2026 Subaru Outback

The outdoorsy Subaru Outback has always straddled the line between wagon and SUV. At least, it used to. Entering an all-new generation for 2026, the taller Outback is more decidedly a midsize 2-row SUV; there’s no longer any mistaking it for a wagon. However, loyalists shouldn’t worry, as it still retains the basics that make the Outback what it is, including a tall 8.7-inch ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), an unchanged wheelbase, and plenty of safety features, which now include optional hands-free highway driving. The Subaru Outback has a well-earned reputation for blending practicality, safety, and capability in one quirky package, and that formula is unchanged with the 2026 redesign.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize SUVs, including the 2026 Subaru Outback.

The Subaru Outback is fully redesigned for 2026. It has a thoroughly reimagined design, is shaped more like a traditional SUV, and gets a significant tech upgrade. But it still has the basics that people love about the Outback, like tall ground clearance, the same wheelbase as the prior generation, and standard all-wheel drive.

The 2026 Subaru Outback’s starting price is notably lower than that of most rivals in the midsize 2-row SUV class. It’s more affordable than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, and Mazda CX-70. The Outback is a midsize SUV that’s priced like a well-equipped compact SUV.

Before buying an Outback, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Subaru Outback resale value is above average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The 2026 Subaru Outback is powered by a 180-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model and trims with “XT” in their names get an upgrade to a 260-hp turbo 4-cylinder engine, which also has a CVT and all-wheel drive.

Under the hood is one area where the new generation of the Subaru Outback is not radically different from the outgoing one. These same engines have almost identical specs as the Outback generation that came out in 2020. We can confirm that the new Outback’s base engine’s performance is adequate for the daily driving duties of most commuters and families. However, the enthusiast in us prefers the punchier turbo engine, which is a little less efficient but much more fun.

Subaru made some tweaks to the new Outback to improve its NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels, and we think they paid off. The overall driving experience of the 2026 Outback is similar to the outgoing generation, but just a little better in every way. It’s smoother, quieter, and more pleasant. Subaru loyalists coming into the new Outback from an older Outback will notice the difference.

Naturally, the 2026 Subaru Outback will be an adept off-roader. If it weren’t, it wouldn’t be an Outback. This SUV offers one of the best balances of off-road capability and on-road comfort of anything with four wheels, and that reputation continues with the 2026 model’s standard all-wheel drive, 8.7-inch ground clearance, and X-Mode.

Fuel Economy

The 2026 Subaru Outback is rated at 25 city/31 highway/27 combined mpg with the base engine and 21 city/29 highway/24 combined mpg with the turbo engine. These numbers are about average for a midsize 2-row SUV with all-wheel drive. A couple of more efficient hybrid options in this class include the Toyota Crown Signia, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Mazda CX-70 PHEV.

The Subaru Outback has a new interior for 2026 that’s familiar in some ways and different in others. Let’s start with the screens. We never cared for the tall, clipboard-like infotainment screens that Subaru’s been using in recent years, so we’re grateful that the 12.1-inch center display in the new Outback is more square. Beneath it is a welcome row of physical knobs and buttons for the climate controls. We found the whole setup to be ergonomic and user-friendly.

Subaru’s been getting with the times in terms of digital gauge clusters. A 12.3-inch screen perched in front of the steering wheel is now standard in every Outback, showing the driver the basics like a speedometer and fuel gauge, plus info on maps, music, driver assistance features, and more.

The 2026 Subaru Outback has an all-new look that deviates from its wagon-like past. The new Outback has proportions more in line with a traditional midsize 2-row SUV. Its body is 1.4 inches taller and boxier as opposed to the longer proportions of Outback models of yesteryear that made it look like a hiking boot. It retains the same wheelbase and its important tall ground clearance of 8.7 inches with favorable approach and departure angles, which is part of what makes it such a good off-roader.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
This feature isn’t surprising or new for the 2026 model. The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a full-time system, is one of our favorite things about the Subaru Outback. In typical Subaru fashion, it makes this SUV ready for snowy roads and rugged trails alike.

EyeSight
Subaru’s EyeSight safety tech suite bundles driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and acceleration override assist. A new safety option for the 2026 model in the Touring trims is hands-free highway driving up to 85 mph.

X-Mode
Subaru’s famous X-Mode helps optimize the car’s power delivery for conditions like snow, mud, and sand. Its controls used to be on the touchscreen; we’re grateful Subaru is moving the X-Mode controls to a switch on the steering wheel.

Wilderness model
The Subaru Outback Wilderness has been called the Outback of the Outback. In other words, it’s the most off-road-capable version of an already capable SUV. In addition to a rugged appearance package, the Wilderness trim adds a 9.5-inch ground clearance, all-terrain tires, StarTex seats, dual-function X-Mode, and a 260-hp turbo engine.

Big cupholders
Yes, every new car has cupholders. However, Subaru knows its audience: people who drive a Subaru like big water bottles. That’s why the cupholders in all four doors of the new Outback can accommodate a 32-ounce water bottle.

The Subaru Outback’s Premium, Limited, and Touring trims are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness models are motivated by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder pumping out 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines employ a CVT automatic transmission with an 8-speed manual shift mode. Naturally, all-wheel drive is standard across the board.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Subaru’s new-car warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles, which is typical for the class.

Safety

The standard Subaru EyeSight safety tech suite bundles front pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane departure and sway warning, emergency stop assist, front cross-traffic braking, acceleration override assist, and a vibrating haptic steering wheel.

Additional optional safety tech includes emergency stop assist with safe lane selection, pre-curve speed control, highway active lane-change assist, highway automatic resume assist, and driver-supported highway hands-free assist up to 85 mph.