Hot on the heels of the updated Forester, the new 2026 Subaru Outback just debuted and this is much more than a light refresh, with a bold redesign and updated tech throughout. While there is plenty of new in this Subie, the Outback is still focused on utility and adventure all wrapped up in a wagon-shaped package, but some might argue that it’s starting to lean into SUV territory. As with any major redesign, some purists might get hit with a case of nostalgia for the old style, but as it turns out, the 2026 Subaru Outback may have gotten a facelift, but underneath the new exterior, it’s the same adventure wagon we all know and love.
Starting at the front, a boxier grill and front fascia give the Outback a more aggressive look than previous generations. The stacked headlights are also a departure from Subaru’s usual design language, and it will be interesting to see if this crosses over to other models. The taller appearance isn’t just a trick of the eye; the Outback now boasts a two-inch taller roofline that bumps the interior cargo area from 33 to 35 cubic feet.
With the seats folded flat, the Outback already provides plenty of cargo room or a great base for true car camping, so this additional space should only expand on that utility. Up top, newly upgraded roof rails will support up to 800 lbs. of static weight. All of this is wrapped up in a generally more aggressive package, including bold fender flares, black molding reminiscent of the previous generation’s Wilderness trim, and a corner-to-corner tail light array that seems to throwback to some older Subaru wagons.
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Inside, the totally redesigned interior features a now standard 12.1-inch touchscreen that includes upgraded wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An interesting and welcome move is that the climate control once again has its own dedicated buttons versus being integrated into the touchscreen. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster offers multiple display modes, including a map-focused mode for navigation and an updated EyeSight mode. Along with other updates, the doors now feature larger bottle holders that will accommodate up to 32-ounce containers.
While the Outback has plenty of new features, the powertrain options and other mechanical systems remain relatively the same. Base models will include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower, with higher trims moving up to a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that brings 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. 8.7 inches of ground clearance on the standard trims is impressive, but for those looking to head deep into the backcountry, the Wilderness Edition is the way to go.
Like the previous generation, the Outback Wilderness pushes Subaru’s already impressive all-wheel drive wagon to be even backcountry-ready. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, the turbocharged 2.4-liter, dual-function X-MODE, and a standard front skid plate, the Outback Wilderness can tackle surprisingly rough tracks without an issue. Back on the highway, it’s comfortable to cruise, and the interior provides plenty of cargo room, especially with the back seat folded flat. Of course, the 2026 Wilderness features all of the comfort and tech updates of the other Outback trims, but with the added benefit of more off-road-focused features that make it a great option for an adventure rig.
