Overview
Subaru is preparing to launch the seventh generation of its iconic adventure wagon-turned-crossover, the all-new 2026 Outback, which is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in late 2025. As the Outback celebrates its 30th anniversary, this redesign represents the most significant evolution of the model by blending traditional Subaru capability with fresh styling and advanced technology. At the same time, the 2026 Outback doubles down on the rugged, adventure-ready character that has created a loyal following, particularly in northern climates. The automaker’s approach to redesign goes beyond looks. There are practical improvements that upgrade the passenger experience, expand cargo space, and boost all-terrain capability.
Subaru will share more details about the 2026 Outback closer to its release date. In the meantime, we’ve compiled what we know so far to present this preview.
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Trims and Powertrains
The 2026 Outback will be made with trim packages called Premium, Limited, Touring, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The Premium, Limited, and Touring will get a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter boxer-type four-cylinder engine, while the Wilderness and both XT trims upgrade to a turbocharged 2.4-liter unit making 260 horsepower. The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system is to be managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with the CVT in the turbo editions accompanied by an eight-speed manual shift mode. Fuel economy ratings weren’t available at the time of this writing.
Standard Features
A preliminary list of standard equipment for the base trim, the Premium, includes StarTex water-repellent upholstery, heated front seats, a power liftgate, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, roof rails, a cargo cover, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Limited will receive numerous upgrades, like a power moonroof, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, a 12-way power driver's seat, an 8-way power front passenger’s seat, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and wireless device charging. The Touring is set to go further upscale with heated and ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power-folding side mirrors.
The Wilderness trim will give the 2026 Outback rugged character and capability. It builds on the Premium with a raised suspension granting 9.5 inches of ground clearance, electronically controlled dampers, an aluminum-alloy front skid plate, enhanced lower cladding, a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, copper-look interior and exterior accents, wireless device charging, and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. The options for the Wilderness will include a power moonroof, Nappa leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Aside from getting the turbocharged engine, the XT trims will have 19-inch wheels and the same equipment as their non-XT counterparts.
Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology
All 2026 Outbacks have Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, front cross-traffic braking, lane departure warning, lane sway warning, lane centering, reverse automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and driver distraction mitigation. The Touring and Touring XT will also receive a surround-view monitor plus these new-for-2026 ADAS upgrades: hands-free highway driving assist, emergency stop assist with safe lane detection (the car will pull over if the driver is unresponsive), and lane change assist (for safe lane changes during hands-free driving).
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2026 Outback's infotainment experience will center on a 12.1-inch touchscreen with dedicated menus (the controls for cabin temperature have been moved to physical buttons below the display). All trims will have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a multi-speaker audio system. The Wilderness and above will be loaded with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system.
