While the Subaru Legacy name will be retired after 36 years, the Outback will simply cease to exist in its home market of Japan by March 2025. Its manufacturing plant in Gunma, Japan will continue producing the Outback for export markets, including the Philippines. In fact, Subaru may consolidate production of all Outback SUVs, including for the US market soon as it shifts to hybrid power.

Subaru says slow sales of the current model in Japan has led them to this rather painful decision.

The news is bittersweet since the Outback nameplate has reached its 30th anniversary. Commemorating that (and not the Outback’s Japanese market demise), Subaru has come up with a 500-unit limited run of the Outback 30th Anniversary Edition.

Available by lottery, the Outback 30th Anniversary Edition comes packing an STI-tuned suspension with Sensitive Frequency Response Damper (SFRD) ones fitted at the front. This, according to Subaru, should give it a flat and smooth ride along with an increased feel of stability and sporty dynamic performance.

In addition, it also receives black trim on the grille, roof rails, rear bumper guards, rear spoiler, door cladding, and door mirrors. The logos also receive a high-luster black finish along with a 30th Anniversary rear ornament. 

Inside, it gets two-tone ivory and black nappa leather seats with the 30th Anniversary logo stitched.

Powering the Outback 30th Anniversary Edition (and farewell model) is Subaru’s new 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This horizontally-opposed engine (CB18) makes 177 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Meant as a replacement or alternative to the normally-aspirated FB25, it offers a flatter power and torque curve with peak power coming in at 5,200 rpm and peak torque achieved from as little as 1,600 rpm to 3,600 rpm.