The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) since 1994. The "Outback" name has been utilized on two different Subaru branded vehicles. One of these models is based on the mid-sized Subaru Legacy and the other derived from the hatchback version of the Subaru Impreza.
Outback (1994–present)
The "Outback" station wagon debuted in 1994 as a derivative of the second generation Subaru Legacy. Branded "Legacy Grand Wagon" in Japan, other markets primarily received this model as the "Subaru Legacy Outback", with FHI opting to shorten the name to "Subaru Outback" in Australia when launched there in 1996. Lacking the finances to design an all-new vehicle, Subaru developed the Outback by merely adding side body cladding and raising the suspension of the existing Legacy wagon. With exception to small differences in trim, the Outback shared almost all componentry with its Legacy donor model.
Subaru released a new generation of Outback along with an equivalent Legacy in 1998—with the Outback now badged "Legacy Lancaster" in Japan. Following much the same formula as the original, the updated series shared similar mechanicals and dimensions, but with the abbreviated "Subaru Outback" title now specified for most markets outside Europe and Japan. For the first time, a sedan joined the wagon bodystyle for North America only.
In 2003, Subaru released another redesign of the Outback alongside the new Legacy. Like the two previous generations, the 2003 update followed much the same blueprint as previously. As before, this also included an Outback sedan in North America, only to be discontinued mid-way through production. These 2003 onwards models also marked the cessation of Subaru's convention of eschewing the "Outback" identity for home market Japan, with the adoption of the "Legacy Outback" nameplate.
The current iteration of Outback debuted in 2009, with the shortened "Subaru Outback" name now being adopted in Europe.
Outback Sport (1994–2011)
Along with the Legacy-based model, Subaru also released the "Outback Sport" in 1994 to North America only for the 1995 model year. Deriving from the Subaru Impreza hatchback, the Outback Sport featured an off-road appearance package, but did not receive a raised suspension akin to the larger Legacy-based model. Subaru in North America launched subsequent generations in 2000 and 2007, but discontinued the model line in 2011. North American markets will adopt the global "XV" name for the Outback Sport replacement in 2012.