The all-new seventh-generation 2026 Subaru Outback brings bold new styling, new features, and new technology. It also has an improved version of the Wilderness trim, a badge that makes its way only to the most rugged and capable versions of Subaru vehicles. On the Outback, this includes extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension system, and advanced off-road modes. It builds on what makes any Outback strong while adding capability for tougher terrain.
The Outback is capable in any trim, but the Wilderness adds a little something extra. You can’t go rock crawling in it, but you can tackle harsher off-road terrain with confidence. The no-fuss interior stands up to mud, kids, or dogs with a good blend of durability and comfort. Its more upright SUV-like styling might disappoint some wagon fans, but it does not change the Outback’s core strengths. It’s a solid choice for those who want a vehicle ready for adventure. We spent a day driving on-road and off in Healdsburg, CA, to see if the Outback Wilderness lives up to its promise.
- 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
- Rugged exterior styling
- Comfortable interior with durable materials
- Powerful turbocharged engine
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Looks more SUV than wagon
- Not for hardcore off-roading
- Higher price point within the trim range
- Only available with turbo engine
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness First Impressions
The new exterior design of the Outback gives it a more powerful presence. The front fascia stands more upright with a larger grille, and the side profile is boxier with a flatter roofline that boosts passenger and cargo space. It looks far less like a wagon and more like an SUV, yet it still has wagon functionality that includes increased cargo room over the prior model.
The Wilderness trim adds ruggedness to the overall look. There’s 9.5 inches of ground clearance compared to 8.7 inches for the rest of the lineup, as well as improved approach, departure, and breakover angles. This gives it an unmistakable off-road vibe. There are also anodized copper accents on the roof rails and fog lights with all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte black wheels. It’s an attractive vehicle with lots of visual appeal.
Exterior Dimensions
|
All Trims |
Wilderness Trim |
|
|
Length |
191.7 Inches |
191.7 Inches |
|
Width |
74.0 Inches |
74.0 Inches |
|
Height |
67.5 Inches |
68.3 Inches |
|
Wheelbase |
108.1 Inches |
108.1 Inches |
|
Ground Clearance |
8.7 Inches |
9.5 Inches |
|
Approach Angle |
18.0 Degrees |
20.0 Degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
21.4 Degrees |
23.6 Degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
19.4 Degrees |
21.2 Degrees |
Driving Impressions And Performance
This isn’t a hardcore off-roader, but it can handle more challenging off-road terrain than the rest of the lineup. If you regularly find yourself in the dirt, then this is the trim for you. The suspension is tuned for better stability on rough surfaces, but still keeps its composure on-road thanks to the new electronically controlled dampers. Off-road, they pair with the X-Mode drive modes to give more security on uneven surfaces without sacrificing comfort. We drove along dirt roads, up and down steep hills, and through serious mud, and the Outback Wilderness didn’t even flinch.
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Gains Adaptive Dampers, 360-Degree Camera
The rugged variant of the new Outback will be available in early 2026.
The more powerful engine, which is standard in the Wilderness, is a noticeable upgrade from the base model. It delivers better responsiveness and less noise, especially under hard acceleration. The added power, combined with the extra capability, makes the Wilderness a more engaging vehicle.
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Braking And Acceleration
The Outback Wilderness has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It has strong acceleration with plenty of power to get up to highway speeds. That power also comes in handy when trying to get through deep mud.
Braking is confident whether you’re coming to a stop on paved roads or managing off-road terrain. It’s easy to modulate the brake and gas when the terrain is tricky, so your passengers and you have a less jarring ride.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo |
|
Transmission |
CVT |
|
Horsepower |
260 HP @ 5,600 RPM |
|
Torque |
277 LB-FT @ 2000–4,800 RPM |
|
Fuel Economy (CMB) |
23 MPG |
|
Towing Capacity |
3,500 pounds |
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Fuel Economy
The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness gets an EPA-estimated 21/27/23 city/highway/combined. This is slightly lower than other trims with the turbocharged engine, but significantly lower than the fuel economy with the base engine, which gets 27 mpg combined. Those who put a priority on fuel economy, especially if they don’t need the added capability of the Wilderness, will find the base engine a better option.
|
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|
|
EPA Rated Economy: |
21 MPG |
27 MPG |
23 MPG |
Interior Design And Comfort
The interior is fully redesigned for better comfort and a quieter ride. It has that no-fuss feel, ready for adventure and exploration. The interior is spacious with plenty of room for five, with Anodized Copper accents that add a unique touch found only in the Wilderness. There’s also dual-zone climate control that uses hard buttons rather than fidgety touch controls, which is especially important when you’re off-road.
2026 Subaru Outback Interior And Exterior Picture Gallery
The all-new 2026 Subaru Outback offers a bold new styling, improved comfort, upgraded powertrains, and Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive.
Front seats are supportive and comfortable with power adjustments, including lumbar support. The rear seats easily accommodate three adults with more headroom than before, so it feels more open. It’s an attractive, roomy, and welcoming cabin that won’t have you cringing when your boots are muddy.
Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|
Headroom |
40.2 Inches |
40.5 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
57.9 Inches |
57.4 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
55.0 Inches |
55.1 Inches |
|
Legroom |
43.0 Inches |
39.5 Inches |
Technology And Ease Of Use
There’s a new 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen that is a big step up from the prior generation. It’s responsive and easy to use with straightforward menus. There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a wireless charging pad. The new system gives the Outback a far more modern and premium look.
Cargo And Storage Space
Cargo space measures 34.6 cubic feet with seats up, an increase of two cubic feet from the previous generation. With those seats down, cargo capacity is 80.5 cubic feet. New utility hooks and a multipurpose recycled-material cover add versatility. The cover works as a partition, storage hammock, or scratch protector and stows neatly when not needed. Loading is easy with a flat load floor and a liftgate that opens higher, so tall people won’t have to duck under to stow cargo.
|
Minimum Cargo Capacity |
34.6 Cubic Feet |
|
Cargo Capacity Second-Row |
80.5 Cubic Feet |
Our Recommendation For Which Model You Should Buy
Pricing for the 2026 Subaru Outback ranges from $34,995 to $47,995, with the Wilderness sitting near the middle at $44,995. 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. That more powerful engine makes a big difference. However, regardless of how you drive, the Wilderness has great styling that may be reason enough to make it your pick.