Japanese automakers such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru (to name a few) score highly on reliability. However, a significant caveat is that automakers play it very safe to maintain reliability and an easy-to-live-with quotient. But very few Japanese cars push the limits while maintaining reliability.
This do-it-all Subaru packs energetic performance, a rugged, durable design, enhanced off-road capability (especially with a hardcore trim level), and an extensive suite of technology and assistive safety features. While excelling as a versatile SUV, the all-new Subaru Outback retains an impressive reliability record and a strong likelihood of exceeding 200,000 miles. Here’s why this boxer engine-powered rugged SUV is robust, durable, comfortable, convenient, and versatile to be the only mainstream car you will ever need.
The 2026 Subaru Outback Is A Very Reliable SUV
Reliability Rating: 81/100 (J.D. Power)
The Subaru Outback has a solid reliability record and remains unchanged for the 2026 model year. As per J.D. Power, the 2026 Outback has a Quality and Reliability score of 81/100. This, along with the other variables (78/100 for Driving Experience, 82/100 for Resale, and 91/100 for Dealership Experience), results in an overall score of 83/100 for the new Outback. This helps it secure the second spot in J.D. Power’s ‘Best Midsize SUVs of 2026’ to date.
It also scores impressively on iSeeCars with a reliability rating of 8.5/10. This is further cemented with the Outback’s expected average lifespan of 11.1 years or 158,028 miles. If driven for an average of 12,110 miles per year, the 2026 Outback has a high probability (about 20 percent) of reaching 200,000 miles.
10 Reasons Subaru’s 2025 Forester Might Be The Most Underrated SUV
It might be easy to overlook the Subaru Forester. Some call it underpowered, or say it isn’t what it used to be. Here’s why that doesn’t matter.
A Wide Variety Of Feature-loaded Trims To Choose From
Six Trim Levels; Starting From $34,995
Despite discontinuing the base trim level in 2025, the 2026 Outback still offers a wide range of six trim levels. The Premium trim, starting at $34,995, kickstarts the Outback lineup with a commendable list of features. On the outside, it gets new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a power rear gate with automatic closing and height memory. Raised ladder-type roof rails with an 800-pound static load capacity are standard here, and so is a removable rear trailer hitch bumper cover.
2026 Subaru Outback Trims And Pricing
|
2026 Subaru Outback Trim |
Starting Price |
|
Premium |
$34,995 |
|
Limited |
$41,715 |
|
Touring |
$45,395 |
|
Wilderness |
$44,995 |
|
Limited XT |
$44,365 |
|
Touring XT |
$47,995 |
The cabin gets durable, water-repellent upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-way adjustable driver seat. Furthermore, a $2,270 add-on pack includes features such as rain-sensing wipers, onboard cloud-based navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a heated steering wheel, and a moonroof. In simple terms, the base trim is well-stacked on the Outback.
The Limited trim builds upon the Premium feature list with additional refinement and technology. It gets leather upholstery, an embedded navigation system on the 12.1-inch infotainment, a superior Harman Kardon speaker system, and an electrically adjustable passenger seat. The add-on features we saw on the Premium trim are standard here.
Next up, the Touring trim adds more creature comforts and a longer list of assistance features. It comes with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, a surround-view monitor, and a superior leather-wrapped steering wheel. Adjustability levels for the driver’s seat include lumbar and thigh support. It also gets the standard suite of EyeSight Driver Assist technology.
The Wilderness is a unique trim level. It showcases a hardcore Outback and the limits it can reach. Off-roading is its forte, and Subaru has added features to enhance it. This trim packs a more powerful turbocharged version of the standard boxer engine. It also gets increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The dedicated X-Mode helps vital electronics perform their role in keeping the Outback composed and capable at all times. The exterior showcases a rugged side, with distinctive bumpers, cladding, and other visual cues throughout.
The top two trim levels—Limited XT and Touring XT are technically identical to the Limited and Touring trims, albeit packing the more powerful turbocharged boxer engine. Other differences lie in its visual appeal. Compared to the Limited trim, the XT version gets 19-inch wheels, a surround-view monitor, and dual exhaust outlets.
The Safest Small SUVs You Can Buy Today
These small utes provide noteworthy safety and modern conveniences to make any buyer’s life easier, and safer.
Powered By A Seasoned Boxer Engine
Also Gets A Souped-Up Turbo Boxer On Higher Trims
Unlike other highly reliable crossovers, the Subaru Outback isn’t conservative. Its powertrain setup is the most obvious testimony. Going against the norm of a safe, reliable four-cylinder engine, the 2026 Outback packs a distinctive boxer four-cylinder engine. This 2.5-liter mill produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system and a CVT gearbox.
More excitement is available on the top trim levels with a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The CVT transmission and all-wheel-drive setup are retained here. Subaru strives to make the CVT as engaging as possible across both engine options, with an eight-speed manual shift mode that mimics gear changes. The added performance raises the maximum towing capacity of the top-tier Outback trims to 3,500 pounds, up from 2,700 pounds on the N/A boxer-engine-powered trims.
Engine And Gearbox Specs
|
Engine Configuration |
Horizontally-opposed four-cylinder; Naturally Aspirated |
|
Engine Displacement |
2.5-liter |
|
Bore X Stroke |
3.70 X 3.54 in. (94.0 X 90.0 mm) |
|
Compression Ratio |
12.0:1 |
|
Power |
180 HP |
|
Torque |
178 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
CVT |
|
Drivetrain |
All-Wheel Drive |
(Standard Engine Specs Mentioned Here)
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Review: Not Radically Different But Smarter Off-Road
Subaru’s rugged off-road compact SUV returns with key upgrades, but is it enough to stay ahead of the competition?
Sturdy Underpinnings Assist Its Off-roading Prowess
Gets Standard All-Wheel-Drive
The peppy boxer engine and CVT gearbox help the Outback be frugal on long rides and energetic during city sprints. Further impressive are its underpinnings and hardware, which are designed to even make the Outback feel comfortable on the beaten path. It features four-wheel independent suspension and is raised enough to offer 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
The Wilderness trim offers 9.5 inches of ground clearance for enhanced off-road capability. In fact, when all other trims offer standard dampers, the Wilderness model gets electronically controlled dampers. Aiding in grip duties on all surfaces are 225-section all-season tires on all trims except the Wilderness. The off-road-focused model gets chunkier all-terrain tires.
Notable Technology Features Aiding In Elevating the Outback’s Driving Dynamics
- Vehicle Dynamics Control
- Hill Descent Control
- Traction Control System
- X-Mode drive Mode
10 Off-Road Upgrades Make The 2026 Forester Wilderness a True Adventure SUV
The Forester is Subaru’s best-selling and practical SUV that just got even better at tackling the wilderness thanks to these features.
Comes With A Fresh Array Of In-Car Technology
A Bigger Infotainment With More Refined Software
On the dashboard of the 2026 Outback is an all-new 12.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen infotainment system. Powering this unit is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 automotive processor, which delivers buttery-smooth animations. Connectivity features are on point here, with the Outback getting standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also gets SiriusXM 360L audio featuring the newly launched artist stations. Twinning with this display is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Other Notable In-Car Technology Features
- Push-button start
- Auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with Homelink (only on Touring trims)
- 3-spoke steering wheel with integrated connectivity and assistive controls
- Dual-zone climate control
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability
Gets A Comprehensive Suite Of EyeSight Driver Assist Features As Standard
The key highlight is the Outback’s standard EyeSight Driver Assist technology suite. It includes Front Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Sway Warning, Emergency Stop Assist, Front Cross Traffic Braking, Acceleration Override Assist, Haptic Steering Wheel feedback, and Lane Departure Warning. Furthermore, Subaru offers a range of features. Notable add-ons include Pre-curve Speed Control, Highway Automatic Resume Assist for the cruise control system, and a hands-free assist up to 85 mph on certain trim levels.
Notable Safety And Assistive Features
- High Beam Assist
- Distraction Mitigation System
- Blind-spot Warning with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-traffic Warning
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Brake Assist
- Brake Override System
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 360-degree Surround-View Monitor
Sources: J.D. Power, iSeeCars, Subaru