheel-drive lineup. The Outback, Ascent, and Legacy come with the 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine. The number-one selling 2024 Forester SUV only offers a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer. Will Subaru offer the 2025 Forester Wilderness with a turbocharged engine? Stay tuned. 

3. When will Subaru increase Forester's tow capacity?

Subaru attracts customers with active lifestyles, and they want a vehicle with a "go-anywhere" attitude, which the Forester has in its DNA. But Subaru Corporation failed its adventurous customers by not improving the new sixth-generation Forester's tow rating. If you want to tow anything larger than a small utility trailer with the newly redesigned Forester SUV, you are out of luck.

4. When will Subaru offer a head-up display?

What was once exclusively available in luxury vehicles head-up displays are now standard on some mainstream brand cars. Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota are offering head-up displays (HUD). Unfortunately, Subaru doesn't offer a HUD on any 2024 or 2025 model vehicle in its lineup. 

5. Will Subaru ever offer a midsize pickup?

Midsize trucks have been one of the hottest segments for automakers, and a new Subaru truck would sell well. The brand's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and Wilderness upgrades would be a perfect fit for a pickup and would likely be a big hit with truck buyers who want to go off-road.

Don't look for Subaru to bring a midsize pickup anytime soon. The new all-electric models are the brand's top priority for new 2025-2030 vehicles.

6. When will Subaru offer an Outback hybrid model?

Subaru will offer the 2025 Forester with a new hybrid powertrain. When will the Outback midsize SUV get a hybrid trim level? Subaru will likely offer U.S. customers a next-generation 2025 Outback Hybrid trim level. I expect Subaru to give the announcement sometime after the first of the year. Stay tuned. 

Your turn

What are the questions you have for Subaru?

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

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I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blogSubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: main image Competition Subaru

Comments

John Worzalla (not verified)    November 25, 2023 - 12:25PM

Will any of the Subaru hybrids be PHEV's? We only probably take 3 or 4 long trips in a year and keep our Subaru parked in our garage. Most of our daily mileage is 35 miles or less. We could plug in a PHEV and only need to fill up with gas very infrequently, so a PHEV would make total sense for us.

Dale W. (not verified)    November 26, 2023 - 8:29AM

When will Subaru redesign the Outback to undo what they did with the 2023 redesign? The excess cladding around the wheels is unneccesary and the front end is hideous. I was in the market for an Outback in 2022, but could not find one. After the 2023 redesign, I was no long in the market. I don't see a lot of 2023 Outbacks on the road and the dealer has plenty in stock, so I'm probably not the only one who feels this way.

GA Hooligan (not verified)    November 27, 2023 - 12:41PM

When will they offer a retro update to all 23+ vehicles with the 11.7 screen so Android Auto displays full screen like Apple Carplay?? I have a 23 wrx and its BS that only an apple displays full screen. Its a Subaru issue NOT an Android Auto issue. Other Subarus can do this, ALL 23+ with this radio should be able to do full screen. Come on Subaru!!

Boxer Tech Garage (not verified)    November 29, 2023 - 11:39AM

When will Subaru design a real transmission instead of relying on the God awful CVT?

Other automakers have achieved stellar MPG ratings without a CVT. If you cite the Boxer engine as the reason for this, it might be time to re-evaluate the longevity of that design. Mazda dealt away with the rotary engine for that reason, might be time for the Boxer to hang its hat up for good.