The current generation of the Subaru Outback has been on the market for nearly six years now, having made its global debut back in 2019. This means that it’s ripe for a full model change. Say hello to the 2026 Subaru Outback, which has now fully embraced the SUV look as opposed to being a raised wagon version of the Legacy.
The shift in positioning and design is the result of the Legacy already being discontinued. Therefore, Subaru has given the all-new Outback a very boxy and bold design that fully embraces its rugged SUV looks. From tip to stern, the Outback embraces a boxy and rugged look, eschewing the rounded sleek shape of the Outback we’ve gotten used to for three decades. Yes, this also marks the 30th anniversary of the Outback nameplate.
Complementing the boxier look are taller wind0ws, in which above it is a roof rack that can handle up to 100 kilos of cargo. Also aiding its usability is the more upright tailgate, which not only contributes to a boxier look, but also aids in improving its rear cargo area. The tailgate also has a wide opening that makes it easier to load items, or become a perfect place for hanging out. As expected, for the North American market, there’s a highly-rugged Wilderness trim that comes with a higher ground clerance and more rugged trims.
Also receiving a complete overhaul is its all-new interior, which, thankfully, isn’t a simple copy and paste from the rest of the lineup. The dash design is characterized by a horizontal layout, and it features premium and upscale materials. Tech also plays a central role in the new Outback, as it now contains a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 12.1-inch square-shaped main infotainment system. The software is also complemented by a new processor, which should improve its response times compared to the previous Starlink infotainment system. Thankfully, despite the increased tech, Subaru has ditched the on-screen climate controls for a set of physical knobs and switches.
Under the hood of the 2026 Subaru Outback is a set of familiar boxer engines. The first one is a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower, while the 2.4-liter turbocharged version produces 260 horses. Of course, both are mated to Subaru’s traditional Lineartronic CVT that drives all four wheels.
Like every Subaru these days, the new Outback gets the latest EyeSight advanced driver-assistance systems, ranging from automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane centering, just to name a few.
The 2026 Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV that has been designed for the North American market in mind. Therefore, it will go on sale in their market first before being offered elsewhere.
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