All-New 2026 Subaru Outback review | ShortsCars

The 2026 Subaru Outback enters its seventh generation with the significance of marking three decades of this nameplate. After a full day behind the wheel, it’s clear the Outback has shifted further into SUV territory, even if the dimensions remain close to the previous model. The height increase is modest, length growth is barely noticeable, and yet the overall stance feels more aligned with what today’s buyers expect. While the original wagon layout offered its own benefits, this new approach reflects current demand without abandoning the qualities that have defined the Outback for years. This introduction looks at how Subaru has adapted the formula, what remains familiar, and what has evolved for 2026.

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The 2026 Subaru Outback has a new look, a totally different styling direction compared to the outgoing model. Although it still offers the practicality and versatility we expect from the Outback, the wagon feel is gone and it looks more like an SUV. It has similar proportions to the outgoing model but it is 2” taller and boxier improving the interior volume and cargo capacity.

Big changes come to the 2026 Subaru Outback interior with new technology, larger screens including a 12.1” touchscreen and 12.3” digital driver display, improved comfort and now climate controls have their own dedicated hard button and knob controls. The digital driver display has a new calm mode or you can use the traditional normal mode to display gauges and information. The Outback comes standard with black all-weather soft touch upholstery, available perforated leather-trimmed upholstery and Nappa leather.

The 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with the latest version of Eyesight driver assist technology with revised
X-Mode, hill descent control and a wide-angle mono camera. It also has some new available features like hands-free driving assist up to 85 mph, emergency stop assist with safe lane selection and lane change assist. If you want a more capable Outback, go for the Wilderness model with improved approach and departure angles, new adaptive dampers, heavy duty roof rails and reinforce under body protection.

There are two 2026 Subaru Outback powertrain options both with a CVT and Symmetrical AWD. The more powerful option is a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The base engine, a 2.5L 4-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

In Canada, the 2026 Subaru Outback 2.5L 4-cylinder Touring starts at $40,895. All other models get the 2.4T, Limited XT $48,195, Wilderness $49,195, Premier XT $51,195 (MSRP).
In the US, the 2026 Subaru Outback 2.5L 4-cylinder Premium $34,995, Limited $41,175, Touring $45,395.
2.4T Limited XT $44,365, Wilderness $44,995, Touring XT $47,995 (MSRP).

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COMMENTS

- IF Subaru actually listened to their customers, we'd have. The 3.6R, an STI version, Non-CVT Transmission options, hood scoops, fold-away cross bars, full size spare tires, hybrid versions, normal looking cladding, cloth interior options and interior color choices.
- Edmunds: "The Outback is their bread and butter, so they can't afford to mess this up." Subaru: "Hold my beer."
They done messed it up! There are some nice features, but it's ugly and has lost the Outback spirit. The Outback has always been and shoukd remain a wagon, not an SUV. It looks like every other midsize SUV on the market now. It's lost the Outback style completely. They would have been better off to take the styling of the Trailseeker and call it an Outback. The new "toneau" cover is a downgrade. I use mine all the time because it's convenient. I'd probably never use the new one because it would be tedious to put up and take down. I don't like the digital gage cluster. They should have kept the badging on the front. About the only thing they got right that people actually wanted was going back to physical buttons for climate control. Glad I got a 2024 and will drive it for at least a decade. It should give them some time to come to their senses.

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