2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 model year brings what may be the most significant transformation the Subaru Outback has ever undergone, particularly in terms of design. Subaru is no longer content with the Outback’s reputation for understated, conservative styling. Now entering its seventh generation, the model steps boldly into a more rugged, SUV-leaning design language that departs from its traditional station-wagon aesthetic.
Since it no longer shares a platform with the now-discontinued Legacy (rest in peace), the Outback is no longer bound by sedan production limitations, allowing for a taller roofline and more SUV-like proportions that further emphasize its adventurous persona.
I’ll admit, when Subaru unveiled the redesigned Outback, I initially cringed at the idea of the iconic model seemingly abandoning its wagon roots and wasn’t immediately sold on the split-headlight front fascia. Yet after seeing it in person, I can confirm that the Outback still carries much of its wagon soul in its proportions, even with a squarer, more angular silhouette.
If you’re able to look past the polarizing redesign, what you’ll find is a vehicle that improves upon its predecessor in nearly every measurable way. Aside from its new look, the latest Outback feels more evolutionary than revolutionary, and that’s a wise move for a model with such a deeply loyal fanbase.
Subaru focused much of its development on refining the cabin, and the difference is dramatic. It’s more ergonomic, noticeably quieter, roomier, and finally capable of accommodating all sorts of drink containers, from tiny Red Bull cans to oversized Stanley cups.
Most importantly for someone like me who endured years with Subaru’s frustrating previous-generation infotainment system, physical buttons have finally returned for the HVAC controls! Yay! A redesigned infotainment interface, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and upgraded safety systems round out the improvements, though I’ll dive deeper into the interior changes shortly.
As for broader updates, the base Outback trim is gone, replaced by the “Premium” package, reflecting the reality that very few customers were buying stripped-down versions.
Realistically, why would they when a lightly used, better-equipped Outback was a smarter option? Subaru has also standardized several beloved features across the lineup. Items such as active torque vectoring and X-MODE with hill descent control now come standard, enhancing the Outback’s capability on and off pavement regardless of trim level.
When driving the Outback through the scenic routes of Sedona, I found that the 2026 model doesn’t feel drastically different from the outgoing version, and that’s not a criticism.
The powertrains remain mostly familiar on paper, with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 180 horsepower as the standard choice, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine generating 260 horsepower available on the XT and Wilderness trims.
However, Subaru states that both engines “received a wide set of hardware updates, including changes to the oil pan, piston rings, cam components, air intake system, fuel injectors, and catalyst to improve efficiency, performance, and compliance.”
All Outbacks continue to power all four wheels through Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which remains standard equipment as always.
The engine sends power through a continuously variable transmission designed to mimic an eight-speed automatic by using pre-set gear ratios, and drivers can even shift manually using the paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.
The system is surprisingly responsive, but I still found myself wondering, “If Subaru wants the Outback to feel like it has an eight-speed automatic gearbox, why not give it an eight-speed automatic gearbox?” Still, the CVT performs its job adequately, and I rarely felt frustrated by it from behind the wheel.
On paved roads, the biggest noticeable improvement in the new Outback is just how much quieter it is. Reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness significantly elevate the driving experience, especially during long journeys.
Subaru claims the model offers up to a 10% reduction in wind noise, thanks to refinements to parts ranging from the roof rails to the door panels and even the shift lever. Quietness translates to comfort, and comfort has always been one of the Outback’s strongest qualities.
When heading off-road, even the Touring XT model fitted with 19-inch wheels tackles surprisingly difficult terrain with minimal fuss. Lesser trims with 18-inch wheels offer an even smoother feel over rough surfaces. Regardless of configuration, the Outback maintains impressive comfort even while showcasing considerable capability.
Subaru understands that its customers are more likely to use their crossovers for real off-roading than most competing brands’ buyers, and this awareness clearly influences the engineering of every AWD Subaru model. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, or up to 9.5 inches on the Wilderness, the Outback’s independent suspension easily absorbs small rocks and bumps.
Subaru’s X-DRIVE terrain modes effectively limit wheel slip and manage downhill speed without compromising comfort. Unlike the jerky one-pedal downhill braking system in the Ford Bronco, Subaru dialed back the harshness of its own system for 2026, creating an excellent balance of comfort and capability.
Inside the cabin, the Outback’s updates shine even brighter. Just look at those HVAC controls, real buttons and knobs have returned at last. Gone are the days of fumbling through slow-loading submenus in the outdated infotainment system to adjust temperature or activate heated seats.
That clunky setup was one of my biggest complaints about the previous Outback and the WRX I owned for two years. Now, not only are physical controls back, but the infotainment system itself is significantly improved and actually functions smoothly. To me, that’s the difference between a good infotainment system and a bad one: it doesn’t need gimmicks, flashy animations, or a sprawling dash-wide screen. It just needs to work, cleanly and consistently.
The entire dashboard, save for the steering wheel, has been completely redesigned for 2026. It’s not only more intuitive, but it’s far less susceptible to glare, a common issue under the Arizona sun. The new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is crisp, easy to read, and well-organized without becoming distracting. Interior improvements extend beyond screens, though.
In classic Subaru fashion, safety remains paramount. The 2026 Outback elevates the brand’s “safety first” approach with an updated suite of EyeSight driver-assist technologies.
Subaru claims that the system is now refined enough to detect when a driver is medically incapacitated; in such cases, the car can automatically wait for an opening, change lanes, pull over safely, and contact emergency services. That’s a reassuring capability if you ask me.
Even behind the front seats, the Outback continues to improve. Cargo capacity increases by 2 cubic feet for 2026, reaching 34.6 cubic feet in the trunk. Subaru has also added additional hooks for securing grocery bags or other items during off-roading trips.
One of the standout new features is the standard cargo cover, now designed to be foldable, machine-washable, and multifunctional. It can act as a conventional cover, a hammock for smaller items, a partition to help keep pets from jumping out when the tailgate opens, or even a protective panel to shield the bumper when loading luggage. When it comes to convenience, the 2026 Subaru Outback shows no limits.
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