2027 Subaru Outback STI
For decades, the Subaru Outback has been the unofficial uniform of the American Pacific Northwest—a sensible, high-riding wagon that excels at hauling golden retrievers and REI hauls without breaking a sweat.
But for those of us who grew up with posters of World Rally Blue sedans pinned to our bedroom walls, the Outback has always lacked a certain fizz.
While the Wilderness trim scratched the itch for off-road enthusiasts, performance junkies have been left out in the cold since the WRX STI was unceremoniously sent to the great scrapyard in the sky.
That might be about to change. As we look toward the 2027 Subaru Outback, the rumor mill is churning with whispers of a halo model that finally bridges the gap between suburban utility and track-ready aggression: the 2027 Subaru Outback STI. This isn’t just a badge-engineering exercise; it’s a full-throated love letter to the era of the “hot wagon.”
A Design That Screams “Aggressive Utility”
The 2027 Subaru Outback enters its second year of the seventh-generation redesign, which saw the model lean further into its SUV-adjacent identity.
However, the STI variant promises to dial back the “soft-roader” aesthetic in favor of something much more sinister.
Imagine the rugged silhouette of the current Outback but dropped by an inch or two on a set of STI-tuned suspension components.
Up front, we expect to see a more functional hood scoop—a signature Subaru trope that actually serves a purpose here—feeding air to a beefier intercooler.
The plastic cladding that defines the Outback Wilderness will likely be replaced by body-colored flares or sleek carbon-fiber accents.
We’re also anticipating a set of 19-inch BBS forged wheels finished in that iconic gold hue, wrapped in sticky summer rubber that would make a Crosstrek blush. It’s a design that says you have a mortgage and a career, but you also know exactly how to trail-brake into a hair-pin turn.
Under the Hood: More Than Just a Turbo
The heart of the 2027 Subaru Outback STI is where things get truly interesting. While the standard Outback XT models utilize a perfectly adequate 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine making 260 horsepower, the STI version is rumored to borrow the heart of the latest WRX and turn the volume up to eleven.
We are looking at a potential output of 315 to 340 horsepower from a high-output version of the FA24 engine.
But the real story for 2027 is the integration of hybrid technology. Following the trend set by the 2026 Forester Hybrid, the 2027 Subaru Outback STI could feature a performance-oriented gas-electric powertrain.
By pairing the turbocharged boxer engine with a dual-motor setup, Subaru could deliver instantaneous electric torque to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drivesystem, eliminating turbo lag and providing the kind of mid-range punch that makes highway passing maneuvers feel like a slingshot.
Handling: The “S” in STI Stands for Sharp
Subaru Tecnica International has never been just about straight-line speed; it’s about the connection between the driver and the asphalt (or gravel).
The 2027 Subaru Outback STI will likely feature ZF electronically controlled dampers, allowing drivers to toggle between a compliant “Commute” mode and a stiff “Sport+” setting that keeps the wagon flat through the corners.
The steering rack will almost certainly be tightened up, offering the kind of communicative feedback that has been missing from the Outback lineup for years.
And because power is nothing without control, expect a massive Brembo braking system with six-piston calipers up front.
Whether you’re descending a mountain pass or slowing down for a suburban school zone, the stopping power will be absolute.
Expected Performance Specs
| Feature | Estimated Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L Turbocharged Boxer Hybrid | |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | |
| Transmission | Optimized CVT with Manual Mode / Possible 6-Speed Manual | |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.8 Seconds |
The Interior: Cockpit Meets Cargo Space
Inside, the 2027 Subaru Outback STI will likely be a masterclass in functional sportiness. The massive 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment screen will remain the centerpiece, but it will be updated with STI-specific performance pages—allowing you to monitor boost pressure, G-forces, and lap times (even if your “lap” is just the school carpool lane).
The seats are the real stars here. We expect Recaro bucket seats upholstered in a mix of leather and Ultrasuede, featuring the signature STI cherry-blossom pink stitching. It’s a cabin that manages to feel premium without losing the “hose-out” durability that Subaru owners cherish.
You’ll get the utility of 75 cubic feet of cargo space, but you’ll be sitting in a throne designed for high-G maneuvers.
Market Positioning and Competition
When the 2027 Subaru Outback STI hits showroom floors, it won’t be alone. It will face stiff competition from the likes of the Mazda CX-70 and the Toyota Crown Signia, both of which are pushing the boundaries of what a “wagon-adjacent” vehicle can be. However, neither of those rivals possesses the rally-winning pedigree of the STI badge.
Pricing is expected to start in the $52,000 to $55,000 range, placing it at the top of the Subaru hierarchy. While that might seem steep for an Outback, it’s a bargain when you consider it as a more practical, all-weather alternative to a dedicated sports sedan.
Why the 2027 Outback STI Matters
The automotive world is currently obsessed with “active lifestyle” vehicles—ruggedized SUVs that look like they could tackle the Rubicon but rarely leave the paved suburbs.
The 2027 Subaru Outback STI represents a different path. It’s a vehicle for the enthusiast who needs the ground clearance and the all-wheel drive for the ski resort, but refuses to sacrifice the joy of driving on the winding roads that lead there.
It is the ultimate “one-car solution.” It’s a vehicle that respects the Subaru heritage of safety and reliability while finally giving the STI fans the performance flagship they’ve been craving since 2022.
As we look closer at the performance wagon landscape for 2027, the competition is getting fierce. While the 2027 Subaru Outback STI targets a very specific niche of rally enthusiasts who need to haul groceries, it faces stiff opposition from brands that have long occupied the “premium utility” space.
Below is a detailed breakdown of how the rumored STI stacks up against its most formidable rivals: the Mazda CX-70and the Audi A4 Allroad.
Comparison: The Battle of the High-Performance Long-Roofs
| Feature | 2027 Subaru Outback STI (Est.) | Mazda CX-70 (Turbo S) | Audi A4 Allroad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L Turbo Hybrid Flat-4 | 3.3L Turbocharged Inline-6 | 2.0L Turbocharged I4 |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 340 hp | 261 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.8 Seconds | 5.9 Seconds | 5.5 Seconds |
| Drive System | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | i-ACTIV AWD (Rear-Biased) | Quattro with Ultra Tech |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 Inches | 8.0 Inches | 6.5 Inches |
| Starting Price | $55,000 (Est.) | $53,240 | $48,500 |
The 2027 Subaru Outback STI isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It’s Subaru proving that they haven’t forgotten how to have fun, even as they move toward a more electrified future.
It combines the all-terrain capability of the Wildernesswith the track-focused DNA of the WRX, creating a segment-bending machine that is uniquely, unapologetically Subaru.
If the rumors hold true, the 2027 model year will be remembered as the year the wagon officially got its groove back. For those of us who need to haul a family but want to drive like a legend, the wait is almost over.
