Subaru Outback completely remodeled for 2026

Published 10:00 pm Friday, January 16, 2026

Subaru’s Outback does a big turnabout for 2026 by presenting a completely new model marking the seventh generation of the popular SUV. More than 3 million Outbacks have been sold in the United States alone.

For openers, the 2026 Outback sheds its previous wagon-like design and takes-on a predominantly SUV shape. Not only does the change give a new level of ruggedness to Outback’s appearance, but passenger and cargo space are also increased substantially. Overall, the 2026 Outback is similar in size to the outgoing model.

As expected from an all-new version, Outback’s technology is updated to meet the latest standards, and interior design is styled to be 100-percent modern.

The 2026 Subaru Outback two-row midsize SUV is offered in six trims: Premium, Limited, Limited XT, Wilderness, Touring, and Touring XT. Pricing starts at $34,995. Every model comes standard with a CVT automatic transmission and Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive.

Outback is powered by a 2.5-liter boxer engine making 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. A 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine making 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque powers the Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness models.

The Touring XT model I drove is priced a notable distance from the entry-level Premium. Its turbo action generates extra driving enjoyment for a sacrifice of 3 mpg during combination driving. The official numbers are 21/29/24 mpg for the turbo, and 25/31/27 mpg for the standard engine.

Accommodations inside the new Outback’s cabin are excellent. Seats are comfortable, the atmosphere is quiet, and the ride is gentle. Materials used in the Touring XT are of high quality. The infotainment system is nicely intuitive, and (drum-roll, please) physical controls are back on board. A Harman Kardon audio system emits celestial tones.

Not often mentioned in car evaluations is the heating capacity of the seats. Today, right here, heated seats will finally get a fair shake. The highest setting of the driver’s seat in my 2026 Subaru Outback tester was hot enough to blister the crust of a Neapolitan pizza. Perfect for a January morning in the Pacific Northwest.

2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT

Base Price: $44,365

Price as Driven: $49,445