2015 Subaru Outback is coming, so get ready for upgraded outdoor pursuits

By Joe Mahan Published April 4, 2014

The Subaru Outback is an old-school wagon that has not changed much in functionality. But this year it will bring some majorly upgraded looks to the table.

The 2014 New York International Auto Show is an excellent venue to wear a suit and tie, and Subaru has dressed up the new Outback accordingly. Subaru claims that its flagship model “blends Car-like handling and SUV capability.” The 2015 model should not be much different mechanically than last year’s, but the new aesthetic touches are a necessary improvement.

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The new Outback will be loosely based off of Subaru’s latest Legacy model, with upgraded off-road capabilities. The headlights and grill shapes are nearly identical, as well as the hood and side mirrors. Hopefully the updated Outback will be a hit, as it is a vital product for Subaru.

I don’t know what the Northwest would be like if Subaru Outbacks and Crosstreks weren’t around. After all, those with sporty lifestyles and eco-friendly aspirations need something in which to get to the slopes. The new looks might just be too mainstream for some Northwest Subaru fans to handle, as they might be far better suited to more adventurous, gung-ho grandparents.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Joe Mahan is an intern at Digital Trends working in the Cars section. He is currently a Junior at the University of Portland…

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The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
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Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
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