Since the first model was unveiled in 1994, the Subaru Outback has won over car enthusiasts worldwide with its comfortable interior, adventure-ready features, and wagon-like handling. Remarkably, it has remained mostly unchanged throughout the generations, receiving only minor updates. The 2026 Subaru Outback's redesign is poised to be the most significant in its history. Here's what you need to know about the new Outback.
Design and Exterior Enhancements
The Subaru Outback has historically shared a platform with the now-discontinued Legacy. However, the redesigned Outback avoids the Legacy's classic station wagon shape and features a boxy, SUV-like body style. Its iconic sloped roof has been replaced with a flatter roofline, which offers more space for rear-seat passengers and cargo while highlighting the vehicle's upright silhouette. Spy shots have also revealed a truck-like hood and a bold grille design.
Along with the new body styling, the trail-ready Outback Wilderness features several enhancements that make it perfect for off-roading excursions around Montana. Its front end is dominated by a meshed front grille that's flanked on both sides by vertically oriented LED headlights and hexagonal LED fog lights, which provide illumination in low-lit conditions.
The 2026 Subaru Outback is available in nine exterior colors, with certain options limited to specific trim levels. Colors include Sapphire Blue Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, River Rock Pearl, Deep Emerald Green Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Geyser Blue, Crimson Red Pearl, and Crystal White Pearl.
Upgraded Interior and Technology Features
The 2026 Subaru Outback's interior has undergone significant changes. The cloth-trimmed upholstery of previous versions has been replaced following customer complaints that it was difficult to clean. Subaru now offers StarTex water-repellent seats and leather-trimmed seats.
The new Outback also features several noteworthy changes to its infotainment system. The 11.6-inch touch screen has been replaced by a larger 12.1-inch multimedia display, which comes with smartphone integration capabilities. Other available technologies include a surround-view monitor, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Like its predecessor, the 2026 Outback offers seating for five. Its roofline has been raised by about 2 inches, providing additional headroom for passengers, especially those seated in the rear. The new version also has an extra 2 cubic feet of cargo space.
Performance and Capability
The 2026 Subaru Outback is powered by the same two BOXER engines used in previous models. The base 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine now produces 180 horsepower, down from 182 horsepower. Meanwhile, the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, standard on the Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trims, maintains its output of 260 horsepower. Both engines pair with a continuously variable transmission. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard across the lineup.
Given that the powertrain options remain largely unchanged, the 2026 Outback is expected to exhibit similar performance and fuel efficiency to the outgoing model. The 2025 Subaru Outback achieves EPA-estimated ratings of 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway when equipped with the 2.5-liter BOXER engine. Variants powered by the turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER engine have EPA-estimated ratings of 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Innovations
Safety has always been a huge selling point for Subaru. The redesigned Outback is equipped with Subaru's Eyesight Driver Assist Technology, one of the most advanced safety systems on the market.
This driver-assistance suite has features designed to enhance driver responsiveness and reduce fatigue. These include Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection, Pre-curve Speed Reduction and Automatic Resume Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Hands-Free Driving Assist. The new Outback also offers Subaru's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which monitors your attention and sends alerts if your focus starts to waver.
With such an impressive selection of safety features, the 2026 Subaru Outback's safety scores are anticipated to be similar to those of the 2025 variant, which received an overall safety rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Release Date and Market Availability
The next-generation Subaru Outback was unveiled at the 2025 New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2025. During the event, Subaru revealed that the 2026 Outback will go on sale around the end of 2025. The Wilderness trim is scheduled to arrive in early 2026.
No specific information has been released yet regarding the 2026 Subaru Outback's prices. The new lineup is expected to fetch slightly higher price tags than the 2025 lineup, which has a starting price of $29,995 for the Base variant. Our team at Great Falls Subaru is monitoring emerging developments and will share any new information on the 2026 Outback's pricing as soon as it becomes available.
Experience the Subaru Difference at Great Falls Subaru
The 2026 Subaru Outback opens a new chapter in the story of one of the world's most popular vehicles. While the Outback has retained most of the features that make it uniquely Subaru, such as its powerful BOXER engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, it introduces a fresh style and several interior upgrades.
We'll be stocking the 2026 Outback once it's released. Until then, we invite you to visit our dealership in Great Falls, Montana. Contact us to learn more about our Subaru offerings.
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