The outgoing Subaru Outback made a name for itself as the perfect utility vehicle for many in the US. Its lifted station wagon body, along with all-wheel drive, gave it car-like driving dynamics and SUV-like space on the inside. Owners still praise the Outback for its versatility and practicality, as you can drive it around in the city without feeling like you’re maneuvering a truck, haul all your gear on the weekends, and, when the occasion calls for it, even take it light off-roading.
Unfortunately, station wagons are a dying breed, and the Outback crossover wagon is the latest victim. Subaru has updated the Outback for 2026, and it ditches the wagon body style for a more midsize SUV-like look. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. In fact, it might make the Outback even better, as the new Outback is not only more capable and packs more features, but also offers more interior space. Here’s what’s new in the 2026 Subaru Outback.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.5-liter four boxer
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
180 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
178 lb-ft
- Make
-
Subaru
- Model
-
Outback
- Segment
-
Midsize Wagon
2026 Subaru Outback Adapts A Midsize SUV-Like Body Style
The updated Outback for 2026, brings a completely new look while retaining the light-duty off-roader charm of the old one. The new Outback breaks from the station wagon tradition of the outgoing model and adopts a midsize SUV-like body style. Its boxy new design features fresh new wheels and grille, raised roofline, and the Subaru Outback Wilderness variant builds on that with some protective cladding, unique accents, and adventurous styling elements all around.
Sure, some may miss the sloped roofline of the older wagon, but the SUV body style has its own perks. The Outback’s new upright profile and squared-off silhouette are said to improve interior and cargo space, making the Outback more versatile and practical. The interior gets a complete refresh, too, featuring a more contemporary style and a fresh infotainment system. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology has also been upgraded to offer better protection and driving convenience.
The Outback Is Still Fundamentally Subaru
Despite the many changes on the outside and inside, the new Outback remains fundamentally Subaru. For instance, it still features a pair of boxer engines, offering up to 260 horsepower, as well as the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that has become synonymous with the brand. It also offers up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, Hill Descent Control, and selectable variable-terrain drive modes, which should come in handy for light-duty off-roading.
After all, Subaru practically invented rugged, go-anywhere station wagons, and the 2026 Outback Wilderness is just another notch in the belt – SUV shape notwithstanding. – CarBuzz
Available In A Range Of Color Options
The new 2026 Outback is offered in multiple color options. As standard, you can pick between Crystal Black Silica, Crimson Red Pearl, Geyser Blue, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray metallic, Crystal White Pearl, and Sapphire Blue Pearl. For $395 more, you can unlock Deep Emerald Green Pearl and River Rock Pearl. On the inside, you can pick between black or titanium gray StarTex or leather upholstery, and slate black or Java brown Nappa leather on the higher trims.
2026 Subaru Outback Debuts Looking More Like An SUV Than Ever Before
The improved interior offers a digital instrument cluster and a larger infotainment screen.
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Reworked Interior With Fresh Infotainment And Contemporary Styling
|
Specs |
First Row |
Second Row |
|
Headroom |
41 in |
40.5 in |
|
Shoulder Room |
57.9 in |
57.4 in |
|
Legroom |
43 in |
39.5 in |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
34.6 cu ft |
80.5 cu ft |
The new Outback’s cabin gets a major overhaul, with a more contemporary styling, a well-laid-out dashboard, and premium-looking materials. In terms of space, the new Outback offers 112.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, and thanks to the flat roofline, the headroom gets a 2-inch benefit compared to the outgoing model. Cargo space has also increased by two cubic feet, adding up to 80.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. In both the passenger and cargo volume, the Outback offers more space than the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V.
New Infotainment System That’s Said To Be Faster And More Intuitive
The clean-looking dashboard features a new 12.1-inch touchscreen in the center, powered by Subaru Multimedia System. It features a redesigned homepage and quick-access menu and is said to be faster and more customizable than before. It also supports wireless Bluetooth pairing, hands-free smartphone operation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and physical climate controls under the central touchscreen.
Enhanced EyeSight Offers Better Safety To You And Your Family
Subaru assures that the new Outback’s upgraded EyeSight Driver Assist Technology makes it one of the safest SUVs in the segment. EyeSight is upgraded with better sensors, newly available Hands-Free Assist, and Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection for extra safety. Meanwhile, standard aids across the lineup include Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Warning, and newly standard Reverse Automatic Braking. Rounding off this package are Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and Automatic Pre-Collision Braking with Pre-Collision Throttle Management.
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Preserves The Outback’s Legacy As A Light-Duty Off-Roader
An Outback wouldn’t be an Outback without its capability, and that’s where some variants of the new-gen Outback shine. It’s powered by two engine options, with the base being a 2.5-liter boxer engine producing 180 horsepower. The base engine may feel sluggish for some drivers, but Subaru offers a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine in XT and Wilderness trims. The turbocharged mill delivers 260 horsepower and should feel more responsive on the road. Both engine options are mated to a CVT transmission, which may feel like a compromise to more enthusiastic owners.
|
Specs |
Premium, Limited, Touring |
Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring XT |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine Type |
2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer |
2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer |
|
Power Output |
180 HP |
260 HP |
|
Torque Output |
178 LB-FT |
277 LB-FT |
|
Towing Capacity |
2,700 LBS |
3,500 LBS |
|
Fuel Economy (combined / city / highway) |
27 / 25 / 31 MPG |
|
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Is Standard On All Outback Trims
The Outback also features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard on all trims, promising reliable traction on all kinds of surfaces. According to the automaker, this AWD system constantly evaluates acceleration, cornering, and braking to deliver power to all four wheels at all times. If it notices a wheel slip, it instantly directs the power to the wheels that have the most grip.
Up To 9.5 Inches Of Ground Clearance And Some Off-Road Goodies
This AWD is supported by X-Mode, Hill Descent Control, and selectable variable-terrain drive modes standard across trims. The Subaru Outback Wilderness adds dual-function X-Mode, raised suspension with electronic dampers, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and extra bumper cladding, giving it more off-road chops. The base naturally-aspirated engine offers a towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds, and the turbocharged engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Gains Adaptive Dampers, 360-Degree Camera
The rugged variant of the new Outback will be available in early 2026.
2026 Subaru Outback: Pricing, Available Configurations, And Availability
The 2026 Outback starts at $34,995, which is almost $2k more than the outgoing model’s $33,060 starting price. This sticker price goes all the way up to $47,995 for the top-tier Outback Touring XT. Meanwhile, the Subaru Outback Wilderness starts at $44,995. The slightly higher sticker price seems justified, considering the new Outback now offers more features and better interior space. The 2026 Outback, including the Outback Wilderness, is on sale now at dealerships across the US.
Available In Six Different Trims
|
Premium |
Limited |
Touring |
Wilderness |
Limited XT |
Touring XT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$34,995 |
$41,715 |
$45,395 |
$44,995 |
$44,365 |
$47,995 |
The Subaru Outback 2026 follows a similar trim strategy as other Subaru SUVs. It starts off with the Premium trim, which features the essentials, like Symmetrical AWD, a 12.1-inch multimedia system, and EyeSight. Moving up the trim ladder unlocks leather-trimmed upholstery, Harman Kardon stereo, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and more. The Touring XT rounds things off with Nappa leather upholstery, a 360-degree surround video monitor, Smart Rear-View Mirror, and more.
Buy the Wilderness trim if you want enhanced off-road capability with higher ground clearance, electronically controlled dampers, all-terrain tires, and advanced drive modes. If you’re not into off-roading, then check out one of the other turbocharged trims. – Nicole Wakelin, TopSpeed
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Engine Options On The 2026 Outback?
The 2026 Outback is offered with two engine options. The base engine is a 2.5-liter boxer engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The XT and Wilderness trims come with a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).
How Much Does The 2026 Subaru Outback Cost?
The 2026 Subaru Outback’s starting price is $34,995, and it goes all the way up to $47,995 for the Outback Touring XT. The Subaru Outback Wilderness starts at $44,995. Depending on the trim you pick, you can expect features like ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon stereo, Nappa leather upholstery, Smart Rear-View Monitor, and more.
What New Features Are In The 2026 Outback?
Subaru has completely revamped the 2026 Subaru Outback, so it gets a new SUV-like body style and a more contemporary interior. New features include a fresh 12.1-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and improved EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The new infotainment system is more customizable and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What Advanced Safety Features Are Standard On The New Subaru Outback?
The new Subaru Outback 2026 gets an upgraded EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which features the following:
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
- Pre-Collision Braking
- Lane Departure And Sway Warning
- Emergency Lane Keep Assist
- Emergency Stop Assist
- Automatic Emergency Steering
Apart from EyeSight, the Outback 2026 gets High Beam Assist, DriverFocus, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, reverse automatic braking, and more.
When Is The Expected Release Date For The 2026 Subaru Outback?
The 2026 Subaru Outback was unveiled last year, and being a 2026 model, it is already on sale as of early 2026. So, you can find the latest 2026 Outback and Outback Wilderness at your nearest Subaru dealership.
Source: Subaru, FuelEconomy.gov