The Subaru Outback as we have identified it for 30 years is useless. Properly, perhaps not fully useless. When you stare lengthy sufficient on the profile of the 2026 Subaru Outback, there is a trace of station wagon in its huge, cumbersome physique. Then once more, there is a trace of station wagon in most crossover SUVs. That is what makes them a crossover.
And now, that wholly describes the brand new seventh-generation Outback. Spy photographs tipped us off to the design modifications, and with the camouflage eliminated we see a plethora of chiseled strains and plastic cladding, all designed to present the previous wagon a “new, bolder design,” in accordance with Subaru. There’s newfound symmetry on the entrance, with a large rectangular grille flanked by stacked headlights. The decrease fascia—thick with darkish cladding—holds driving lamps in additional rectangular cutouts.
Picture by: Subaru
Picture by: Subaru
Picture by: Subaru
An All-New Design Inside and Out for the Outback
Transferring rearward, the sloping roofline of the outdated mannequin is all however gone. The brand new Outback retains an upright look with bigger home windows, culminating on the rear hatch with a steeper rake to the window. The D-pillar now not has sloping glass. Even the wheel arches have awkward, segmented styling just like the Forester. In some methods, the Forester virtually seems to be extra like a wagon than the Outback does now. Is it an enchancment from the previous-gen mannequin? The jury’s nonetheless out.
The inside positively seems to be higher, although. The massive portrait display is changed with a landscape-oriented 12.1-inch display sitting greater on the sprint. The driving force will get a recent 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and whereas they don’t seem to be related, each shows are housed in a single bezel for a clear, symmetrical look. These are commonplace throughout all Outback trims, although higher-spec fashions will improve the shows with a fancy two-tone sprint made partly from recycled supplies. And button followers rejoice—Subaru provides a financial institution of tactile controls for local weather settings. There’s even an enormous shift stalk within the heart console.
The modifications aren’t only for seems to be, although. Subaru says the brand new physique creates 34.6 cubic toes of cargo house within the again, two extra cubes versus the outdated mannequin. That is largely resulting from a 2.0-inch enhance in roof top. That additionally results in extra headroom for occupants, although Subaru would not have particular dimensions to share proper now. We’re advised that additional sound deadening is used within the roof and headliner, lowering inside noise. And the seats at the moment are mounted on to the chassis for higher long-distance consolation.
Picture by: Subaru
New Seems to be, Identical Subaru Powertrain
Beneath these new physique panels and securely bolted seats is a well-recognized Subaru system. A 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder nonetheless turns all 4 wheels, however it’s revised and now makes 180 horsepower. That is two ponies lower than the outdated wagon, however there are two extra torques, at 178 pound-feet. Subaru would not point out any modifications in driving dynamics from the minor tweaks; energy goes via a CVT with simulated shifts, when you so select.
A modified model of the WRX’s steering system is tuned particularly for the Outback, with higher low-speed management. An up to date Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system has quicker lockup for the middle diff. And for these searching for extra energy, the XT returns with the identical turbocharged 2.4-liter four-pot making 260 hp. Torque is as much as 277 lb-ft, seven greater than final 12 months. It additionally makes use of the CVT with a handbook mode, although Subaru says its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is up to date with a middle diff that locks quicker, amongst different small modifications.
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Supply: Subaru
The brand new Outback nonetheless has 8.7 inches of floor clearance, however you will get factory-installed 19-inch wheels for the primary time. As for know-how, the corporate’s newest Eyesight driver help gear is out there, together with hands-free driving as much as 85 mph on accredited highways. Apple and Android compatibility are nonetheless commonplace throughout the road for many who desire their telephones for leisure and navigation.
Pricing for the 2026 Outback will likely be introduced nearer to its on-sale date. That may are available in late 2025, launching in Premium, Restricted, Touring, Restricted XT, Touring XT and Wilderness trims.
