Subaru has officially pulled the wraps off the all-new 2026 Outback, marking the iconic SUV’s seventh generation and its most significant styling update in the model’s 30-year history. With more than 3 million units sold in the U.S. alone, the Outback continues its legacy as a rugged, versatile adventure wagon, but now with a fresh design, a more spacious interior, and next-generation driver-assistance technology.
The 2026 Outback will reach Subaru retailers later this year, with pricing starting at $34,995 before destination fees. The lineup spans six trims—Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness.
Powertrain Options: Naturally Aspirated or Turbocharged
Like previous generations, all 2026 Outbacks come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Two familiar engines carry over:
2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder: 180 horsepower, 178 lb-ft of torque (standard on Premium, Limited, Touring).
2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER four-cylinder: 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque (standard on Limited XT, Touring XT, Wilderness).
Both engines are paired with a Lineartronic CVT featuring an 8-speed manual shift mode.
The Wilderness trim gets a lift to 9.5 inches of clearance, all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires, and revised bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, emphasizing its role as the most trail-ready Outback.
Bold New Styling and More Space Inside
Subaru has gone boxier and bolder with the seventh-gen Outback. The front end features a wider, more upright fascia with vertically stacked headlights, textured cladding for scratch resistance, and a broad stance meant to signal strength both on- and off-road.
Around back, a full-width taillight signature spans the liftgate, while a steeper rear window improves cargo volume. Subaru says interior space and cargo capacity are both up compared to the outgoing model.
Inside, the Outback gets a cleaner, calmer layout, with sustainable touches like a headliner made from recycled plastic bottles. All trims now feature a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster alongside a 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru has wisely retained physical climate-control buttons and knobs.
Tech and Safety: Subaru Loads Up EyeSight
Every 2026 Outback comes standard with the latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which now includes:
Automatic Emergency Steering
Emergency Stop Assist
Front and Side Alert Assist
Lane Keep Assist with Haptic Steering Wheel Alerts
Wide-Angle Camera with 180-degree pedestrian and cyclist detection
Premium trims and above add Blind-Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Subaru’s DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation system. Higher trims offer hands-free highway assist features, including automatic lane changes and adaptive speed adjustments through curves.
Trim Highlights and Pricing
Outback Premium – $34,995
Includes StarTex® upholstery, heated seats, power rear gate, roof rails, and the full EyeSight suite. The optional $2,270 package adds a moonroof, navigation, heated wheel, and wireless charger.Outback Limited – $41,715
Leather upholstery, Harman Kardon® audio, moonroof, heated rear seats, and wireless charger.Outback Touring – $45,395
Ventilated Nappa leather seats, surround-view camera, hands-free highway features, and more luxury details.Outback Limited XT – $44,365
Adds turbo engine, 19-inch wheels, surround-view monitor, and dual exhaust.Outback Touring XT – $47,995
Turbocharged power with all Touring amenities.Outback Wilderness – $44,995
9.5 inches of clearance, all-terrain tires, copper-accented styling, and exclusive bumpers. Optional luxury packages add navigation, moonroof, and ventilated Nappa leather.
Destination fee adds $1,450 ($1,600 in Alaska). Premium paints—River Rock Pearl and Deep Emerald Green Pearl—cost $395 extra.
Arrival and Assembly
The 2026 Subaru Outback will hit dealers nationwide later this year, while the Outback Wilderness will arrive in early 2026. All models are built in Gunma, Japan.
Final Thoughts
Subaru is doubling down on what buyers already love: utility, AWD capability, and now more tech than ever. With the Legacy sedan ending production in 2025, the Outback effectively becomes Subaru’s flagship family vehicle, one that blends adventurous roots with modern luxury touches.
Enthusiasts may bemoan the continued absence of a hybrid or plug-in option, but for shoppers wanting a rugged SUV that still drives like a car, the Outback remains in a class of one.
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