2026 Subaru
Outback

Drivers have had three decades to appreciate the reliable and rugged Outback wagon, and now it’s set to kick off its seventh generation. This time around, it’ll change shape, ditching its original wagon body in favor of a more typical crossover form. While Outback devotees may blink when they see how much the Subaru mainstay will now resemble its Forester sibling, this updated body will give add interior space, with more headroom and a larger cargo area. The former wagon will also make significant technological gains, such as a new 12.1-inch multimedia touchscreen and a standard power liftgate. The trim lineup will also undergo an overhaul, eliminating the Base, Onyx Edition, and Onyx Edition XT and retaining the Premium, Limited, Limited XT, Touring, Touring XT, and Wilderness. Those looking to travel beyond the pavement will be pleased to find the 2026 Outback Wilderness outfitted with electronic dampers and protective cladding.

Staying true to Subaru form, the new Outback will be a safety standout, boasting an upgraded Subaru Eyesight driver-assist suite with a wide field of vision and new lane-changing and hands-free driving technology. As always, it wouldn’t really be a Subaru without the proprietary Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), which will come standard on every trim.

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2026 Subaru Outback interior

All-New Design

As mentioned, the 2026 Outback will take the shape of a compact SUV, stepping away from its wagon past. A taller, square body with a flat roof and boxy front fascia will define the Outback’s new design. Despite losing its iconic look, the Outback’s new style will offer more space and strength. The new Outback will exceed its predecessor's passenger headroom by two inches and storage capacity by two cubic feet. The upright positioning will also enhance structural integrity, enabling the new Outback to support up to 800 pounds on the roof tent-ready rails.

2026 Subaru Outback driver's seat

New Technology and Features

The 2026 Outback’s new facelift will do away with cloth upholstery entirely, only featuring Subaru’s water-repellent StarTex material, perforated leather, or premium Nappa leather, depending on the trim level. A new, customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will replace the old analog gauges. The entire lineup will have heated front seats and a power liftgate, and the new beverage holders will be sized to hold 32-ounce water bottles. And where the Outback previously offered 7- and 11.6-inch touchscreens, the updated infotainment system will measure 12.1 inches in every trim, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity coming standard.

The latest EyeSight suite will be standard, with three forward-facing cameras and updated radar sensors. The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System will be found on all trims, along with reverse automatic braking and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited XT and higher trims will get a surround-view monitor. The Touring and Touring XT will get additional technologies, with the highlight being hands-free driving assist, which will enable hands-free travel at speeds of up to 85 mph. Pre-curve speed reduction with automatic resume assist will also be standard on the Touring and Touring XT, as will lane change assist. The third advanced technology specific to the two highest trims is emergency stop assist with safe lane selection, which in the case of an unresponsive driver will change lanes before bringing the vehicle to a stop, then unlock the doors and activate the hazard lights.

2026 Subaru Outback tire

Powertrain Options

A revamped 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER engine that puts out 180 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque will serve as the standard option for the lineup for the lower trims. The Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT will be upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine with an output of 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. A Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an 8-speed manual shift mode will complete both powertrains, and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) will be the sole drivetrain option.

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