Subaru e-Outback outed through trademarking

NEWS has emerged that Subaru has recently patented the name e-Outback suggesting a path forward for the Japanese manufacturer’s popular large SUV currently solely available Down Under with four-cylinder petrol engines.

With a shift to hybrid-powered models in the segment, it stands to reason that Subaru will produce an electrified hybrid or battery electric Outback exemplified in the fact that it already has hybrid Crosstrek and Forester and a fully electric Solterra in the range.

Added to that is the cross pollination (partnership) that exists between Subaru and Toyota which has yielded a number of shared models and technology not the least being the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra BEVs.

The patent news out of Japan pretty much tells the story, however not surprisingly and tantalising as it is, no further details were forthcoming from either the Japanese Patents Office, Subaru or Toyota.

Toyota has numerous electrified models and technology Subaru could potentially tap into and given the close links between the two Japanese manufacturers, it would seemingly be easy for the smaller Subaru to utilise powertrain technology from any number of electrified Toyotas including the bZ4X and hybrid Yaris Cross, C-HR, Camry, RAV4, Kluger, Corolla Cross, potentially the Lexus NX, RX and the fully electric RZ models.

Publication AutoGuide’s research department did some sleuthing recently discovering Subaru’s trademark application (and approval) for the name “e-Outback” in Japan.

“While Subaru has yet to officially confirm any details about the e-Outback, it’s been long rumoured that a hybrid variant of the popular crossover is in the works and could be on deck for 2027,” the report stated.

“The company already offers the Crosstrek in hybrid guise so this would be a logical progression.”

The report did not rule out a fully electric e-Outback to join Subaru’s Solterra, saying that given Subaru’s ongoing partnership with Toyota the two companies have been working closely to develop electrified vehicles with Toyota providing expertise in hybrid and electric technologies.

Subaru’s partnership with Toyota on electrification and in other areas allows it to leverage the latter’s resources and experience in the space with its intentions highlighted by Subaru’s recent showcase of its latest hybrid powertrain developments.

The showcase put a focus on a new series-parallel layout that will maintain a mechanical connection between the ICE and the wheels.

However, according to Autoguide’s report, the combustion engine will also serve as a generator to feed a battery that powers an electric motor.

“Subaru showcased its new hybrid powertrain in a camouflaged Crosstrek, the two models already share a 2.5-litre Boxer four-cylinder, so sharing a hybrid powertrain isn’t absurd,” it added.

More information on Subaru’s new hybrid powertrain is expected soon as it is scheduled to go into production within months.