What’s New With Subaru in 2019?

Subtle is the name of the game when it comes to Subaru’s new 2020 designs for the Legacy mid-size sedan and Outback wagon. Exterior changes to both are subtle compared to the outgoing generations, and it will take a keen eye to correctly identify the new models — at least from the outside. Most of the changes to the Outback and Legacy take place under the skin and inside the cabin, with both switching to Subaru’s new global platform and getting tech-focused interior upgrades.

Related: More Subaru News

After the 2020 Legacy and Outback arrive in dealerships in the fall, the automaker will have something for the go-fast Subaru enthusiasts. The U.S. will also finally receive 200 units of an S version of the WRX STI, dubbed the Subaru STI S209 (STI stands for Subaru Technica International, Subaru’s motorsports arm). While technically a 2019 model, the S209 won’t go on sale until “late 2019,” so Subaru fans looking to get their gold-wheel fix will have to remain patient.

Here’s what’s coming soon to a Subaru dealership near you:

2020 Subaru Legacy

Competes with: Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry

Looks like: An evolution, not a revolution versus the current Legacy

Drivetrain: 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine or 260-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder; continuously variable automatic transmission; standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Fall 2019

2020 Subaru Outback

Competes with: Compact and mid-size SUVs, including the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe

Looks like: A gently updated version of the current Outback with a few curves and more prominent cladding

Drivetrain: 182-hp, 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder or 260-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four; continuously variable automatic transmission with artificial eight-speed manual mode and paddle shifters; standard all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Fall 2019

2019 Subaru STI S209