For more than four decades, the Subaru Outback has blended off-road ruggedness with everyday wagon versatility. But things are shifting with the seventh-generation model arriving for 2026. The new Outback SUV looks and feels more like a full-on SUV than ever before, but don’t worry, longtime fans: The 2026 Subaru Outback is only 0.2 inch longer and 1.4 inches taller than the outgoing 2025 model, so it’s still very much the Outback you know.
The visual trick comes from the straighter, more upright lines. The boxier shape, slim headlights, and sharp daytime running lights give it an SUV-like presence, but make no mistake, the Outback’s blend of ruggedness and comfort is better than ever. The updated design brings a fresh dose of cool styling, a more refined interior, and plusher ride quality. We tested the Outback on rough trails and winding roads around Sedona, Arizona, and came away impressed with how well Subaru evolved this all-terrain wagon-turned-SUV.
Cabin Gets Welcomed Improvements
While the exterior redesign makes the 2026 Subaru Outback look more like an SUV, the interior updates make it feel more refined and upscale. This is where new owners will notice the biggest improvements. Gone is the old vertical infotainment screen; in its place sits a sleek 12.1-inch horizontal display featuring a revamped infotainment system that now supports full-screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both standard across the lineup.
For those who missed the presence of physical controls, Subaru listened. The 2026 Outback brings back two rows of hard buttons for HVAC functions, including fan speed, control for the heated and ventilated seats, and a pair of cabin temperature knobs. Also new is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster capable of displaying navigation directly from CarPlay or Android Auto. It’s a big step up from the aging analog setup in previous models, adding a modern, tech-forward touch to one of Subaru’s most popular models.
One area where the 2026 Subaru Outback could use a little polish is interior material quality, especially on lower-trim versions. We spent time in both an Outback Limited (starting at $43,165) and the range-topping Outback Touring XT (from $49,445), and the difference was immediately noticeable. In the Limited trim, parts of the door panels and dashboard are covered in cloth, which is a bit underwhelming for a vehicle in this price range. Step up to the Touring XT, though, and those same surfaces are wrapped in faux Nappa leather that looks and feels far more premium. The contrast highlights how much Subaru’s choice of materials can change the cabin’s overall feel.
The Outback’s cargo area is full of clever storage solutions and thoughtful touches. It’s packed with cubbies and cutouts designed to hold various Subaru accessories, including a redesigned cargo cover that serves multiple purposes. It can function as a traditional cover, a divider to keep items in place, or even as a protective mat for pets, and the best part is, it’s completely washable. Behind the rear seats, the Outback offers 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to a generous 80.5 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.
Behind the Wheel
Under the hood, the 2026 Subaru Outback remains recognizable. The 2.5-liter boxer engine returns, now producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque; that’s two ponies less but two lb-ft more than before. For those craving more punch, the 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine carries over unchanged, continuing to deliver 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.
Both engines are paired with Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive system and a CVT automatic. While most drivers will find the latter’s performance adequate for daily use, we noticed a pronounced whine when accelerating from a stop or merging onto freeways. We’ve long thought the base 2.5-liter engine could use more muscle, and unfortunately that hasn’t changed for 2026. Power delivery in non-turbo models still feels strained, especially when passing at highway speeds or climbing steep grades. Thankfully, Subaru continues to offer the 2.4-liter turbo engine, and we found it to be smooth and confident in its performance. Still, we wish the base engine had just a bit more pep to match the rest of the Outback’s refinement.
Those nitpicks aside, the 2026 Subaru Outback is still one of the most comfortable SUVs in its class. Our drive south from Sedona took us along twisty mountain roads and wide-open freeways, where we were impressed by the Outback’s quiet cabin and refined ride quality. Subaru added extra sound-deadening materials throughout the interior, and the results are noticeable. Wind and tire noise are managed well, even at higher speeds. The suspension is also recalibrated for smoother damping. The previous model already rode well, but the 2026 Outback feels even more composed and cushioned, delivering a plush, near-luxury ride that stands out among midsize crossovers.
Our route also included long off-road trails that climbed nearly 4,000 feet from our starting point, and the Outback handled the elevation and terrain with ease. The paths varied from smooth fire roads to rocky sections, yet the Subaru remained composed and comfortable. We did worry about the risk of a flat tire, as our test vehicle was fitted with all-season rubber, and some of the rocks looked sharp, but everyone in our group made it through without issue. The vehicle’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance makes a real difference when the pavement ends. We didn’t get the chance to test the Outback Wilderness this time, but we’re eager to see how its extra clearance (9.5 inches) and all-terrain tires perform in tougher conditions.
