2026 Subaru Outback

Performance

Carried over from the previous generation are the Outback’s two available drivetrains. The Premium, Limited, and Touring models are powered by a 2.5-liter normally aspirated horizontally opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The engine features direct fuel injection and electronic throttle control and runs on regular-grade (87 octane) gasoline. The Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness models are powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which also operates on regular fuel.   

Both engines’ power is paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission), which includes manual mode via steering wheel paddles with eight designated gear ratios. The paddle shifters can facilitate manual downshifting for passing, but are most useful for controlling engine RPM on steep inclines and enabling engine braking for steep or long downhill runs. All models feature the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with active torque vectoring, as well as the X-MODE Dual-Mode System, which includes Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, along with Hill Descent Control. Typical for Subaru, ground clearance is generous with a minimum of 8.7 inches, rising to 9.5 inches for the Wilderness model. 

The 4-wheel independent suspension includes MacPherson struts with lower L-arms, coil springs, dampers, and a stabilizer bar up front with a double-wishbone, coil springs, and a stabilizer bar in the rear.   New for 2026, the Wilderness features electronically controlled dampers to improve off-road traction and ride comfort. 

Exterior

No longer sharing sheet metal with the Legacy sedan, the 2026 Outback features a more upright front end with more body-color surfaces, high-mounted LED daytime running lights above LED headlights recessed into the corners. A boxier side profile and flatter roofline increase passenger and cargo space. The Outback’s tall ride height and width are highlighted by a new rear light signature that spans the width of the rear liftgate. A steeper angle on the rear window provides more cargo space inside, and an embossed SUBARU badge on the lower rear fascia is easily removable for trailer hitch installation. 

The Wilderness has its own front-end styling, with a more ruggedly finished grille with “Subaru” in large letters across the front. On each side of the grille and extending between the DLR and headlights is a composite brush guard to protect the lights and other parts of the front end. 

Interior

The 2026 Outback continues to seat five comfortably and features an all-new interior with an elegant dash design highlighted by all-new digital displays. Below the all-new 12.1-inch multimedia screen are convenient physical controls for the climate system, while the same soft material on the seats and door panels graces the passenger side of the dash. The headliner consists of a material formed from recycled plastic bottles, while still intact bottles of up to 32 ounces have a space in each door. With the Premium now comprising the base model, you will find several upscale features standard across the model line, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power tailgate with height memory.   

Technology

Just as the Outback introduced the last multimedia system that spread across the Subaru lineup, the 2026 Outback features a brand-new 12.1-inch multimedia system with a portrait-layout display, wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility, HD Radio®, Bluetooth® audio streaming, hands-free phone connectivity, and multi-touch gesture control. All models come standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. An optional package for the Outback Premium adds rain-sensing wipers, onboard cloud-based navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a heated steering wheel, and a moonroof. 

Safety

Every 2026 Outback is equipped with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology for improved safety and ease of driving over long distances. The system includes: 

• Automatic Emergency Steering 

• Emergency Stop Assist 

• Front and Side Alert Assist 

• Emergency Lane-Keep Assist 

• Haptic Steering Wheel Alerts 

• Front Cross-Traffic Braking 

• Lane Keep Assist 

• Blind-Spot Warning 

• Rear Cross-Traffic Warning 

• Reverse Automatic Braking  

The system is improved with a wide-angle Eyesight® Camera that provides a 180-degree view ahead, helping to prevent collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, a standard DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System assists drivers in keeping their eyes on the road. The Outback Touring trim enhances its EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with features to enable true hands-free driving, including: 

• Highway Hands-Free Assist 

• Pre-Curve Speed Control 

• Active Lane Change Assist 

• Automatic Resume Assist