America sure does love a Subaru. In 2024 alone, the Japanese automaker sold over 667,000 vehicles in the US; a whopping 168,771 of those sales were of the ever-popular Outback. But why is the Outback so popular? Well, it’s safe and roomy enough for family travel, tough enough for off-road adventures (as Carey Lando has repeatedly proven with her modified Outback), and provides comfort and efficiency for daily driving.
It is, therefore, no surprise that Subaru of America has unveiled the seventh-generation Subaru Outback, scheduled for release as a 2026 model, at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the redesigned Outback maintains its traditional versatility and capability, enhanced by contemporary styling, upgraded technology, and advanced safety features.
The exterior design of the 2026 Outback demonstrates a shift toward a more robust aesthetic. The front fascia sports a bold, upright stance accentuated by vertically positioned headlights at each corner, contributing to a rugged appearance suitable for both on-road and moderate off-road use. Additional revamps include textured elements on the lower front fascia designed for improved scratch resistance and aerodynamics.
Retaining its distinctive silhouette, the Outback adopts a boxier profile, highlighting its enhanced height and cargo-carrying capabilities. Standard raised roof rails with an 800-pound static load capacity and a dynamic rating of 220 pounds are complemented by measurement markers for simplified accessory installation. A new lateral load rating of 220 pounds provides practical functionality for items such as hammocks or clotheslines. The rear presents redesigned lighting and a steeper rear glass angle, improving cargo access and space.
Inside, the Outback’s interior emphasizes modern convenience and sustainability, with headliner inserts crafted from recycled plastic bottles. A new 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster come standard. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provide seamless smartphone integration. Climate controls have thankfully returned to dedicated hard buttons for easier operation. The infotainment system incorporates hybrid cloud-based and onboard navigation, along with advanced cloud-based voice recognition.
Passenger comfort is enhanced through increased interior space, resulting in greater headroom and cargo capacity. The cargo area has expanded to 34.6 cubic feet, offering innovative storage solutions such as configurable utility hooks and a washable tonneau cover. New ergonomic seats and reduced lateral sway significantly elevates comfort on extended journeys. Sound-absorbing materials and aerodynamic modifications have reduced cabin noise, creating a more refined driving environment.
Safety has been significantly upgraded with the latest iteration of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, showcasing three forward-facing cameras and additional radar sensors. This system includes front pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, lane departure warning, and more. Notably, the Outback introduces emergency stop assist with safe lane selection, a feature that autonomously pulls the vehicle to safety if the driver becomes unresponsive. On designated highways, certain trims offer supervised hands-free driving up to 85 mph.
Performance enhancements include a refined 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, coupled with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Outback XT and Wilderness trims boasts a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. An upgraded X-Mode system provides better off-road capabilities, now accessible via steering wheel-mounted controls. Additionally, a revised AWD system reduces wheelspin and enhances stability. Steering dynamics benefit from an electronic power steering rack inspired by the Subaru WRX, improving responsiveness and stability across different speeds.
The 2026 Outback maintains its class-leading ground clearance of 8.7 inches while offering practicality in step-in height and cargo loading. For the first time, Subaru introduces 19-inch wheels on select trims, with the Wilderness trim receiving robust 17-inch wheels paired with all-terrain tires, further underscoring the model’s adventurous credentials.
The vehicle will be available nationwide in late 2025, offered in Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trim levels.
Specifications | Subaru Outback
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