​The Subaru Outback has long been the Japanese automaker's flagship model. For over three decades, it has ruled the midsize SUV segment, often beating rivals such as the Hyundai SANTA FE and Honda CR-V. Its adventure-focused Wilderness model holds special appeal among Montana outdoor enthusiasts, and that's mostly due to its impressive off-road-oriented features.
Subaru has given the 2026 Outback Wilderness a long-awaited overhaul that will see it become a more formidable off-roader. Join us at Great Falls Subaru as we explore the Subaru Outback redesign to determine whether it holds.
Design and Exterior Features
The 2026 Subaru Outback departs from its traditional wagon-like body style, adopting a boxy, upright SUV-like design. The Wilderness trim's front fascia now features a large front grille, giving it an imposing look, while the stacked LED headlights and fog lights imbue it with a bold presence guaranteed to turn heads. The Wilderness comes with additional underbody protection and a flatter roofline that adds two inches of headroom for maximum passenger comfort and an extra two cubic feet of trunk space.
The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness retains several exterior design elements from the outgoing model. It still offers a higher ground clearance of 9.5 inches, compared to the other trims, 8.7 inches. This generous ground clearance allows for easy navigation over challenging terrains.
This new Wilderness is available in seven exterior color choices, including River Rock Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Geyser Blue, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, and Deep Emerald Green Pearl.
Interior Comfort and Advanced Technology
The interior of the updated Subaru Outback Wilderness has a cleaner, more refined design. StarTex water-repellent seating surfaces are standard, although nappa leather options are available if you're looking for a more luxurious interior. Subaru has also outfitted the 2026 Outback Wilderness with numerous amenities to elevate the in-cabin experience to unprecedented heights of comfort. They include a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and a power moonroof.
Subaru has introduced several notable changes to the Wilderness infotainment system. It has replaced the 11.6-inch display from the previous model with a larger 12.1-inch multimedia touch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration enable hands-free access to and control over navigation, communication, and entertainment apps.
The new Outback Wilderness has a Harman Kardon premium audio system for an immersive listening experience. A wireless smartphone charger and 12.3-inch digital cluster display are also standard features.
Off-Road Prowess
With top-of-the-range performance features, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness improves on its legendary off-roading credentials. It's powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is connected to a continuously variable transmission system, and, like all recent Subaru models, it features Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing optimal traction on wet and muddy roads.
Apart from its robust engine and legendary drivetrain, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness has numerous trail-oriented features that enhance its off-road performance. Most notable is its updated dual-function X-Mode system, accessible from the steering wheel. It optimizes the Wilderness' engine throttle response, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system for better traction on uneven and slippery surfaces. The hill-descent control feature manages throttle and braking to provide more stability when descending steep hills.
A raised suspension with electronically controlled dampers supports off-road performance. The revised suspension improves the SUV's stability on rough terrain while maintaining ride comfort. Also worth mentioning are the 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires that provide excellent grip on gravel, mud, and snow.
Safety and Driver Assistance
2026 Subaru Outback models, including the Wilderness, come with the latest Subaru EyeSight advanced driver-assist technology. This safety suite features technologies designed to enhance your responsiveness and minimize fatigue. It includes a precurve speed reduction and automatic resume system, a lane change assist, hands-free driving, and an emergency stop with safe lane select. Also available on the new Outback Wilderness is Subaru's DriverFocus distraction mitigation system that alerts when it detects your attention is beginning to waver.
Availability and Pricing
New Subaru models have traditionally gone on sale in the fall of the previous year. If the redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback follows this trajectory, we expect it to be available for order in the fall of 2025. However, we anticipate the Wilderness will arrive later, most likely in early 2026, after the release of the other models.
Based on its redesign and upgrades, we expect the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness to start at a higher price than the outgoing model. The 2025 model has an MSRP starting at $41,710, so it's not unreasonable to expect the new seventh-generation Outback Wilderness to fetch a $50,000 price tag. Our team at Great Falls Subaru is eagerly following up on new developments and will give you the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness release date and pricing details as soon as the manufacturer makes them available.
Discover Subaru's Exceptional Off-Road Performance at Great Falls Subaru
The 2026 Wilderness is undoubtedly the most adventure-oriented model Subaru has ever built. It has undergone an exterior makeover to give it a contemporary look while improving the off-road performance features that we love, including the raised suspension and Subaru's legendary X-Mode system.
As soon as the new Outback Wilderness goes on sale, you'll find it at our Great Falls, Montana, dealership. Meanwhile, you can explore our extensive selection of new and preowned Subarus currently available in our showroom.
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