Introducing the All-New 2026 Outback

Thirty years after its initial introduction, Twin Falls Subaru proudly announces the debut of the seventh-generation Outback. Both the 2026 Outback and its Wilderness variant were unveiled at the 2025 New York Auto Show. This model is more capable, spacious, and features technology never seen before in a Subaru. The new Outback will be available in Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trim levels. 

Bold New Exterior 

The 2026 Outback is noticeably taller, featuring a larger front end and two additional inches of headroom in the cabin. Next to the new bolder grille are three sets of lights in the corners, including slit-like daytime running lights on top, embedded LED headlights below, and round fog lights integrated into the corners of the bumper. Scratch-resistant cladding creates a protective perimeter around the lower edge of the body and fenders. 

Full-width taillights interrupted only by the Subaru badge border the lower edge of the rear window, while the large protective bumper below proudly displays an embossed SUBARU. This bumper panel can be easily removed for trailer hitch installation.  

At the top are standard roof rails and crossbars rated at 220 pounds for over-the-road use. They have an 800-pound load capacity to accommodate a roof top tent and its occupants. The rails also support a lateral load of 220 pounds, allowing for the mounting of one end of a clothesline or even a hammock. 

More Sophisticated Cabin 

Inside, the dashboard features a completely new information display layout. Standard on all models is a 12.1-inch touchscreen center display, now powered by an advanced processor for faster response times. Below, there is a full set of physical controls for climate and other systems, ensuring instant engagement and ease of use, even with gloved hands.  

Accompanying the center display on all models is a 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster and information display for the driver. It features a selection of available displays. There is a standard gauge display with multiple settings. New to the lineup is a Calm Mode designed to minimize driver distraction for a more relaxing drive. Additionally, a Map mode can display the navigation information from a paired smartphone directly in front of the driver. There is also an EyeSight®-focused Mode that provides a large easy-to-read view of the road ahead, including surrounding vehicles. 

The two-inch taller roof increases headroom. Additionally, cargo space behind the second-row seats has increased by two cubic feet for a total of 34.6, with a load floor that spans 43.3 inches, which is wider than most competitors. Interior utility hooks create tie-down points for gear and can be used in the liftgate to suspend six pounds of items such as a lantern or wet gear. 

Considerable effort went into making the Outback cabin quieter and more refined. The design achieves a 10% reduction in wind noise, thanks to aerodynamic elements in the body sides and roof rails. Additional noise reduction is achieved through sound-absorbing materials in the roof and the headliner, which is made from recycled water bottles. Recycled materials are also used in the standard washable tonneau cargo cover, which can serve as a vertical partition for securely holding pets in the rear, or as a cover for the rear bumper to prevent scratches when loading and unloading. 

Two Engine Choices 

The revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER®-4 engine, which generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, powers most 2026 Outback models. Outback XT and Wilderness models feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER-4, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission that includes an 8-speed manual shift mode, which is particularly useful in mountain driving.

All models include an updated version of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which allows for quicker center differential lockup to reduce wheelspin and incorporates steering angle data to enhance stability during turn-in and cornering at higher speeds. An improved X-MODE® system enhances off-road performance in various conditions and can now be activated using a switch mounted on the steering wheel. The Outback retains its impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance while still offering a comfortable height for cabin access, cargo loading, and unloading.  

Steering is more direct and more responsive thanks to a version of the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic power steering rack. Its variable gear ratio has been tuned for improved low-speed handling while maintaining excellent stability at higher speeds. 

Enhanced Safety Features 

The 2026 Outback features the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight® system of safety and assisted driving technologies, featuring three forward-facing cameras and newly added radar sensors for additional support. EyeSight® system technologies include: 

• 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 for alerts 

Available systems include: 

• Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection – Activates when 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. 

• Pre-Curve Speed Control – When Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged, this system can identify a curve and slow the vehicle appropriately without requiring input from the driver. 

• Driver-supported Highway Hands Free Assist – Good for speeds up to 85 mph, this system also includes Highway Active Lane Change Assist and Highway Automatic Resume Assist to make automatic unassisted lane changes and then return to the original lane when it’s safe. 

2026 Outback Wilderness  

The 2026 Outback Wilderness model will arrive a few months after the 2026 Outback. As stated, this model will come standard with the 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The ground clearance is increased to 9.5 inches, which exceeds what you will find on several body-on-frame SUV models. This elevation also improves the approach, breakover, and departure angles to 20.0, 21.2, and 22.5 degrees, respectively. Seventeen-inch matte black wheels are equipped with all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires for deft handling on mud or gravel surfaces.  

New electronically controlled dampers enhance stability on rough terrain while maintaining ride comfort and handling performance on pavement. Acceleration sensors in the electronic control unit and front suspension detect road and vehicle conditions, adjusting the damping forces in real time. The X-MODE Dual Mode system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings works with the more responsive AWD system to provide greater confidence on poor surfaces.  

The Outback Wilderness features a bespoke grille, vertically framed by integral composite brush guards and accented with anodized copper-framed LED hexagonal fog lights. Copper accents also enhance the roof rails and reverse lights. Those lights are part of a revised taillight treatment that reduces lens vulnerability to external forces. 

The cabin features additional anodized copper accents and animal-free, water-resistant, and easily cleanable StarTex® upholstery. Nappa leather upholstery with ventilated front seats is available in a package that also includes a moonroof and 360-degree Surround View Monitor. 

The 2026 Outback is expected to arrive in the Twin Falls Subaru inventory late in 2025, with the Wilderness model coming months later in early 2026. If you want to be among the first to experience the newly redesigned Outback, reach out to one of our sales professionals and request to be notified when the first models arrive.