Subaru has showcased the seventh-generation Outback, which features a bold, new look for the 2026 model year.
Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, the new Outback ditches the standard station wagon look for a design more akin to an SUV. The car features a broader front end with an upright fascia. Subaru placed the headlights vertically on each side of the larger grille, aiming to deliver a rugged appearance.
The 2026 Outback opts for a boxier profile, which Subaru paired with a flatter roofline. One goal is to emphasize the expanded cargo space and room for passengers.
Subaru also updated the roof crossbars for the 2026 model year. They can hold 800 pounds (static load) and 220 pounds (dynamic load). The Outback’s crossbars also boast a 220-pound lateral load capacity. According to Subaru, this allows owners to hang a hammock or clothesline off the side of the off-roader.
The 2026 Outback delivers 8.7 inches of ground clearance while riding on 17-inch wheels. Subaru says this is more than what is available on numerous SUVs. Owners of certain trim levels can opt for 19-inch wheels.
The new offering from Subaru will go on sale in late 2025. The available trim levels include Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness. Subaru will release pricing details in the future.
The 2026 Outback features two versions of the Boxer engine
Consumers who wish to purchase the revised Outback will have two powertrain options. The majority of trim levels come standard with a revised 2.5-liter Boxer engine, which delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque.
Subaru paired it with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with an 8-speed manual shift mode and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The Wilderness trim level comes standard with the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, which boosts the horsepower to 260 and the torque to 277 lb-ft. The Outback XT models have the option of adding this powertrain.
Subaru also paired the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with the Lineartronic CVT with the 8-speed manual shift mode and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
All of the Outback trim levels come standard with the revised X-Mode system, which delivers improved off-road performance. Drivers can toggle this system on and off using the steering wheel.
The revised interior boasts a 12.1-inch infotainment display, as well as a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster. This updated system features a vertical menu with quick select options for navigation, music, and phones.
The standard options include Android Auto and Apple Wireless CarPlay. Subaru also moved the climate controls off the touchscreen to account for drivers wearing gloves.