With each generation the Subaru Outback has slowly transitioned from a rugged wagon to look more like an SUV. Subaru has unveiled the 2026 Outback which features boxier styling, which looks like its now aimed at SUV buyers that want something bigger than the Subaru Forester.
The overall look of the 2026 Outback is definitely bolder with its more upright face and larger grille. It also gets a 2-inch taller and flatter roofline to go along with the boxier styling with standard roof rails. At the rear there’s a full width light bar and the more upright rear glass adds more cargo space.
The raised roofline adds more cargo capacity at 34.6-cubic feet, in addition to more headroom for front and rear passengers. Subaru also says that interior is quieter.
Inside Subaru says that the 2026 Outback features a “calmer, clean line design” which contrasts the bolder styling of the exterior. There’s a 12.1-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster. The climate control functions have been moved from the touchscreen to hard buttons below the screen. The new digital instrument cluster can also project turn-by-turn navigation from apps such as Apple Maps.
The latest EyeSight driver assist system adds a new hands free assist system that allows for hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph.
Under the hood the Outback is powered by a revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, that’s mated to a CVT. The Outback Wilderness model gets a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. The Outback is ready for an adventure with 8.7-inches of ground clearance, while the more rugged Outback Wilderness has 9.5-inches.
The Outback Wilderness also gets all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires with 17-inch matte black wheels. The Wilderness model also features better approach, departure, and breakover angles, compared to the rest of the 2026 Outback lineup. The Outback Wilderness also gets unique front and rear styling to go along with its more rugged mission.
The 2026 Subaru Outback will arrive in late 2025, while the new Outback Wilderness will arrive in 2026.
