Subaru is thinking inside the box with the redesigned 2026 Outback. It’s been 30 years since the automaker took a Legacy station wagon, applied SUV styling cues, lifted the suspension, and added the Outback name, creating one of the first crossover SUVs. Three decades on, the raised wagon look is out, and the boxy SUV look is in.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The 2026 Subaru Outback comes in Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trim levels. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive (AWD) are standard, and the Outback still provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The XT variants and the Wilderness have a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine; the Wilderness adds extra off-roading capability. Subaru says the new Outback will go on sale in late 2025.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Free of its Legacy wagon roots, the new Outback adopts a bolder and boxier design. Those are more traditional traits but represent a refreshing change for this model. Still, the 2026 Outback is a Subaru, so the styling is functional before it is pretty, especially in front.
Though it looks larger than before, the new Outback is about the same size as the one it replaces. The squared-off design does add height, giving passengers more room and improving the cargo space. A flatter roof includes raised rails equipped with crossbar measurement markers, and Subaru gives them 800-pound static and 220-pound dynamic load ratings.
All 2026 Outbacks have scratch-resistant lower body trim. The Wilderness versions sit higher off the road, boasting added ground clearance and increased approach, breakover, and departure angles. They also have black wheels wrapped in white-outline-lettered Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires, larger fog lights, rear liftgate gear rests, anodized copper accents, and Wilderness badges.
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Subaru has given the new Outback a clean and organized interior layout. Traditional analog climate controls return to the dashboard, and Subaru retains a volume knob for the stereo (but not a corresponding tuning knob). In addition, the new digital instrumentation and infotainment displays appear intuitive, with pleasing graphics and less visual clutter.
New seats debut, which Subaru characterizes as “low fatigue” designs. An adjustable driver’s seat cushion adds leg support on longer drives. If you are a fan of cloth seats, the new Outback no longer offers them. The only choices are the company’s water-resistant StarTex artificial leather and the real thing in standard and premium Nappa leather grades.
Subaru claims the new Outback offers more passenger and cargo room than ever. Behind the back seat, you’ll find 34.6 cubic feet of cargo room—two cubes more than before (a maximum cargo volume figure was unavailable as of this writing). A configurable and washable soft tonneau cover is new, offering a variety of uses, from holding dirty items separate from clean to covering the bumper for sitting so that your clean clothes don’t get dirty.
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Additional thoughtful details include a small shelf carved into the dashboard, carpeted bottle holders in the door panels that can handle 32-ounce containers, and utility hooks for the liftgate that can hold up to six pounds of weight. Subaru says it makes the headliner inserts of recycled plastic bottles, and the new Outback is 10-percent quieter inside than before.
Wilderness versions are now available with a little extra luxury. The Outback Touring’s premium Nappa leather and ventilated front seats are available on the most rugged trim level for the first time.
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There isn’t much change under the Outback’s hood for 2026. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the Outback XT and Wilderness provide a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 260 hp and 277 pound-feet.
Both engines use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It has programmed ratios that make it sound and feel more natural, and paddle shifters provide manual control over the eight ratios.
All-wheel drive is standard on the new Outback and features a faster center differential lockup that Subaru says reduces wheelspin. The automaker also uses steering-angle data to improve the SUV’s stability at turn-in and while cornering. The standard X-Mode traction system, now accessible via a steering wheel control switch, receives updates for improved off-road performance.
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Wilderness versions continue to offer Dual Mode X-Mode with an additional Deep Snow/Mud setting. They also get a new adaptive suspension, underbody protection, and a bump from 8.7 inches of ground clearance to 9.5 inches.
All 2026 Outbacks have a version of the WRX sport sedan’s steering for what Subaru claims is improved responsiveness and a more direct, natural steering feel. The automaker says it also features a variable ratio for easy low-speed maneuverability. Wheels sized up to 19 inches are available.
A trailer hitch is available, allowing 2026 Outback owners to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
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In addition to the Outback’s boxy new styling, the crossover SUV’s technology represents the most significant departure from the past. Equipped with digital instrumentation, a new infotainment system, and next-generation EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the 2026 Outback drives into the modern age.
In front of the driver, a 12.3-inch display offers several selectable themes, including Normal, Navigation, EyeSight, and Calm. The data on the display is well organized, though it doesn’t entirely escape the visual clutter for which Subarus are known.
To the right of that, Subaru presents a new 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system in landscape instead of portrait orientation. That’s an improvement, but there is visual dissonance between the two screens. The driver display is recessed and rectangular, while the infotainment display is mounted flush, more square, and housed in an asymmetrical frame that protrudes higher than the driver display. Neither is a natural fit in the otherwise clean, contemporary, and balanced cabin.
While the previous Outback’s infotainment system better integrated with its surroundings, it was graphically displeasing and an organizational mess. This new one solves both problems, offering a vertical menu bar on the left and a Home screen that provides simultaneous access to navigation, music, and phone functions. In addition, Subaru provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new cloud-based navigation system, and a cloud-based digital voice assistant.
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The Outback’s EyeSight technology boasts three forward-facing cameras and new radar sensors for improved performance and capability. The list of standard features includes:
As an upgrade, the emergency stop assistance system offers a new Safe Lane Selection feature. If the Outback’s driver becomes unresponsive while using the adaptive cruise control and lane-assistance systems, this add-on can do more than bring the SUV to a safe stop while activating the hazard flashers. It can also change lanes and move the Outback to a safer location on the shoulder of the road.
In addition, the 2026 Outback introduces Subaru’s new Highway Hands Free Assist system. According to Subaru, it can take control of the steering, braking, acceleration, distance management, and lane changes on certain highways at speeds up to 85 mph. Still, drivers must always pay attention and take control, if necessary.
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Subaru’s decision to give the 2026 Outback a bolder appearance, more interior room, and improved technology will help it compete in a midsize two-row SUV market segment that has grown more competitive in recent years. Among the Outback’s formidable rivals are the recently redesigned Honda Passport, the similarly boxy Hyundai Santa Fe, and the rewarding and roomy Mazda CX-70. Fortunately for Subaru, the new Outback leaves a positive first impression.
Subaru is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of April 16, 2025, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran automotive journalist with 30 years of experience in the field and has held automotive editorial leadership positions at Edmunds, JD Power, and The New York Daily News. Today, Chris owns a content agency called Speedy Daddy Media, and in addition to JDPower.com, his work appears on Capital One Auto Navigator, CarGurus, and Edmunds.
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