What is the other name for the Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback’s other name is the Legacy Outback, reflecting its origins as a raised variant of the Subaru Legacy wagon. In some markets and generations, the wagon was marketed as the Legacy Wagon or the Legacy Tourer, depending on regional branding.
The question explores how the Outback evolved from a Legacy trim into its own model and how naming varied by region and era. This article traces that history, clarifies current usage, and explains what buyers should know today.
Origins and naming history
When the model first appeared, Subaru positioned the Outback as a ruggedized wagon variant of the Legacy. Early documentation and dealer materials often used the Legacy Outback or Legacy Outback Wagon branding, tying the model to the Legacy family while signaling its cross-country capability.
- Legacy Outback (early generations, especially in North America) — the Outback began as a raised, rugged version of the Legacy wagon with distinctive styling and suspension tweaks.
- Legacy Wagon / Legacy Tourer (Europe and other markets) — in some regions, the same wagon variant was branded under the Legacy umbrella with estate-specific names.
- Outback (current standalone name) — from the 2010 model year onward, Subaru positioned the vehicle as its own model line rather than just a trim of the Legacy.
Below are the key regional naming variations that have appeared over the years, illustrating how the Outback was marketed worldwide.
The naming history shows how Subaru balanced heritage with a push toward a distinct model identity, while regional branding continued to reflect local market preferences.
Timeline milestones
These milestones capture the evolution from a Legacy-based wagon to a standalone Outback and the shifts in regional naming conventions.
- Mid-1990s: Introduction of the Legacy Outback as a trim/variant of the Legacy wagon, signaling a more rugged, crossover-like profile.
- Late 1990s–2000s: Regions alternate between Legacy Outback and Legacy Wagon branding in catalogs and dealer literature.
- 2010: Subaru redesigns the model line and rebrands it as the Subaru Outback, operating as a distinct model rather than a mere trim of the Legacy.
- Present: In most markets, the vehicle is marketed simply as the Subaru Outback, with historical Legacy naming referenced mainly for legacy documentation or in regional contexts.
These milestones illustrate the shift from a Legacy-based variant to a standalone model, while regional labels persisted in various catalogs and markets.
Current naming and regional notes
North America
Today, the vehicle is marketed worldwide as the Subaru Outback, with the Legacy name largely relegated to historical references or to the base platform lineage. In North America, the Outback remains a distinct model with its own trim levels and features, separate from the Legacy sedan/wagon naming in current showrooms.
Europe and other markets
In some European markets and older literature, the estate version of the wagon was referred to as the Legacy Tourer or Legacy Wagon. While those terms appear in catalogs and older ads, most current advertising uses the Outback name to denote the rugged wagon/crossover, aligning with Subaru’s global branding strategy.
Summary
The Subaru Outback is best understood as the evolution of the Legacy wagon into its own model line. Its “other name” historically centered on Legacy Outback (and regional variants like Legacy Wagon or Legacy Tourer), reflecting a branding path from a Legacy-based wagon to a standalone Outback. Today, the Outback stands as Subaru’s distinct model, with Legacy references mainly appearing in historical contexts or regional catalogs.
Is a Subaru Outback the same as a Forester?
The Forester has 111.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the Subaru Outback has 109 cubic feet. The Outback lineup has more cargo space, though, with 32.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row, compared to 28.9 cubic feet behind the second row in the Forester.
What is the nickname for the Outback?
The Outback can also be referred to as "back of beyond" or "back o' Bourke", although these terms are more frequently used when referring to something a long way from anywhere, or a long way away.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Outback?
It's because the lifted models like outback and crosstreks qualify as light trucks and are subject to less stringent fuel efficiency regulations.
Is Subaru owned by Toyota now?
No, Toyota does not own Subaru, but it owns just over 20% of the company, making Subaru an affiliated company. This strategic partnership allows them to share technology and collaborate on vehicle development, such as the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ sports car. Subaru still operates independently with its own branding and operations.
- Ownership structure: Toyota is Subaru's largest shareholder with a stake of slightly over 20%, but Subaru remains an independent company.
- Strategic partnership: The two companies have a close partnership and collaborate on various projects.
- Shared projects: Notable examples of their collaboration include the co-development of the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X electric crossover and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 sports car.
- Technology sharing: They share technology, particularly in areas like hybrid systems and electric vehicle development, and plan to collaborate on future EV platforms.
- Independent operation: Despite the significant ownership stake and collaboration, Subaru maintains its own management structure and brand identity.
