Our Opinion - 2026 Subaru Outback Review The Subaru Outback was a mobile, low-cost station wagon that looked like an SUV. The 2026 Outback breaks with tradition by getting a new mid-size SUV-like body shape that, from some angles, could still be mistaken for a station wagon. However, it still retains many of the features that make Subaru unique, such as standard all-wheel drive and a flat-four-cylinder engine. The new Outback’s squared-off shape has some good points, even if it’s a shame that the sloped roof is no longer there. Subaru says that its raised and flattened roofline makes more room inside for people and things. Modernization has also been done to the cabin, giving it a cleaner look and better technology. The Outback has been around for a very long time and has undergone many changes. It’s still unclear if the new Outback’s boxy exterior will last as long as the old one. What's New? The 2026 Subaru Outback is a completely new car. Along with getting a new two-row mid-size SUV body style, the Outback’s interior has been updated with new entertainment systems and a more modern look. Pros and Cons Pros Better tools and technology. An interior that is more relaxing and welcoming. A typical plan for an SUV. Cons Most engines are carryovers. It doesn’t look like a wagon anymore. As of 2026, the base trim is no longer for sale. Engine, Transmission, and Performance You can get the Outback with either a basic 2.5-liter engine with 180 horsepower or a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower, which comes standard in the Wilderness and is optional in XT grades. A continuously variable automatic gear (CVT) is in both cars. Standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and variable-terrain drive modes that can be configured make the Outback a well-known light-duty off-road vehicle. There is an off-road-focused trim called “Wilderness” for trail lovers who like to take risks and spend time away from the beaten path. The 2026 Wilderness has a more powerful 260-horsepower engine, thicker all-terrain tires, and more ground clearance. It also has a more aggressive off-road outer trim. The regular Outback was quiet and easy to drive, but we didn’t like how it handled, and how the driving felt numb. The turbo engine responds faster than the non-turbo engine, but the CVT is making things worse. Safety All Outback models come with the latest driving assistance technologies from the company, called EyeSight. Visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) websites to learn more about the Outback’s crash test findings. The following are important safety features: Emergency brakes that work automatically and a regular forward crash warning. As standard, lane-keeping assist and adaptive speed control are both included. Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot tracking are easy to use. Hands-free speed driving with help from the driver up to 85 mph. Internal and External Cargo Capacity A lot of work has been done on the inside of the Outback to make it cozier and more up-to-date. The new dual-panel digital instrument cluster and entertainment screen are enclosed in high-quality materials that make the dashboard look nice and easy to use. There are physical climate settings and a digital readout under the main screen. Subaru says that the new Outback’s flat roofline is 2 inches higher than the old model’s. This gives riders, especially those in the back, more headroom. Freight capacity has increased, as this generation has two more cubic feet of storage than the last one. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA says that the Outback gets 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Wilderness gets 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while turbocharged XT cars get 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. We will put an Outback through our real-world driving fuel-economy loop at 75 mph to see how well it performs. Infotainment and Connectivity The Outback’s 12.1-inch navigation screen is powered by a brand-new CPU, which makes it faster and more flexible. The quick-access menu bar at the top of the touchscreen lets the driver switch between the phone, music, and directions. It comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a cloud-based voice recognition system that lets you use your words to control some features. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The Outback should be able to hit 60 mph in 8.8 seconds with the base engine and 6.6 seconds with the turbocharged engine. Towing and Payload Capacity For 2700 pounds, the Outback can pull with its regular engine. For 3500 pounds, it can pull with its turbocharged engine. Price and How to Choose The price of the 2026 Subaru Outback will depend on the trim and any extras. The Outback’s trim design is like that of most Subaru SUVs. The Wilderness and XT trim levels’ turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with more power is worth the extra money. The Limited XT comes with extras like a sunroof, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, Harman/Kardon sound, and GPS in the dash.
