Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!

Archives

View Archives

Partners

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants

All-new 2026 Subaru Outback: Growing out of its wagon era

[Credit: All images courtesy of Subaru]

 

 

The Subaru Outback is 30 years old, and the go-anywhere, wagon-like crossover SUV has grown up. The 2026 model is 2 in. taller, to be exact. It's got some boxy new styling, too, along with improved comfort and ride quality, standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a revised 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine.

The Outback has been one of Subaru's flagship vehicles since it went on sale three decades ago, with more than 3 million models sold in the United States alone. It has also become a sort of cultural icon synonymous with outdoor adventure. The 2026 Subaru Outback will be available in Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trim levels when it goes on sale in late 2025.

The new 2.5-liter engine makes 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with 8-speed manual shift mode and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Available on Outback XT models and standard on Outback Wilderness, a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

All trims of the Outback are equipped with a revised X-MODE system for better performance off-road in a variety of conditions. X-MODE can now be toggled via a steering wheel-mounted switch so drivers can keep their eyes on the trail ahead. A revised Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system offers faster center differential lockup for reduced wheelspin and incorporates steering angle data for better stability at turn-in and cornering on higher-speed roads.

The 2026 Outback's steering is enhanced with a version of the WRX's dual-pinion electronic power steering rack, providing a more direct and natural steering feel with greater responsiveness. The steering rack's variable gear ratio has been tuned for better low-speed handling while retaining excellent stability at higher speeds.

Every 2026 Outback has 8.7 in. of ground clearance -- more than many body-on-frame, full-size SUVs -- while retaining a comfortable step-in height and low cargo floor for easy loading and unloading. For the first time on Outback, 19-in. wheels are available on certain trims, while the new Outback Wilderness rides atop 17-in. wheels and chunky all-terrain tires.

The all-new 2026 Subaru Outback steers the iconic SUV in a new styling direction too, while staying true to its roots as a practical, everyday vehicle. The new, bolder exterior design conveys a more powerful presence on the road. The front is stronger and broader, with headlights vertically placed at its four corners to emphasize its functionality on- and off-road. The all-new front fascia is more upright than its predecessor, with body-color styling elements framing the headlights and larger grille for a more rugged appearance. The lower front fascia is textured for better scratch resistance and improved aerodynamics.

Along the sides, the Outback retains its signature proportions but adapts its silhouette with a boxier profile to emphasize its 2-in.-taller roofline and convey an extra sense of durability. The all-new Outback's flatter roofline highlights its generous cargo space and ample interior passenger space. Behind the rear passenger door, a wider rear roof pillar communicates the robust support and structural rigidity of the new Outback.

Standard raised roof rails with an 800-lb static load capacity and 220-lb dynamic load rating ensure the new Outback is ready for adventure. Standard crossbar measurement markers help owners align and position crossbars for easier installation and accessory placement. For the first time ever on a Subaru, a lateral load-capacity rating of up to 220 lb from the sides of the crossbars allows for hanging a hammock or clothesline.

A new rear light signature visually transfers the new Outback's tall ride height and width. A steeper rake on the rear glass opens up more cargo space, while aerodynamic and scratch-resistant cladding on the lower fascia makes everyday adventures easier and more efficient.

Inside, the 2026 Subaru Outback adopts a calmer, clean-line design with thoughtfully placed technology and materials, including headliner inserts made with recycled materials. The all-new infotainment display and digital instrument cluster are aligned for convenience and accessibility, while the upper dash panel and interior layout are aligned for continuity and everyday use. The climate controls have their own dedicated hard-button and knob controls. The center console cupholders are designed for easy use, and bottle holders in each door now offer enough room for 32-oz water bottles.

The 2026 Outback is equipped with an all-new, Subaru 12.1-in. infotainment display and 12.3-in. full digital instrument cluster. The infotainment touchscreen is powered by a new advanced processor that offers more responsiveness and customizability.

This Outback also boasts more space for passengers and cargo than any previous Outback, ensuring driver and passengers arrive prepared for their next adventure. In addition to innovative cargo solutions, the new Outback offers more space, more comfort, and smarter designs for its passengers.

Thanks to that 2-in.-taller roofline and an all-new design, the Outback offers 34.6 cu. ft of cargo capacity, larger by 2 cu. ft than its predecessor. The cargo area is also 2 in. taller, while the load floor width spans 43.3 in., wider than its competitors. Flexible and durable interior utility hooks offer tie-down points for gear and can be used in the liftgate to hold items such as lanterns or wet gear up to 6 lb.

Front and rear passengers also get more headroom, and new low-fatigue seats mounted directly onto the chassis improve long-distance comfort and reduce head movement on longer drives. Lateral sway in the new Outback has been reduced by 42% compared to its predecessor, and an adjustable driver's seat cushion helps to support legs for longer journeys.

Inside the cabin, the new Subaru Outback is quieter and more refined thanks to sound-absorbing materials used in the roof and headliner. Wind noise has been reduced by 10% thanks to aerodynamic elements in the body sides and roof rails.

Subaru is already known for its safety features, but the new Outback has updates to those also. Every 2026 model is equipped with the latest generation of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes Front Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Sway Warning, Emergency Stop Assist, Front Cross Traffic Braking, Acceleration Override Assist, Vibrating Haptic Steering Wheel, and Lane Departure Warning.

Additionally, the new Outback adds available 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. The latest iteration of EyeSight incorporates three forward-facing cameras and newly added radar sensors for additional support.

Also for the first time on any Subaru, Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. The system will change lanes if needed to pull the vehicle over safely to the shoulder, activate the hazard lamps, notify emergency services, and unlock the doors for first responders.

On designated highways, certain trims of the new Outback can travel at speeds up to 85 mph hands-free with driver supervision to help reduce fatigue on longer journeys. On curvy roads with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Curve Speed Control can help to slow the vehicle in its lane before the curve for easier driving.

A new, wider-angle mono camera for EyeSight can help spot pedestrians and cyclists sooner, while a new standard haptic-feedback steering wheel warning relays information to drivers quicker.

Pricing:

• Outback Premium will start at $34,995 (the Base Outback has been discontinued).
• Outback Limited adds a more refined interior and technology features for $41,715.
• Outback Touring trim level adds more creature comforts, a broader menu of standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology features, and more for $45,395.
• Featuring a higher-output 2.4-liter turbo engine and 19-in. aluminum-alloy wheels, the Outback Limited XT starts at $44,365.
• The Touring XT trim level includes features found in the Outback Touring and adds a higher-output 2.4-liter turbocharged engine for $47,995.
• Outback Wilderness is exclusively powered by the 2.4-liter Subaru Boxer turbo engine and includes increased ground clearance up to 9.5 in, 17-in. aluminum-alloy wheels, and lots more extra features for $44,995. Two optional packages for the Outback Wilderness add more technology and luxury touches.

Learn more at subaru.com/2026-subaru-outback.html.

Source: Subaru

Published October 2025

Rate this article