Latest News
2026 Kia EV9 Review2026 Subaru Outback Review
The all‑new 2026 Subaru Outback has a new look but is the same dependable ride that's ready for road trips, daily driving, and commutes.
Overview
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Subaru Outback and the start of its seventh generation. Some of the changes include more height than before and a boxier look that’s closer to a SUV than a wagon. Inside, it’s been given contemporary styling and a new batch of infotainment features. The 2025 Outback earned a spot on our list of the Best 2-Row SUVs of 2025, so let’s see how the 2026 version measures up.
Carsforsale.com Score
8.25/10
Powertrain
Score
8.25/10
Interior
Score
8.5/10
Technology
Score
8.5/10
Value
Score
8.5/10
2026 Subaru Outback Powertrain 8.25/10
Subaru keeps this version of the Outback model rooted in the smooth, ready‑for‑anything mindset shoppers expect. Ride comfort is a high point. The suspension softens rough pavement without feeling too floaty. The Outback’s extra ground clearance is useful on gravel or muddy paths.
The standard 2.5-liter DOHC engine makes 180 hp and 178 lb‑ft of torque. A stronger 2.4-liter turbo engine is available on upper trims with 260 hp and 277 lb‑ft of torque. Both engines pair with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that’s tuned for calm cruising and steady traction. There is no hybrid engine to consider, and you can’t pick your engine. If you get a lower trim, you get the 2.5-liter. If you’re buying a higher trim, you get the turbo.
Fuel economy changes a little based on the trim level. The 2.5-liter in the Premium, Limited, and Touring trims gets 31 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway and 25 MPG in the city. The Wilderness is the only trim that gets 27 MPG on the highway and 21 MPG in the city. The XT models get 29 MPG on the highway and 21 MPG in the city. You won’t be towing anything huge with the 2026 Outback, but with a towing capacity of 2,700 to 3,500 pounds, it can handle small trailers, a pair of dirt bikes, or some lightweight campers.
2026 Subaru Outback Interior 8.5/10
This Outback has a roomy cabin with a second row that gives passengers 39.5 inches of legroom. Cargo space starts at 34.6 cu-ft and grows to 80.5 cu-ft when the rear seats down. It’s easy to pack camping gear, strollers, or travel bags. The wide rear opening helps when sliding in big items. Compared with the Mazda CX‑50 or Ford Bronco Sport, the Outback feels easier to load for longer trips.
Trim materials step up as you move through the lineup. Leather‑trimmed upholstery comes on the Limited and Limited XT, while the Touring and Touring XT upgrades to Nappa‑leather‑trimmed seats. Every trim includes a leather‑wrapped steering wheel and shifter, too.
Visibility is clear in every direction, which helps when navigating tight parking lots or busy city streets. Also, buttons and controls are simple to reach, so drivers don’t need to take their eyes off the road while trying to control the cabin.
2026 Subaru Outback Technology 8.5/10
A 12.1‑inch infotainment display sits at the center of the cabin and runs on a new processor that responds faster. The menu bar at the top of the screen helps the driver switch pages with less effort, and a 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster shows crisp gauges and alerts.
Audio ranges from six speakers to the twelve‑speaker Harman Kardon system. Every model includes 4G LTE Wi‑Fi, dual‑zone climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cloud‑based voice commands are also included at nearly every trim level.
Safety tech is also a selling point. There’s a wide set of driver aids that also come standard. Some of them include a rear-view camera, advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre‑collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, emergency lane keep assist, emergency stop assist, and automatic emergency steering. It doesn’t end there, though. High beam assist, blind‑spot warning, lane change assist, a rear cross‑traffic warning, and high-beam assist are also included.
2026 Subaru Outback Value 8.5/10
The base-level 2026 Subaru Outback Premium starts at around $35,000. That gets you cloth seats, heated seats, the 12.1-inch touchscreen, smartphone pairing, and Subaru’s full suite of driver aids. Most shoppers will likely want to step up to at least the Outback Limited at $41,715. That is a pretty big jump, but it’s worth it.
This adds on heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, the 12-speaker Harmon Kardon system, navigation, and a moonroof. Of course, higher trims add even more comforts, like the auto-dimming rearview mirror and compass on the Touring and Touring XT. Or the 12-way power adjustable front seats that’s only on the Touring and Touring XT. The Touring, Touring XT, and Limited XT all get a 360-degree surround-view monitor, too.
The Wilderness trim leans into tougher trails with a four‑wheel independent raised suspension, electronically controlled dampers, 17‑by‑7‑inch matte‑black alloy wheels, 225/65 R17 all‑terrain tires, and a full‑size spare. It also stands out with hexagonal LED fog lights and raised roof rails with Anodized Copper‑finish accents, giving it extra style and extra capability without going over the top.
Compared to rivals like the Honda CR‑V, Toyota RAV4, and the Ford Bronco Sport, the Outback holds its own. It may not be the lowest‑priced option, but it balances space, comfort, and capability in a way that’s dependable for many years. Subaru covers the 2026 Outback with a new car limited warranty and wear item limited warranty, both lasting three years or 36,00 miles. A powertrain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles. There’s also a rust perforation limited warranty good for five years with unlimited mileage.
Trims & Pricing
2026 Subaru Outback Final Score 8.25/10
The 2026 Subaru Outback keeps its place as a reliable, roomy, and sure‑footed midsize crossover. Refreshed with new looks and energy, it moves into pricier territory on upper trims but still gives budget‑minded shoppers the basics for daily driving and weekend adventures.
If you want to dive into the origins of the Outback, take a look at our Through the Years feature, highlighting the evolution from the first generation all the way up to this 2026 model.
