2026 Subaru Outback Debuts With Bigger Boxier Body And Hands-Free Tech
The all-new 2026 Subaru Outback unveiled at the New York International Auto Show is the largest version of the iconic model ever made.
The seventh generation Outback has strayed very far from its roots as a lifted station wagon and features a boxier design than the outgoing edition.
Powertrain options carry over with 180 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 260 hp turbochargted four-cylinder offerings across the lineup, both matched to continuously variable automatic transmissions.
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on all models along with an improved version of the EyeSight package of electronic driver aids.
The Indiana-built Outback’s squared-off shape and two-inch higher roof increase passenger space and create a larger cargo area with a wider floor. The dashboard features a digital instrument cluster and a 12.1-inch square touchscreen display for the infotainment system, but retains knobs and buttons for the climate and volume controls. Subaru boasts about low-fatigue seats and larger beverage holders, which include slots in the door that can fit 32-inch bottles.
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An available Highway Hands Free Assist allows for hands-off lane centering adaptive cruise control at speeds up to 85 mph. It’s similar to GM’s Super Cruise and can also perform lane changes and pull the vehicle safely to a stop on the shoulder, turn on the hazard lights and call for help if it detects that the driver has become unresponsive.
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Most Outbacks have 8.7 inches of ground clearance, but the more focused off-road Wilderness trim increases that to 9.5 inches and adds all-terrain tires and an adaptive computer-controlled suspension. It also gets chunky body cladding, a grille with Subaru stamped into that is framed by plastic push-bar shaped inserts and water-resistant StarTex upholstery. The roof rails on all Outbacks have also been upgraded to not only handle 800 pounds when parked and 220 pounds when driving, but can support 200-pounds of lateral weight so that something like a hammock or line can be supported off the side of the vehicle.
Further details and pricing for Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT and Touring XT trims will be released closer to when they go on sale later this year, while the Wilderness will follow in early 2026.