2026 Subaru Outback: bold new design, upgraded tech, and advanced safety features
Subaru of America has unveiled the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, celebrating 30 years of innovation with its flagship SUV. The seventh-generation Outback offers rugged new styling, cutting-edge technology, improved comfort, and groundbreaking safety features, reinforcing its reputation as the ultimate adventure-ready vehicle.
More than 3 million Outbacks have been sold in the United States since its launch, and the 2026 model continues to elevate Subaru’s legacy of reliability, capability, and outdoor spirit.
The 2026 Subaru Outback introduces a rugged exterior redesign with a stronger and broader front fascia, vertically stacked headlights, and an aggressive grille that enhances its road presence. Aerodynamic enhancements and scratch-resistant cladding not only improve efficiency but also ensure durability for off-road adventures.
Along the side, a boxier profile and a flatter roofline increase cargo and passenger space. The roof rails, capable of supporting 800 pounds of static load, feature crossbars rated for lateral hanging, allowing owners to hang hammocks or gear directly from their vehicles—a first for Subaru.
At the rear, a steeper glass angle expands cargo space, while new taillights and an embossed, removable SUBARU badge streamline trailer hitch installations.
Inside, the 2026 Outback showcases a refined, contemporary cabin designed for comfort and functionality. Materials made from recycled plastic bottles highlight Subaru’s commitment to sustainability.
Key interior upgrades include:
• 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster
• Redesigned, larger cupholders and bottle holders for 32-ounce bottles
• Washable, configurable tonneau cover made from recycled materials
• Improved cargo hooks and tie-down points for added versatility
The layout is crafted for intuitive everyday use, with separate, physical climate control buttons for easier operation in all conditions.
The 2026 Subaru Outback is equipped with the brand-new Subaru Multimedia System, featuring:
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Cloud-based and onboard hybrid navigation system
• Cloud-based voice recognition
• Customizable digital instrument cluster with multiple driving views
The new infotainment processor ensures faster response times and a seamless user experience. Climate controls, previously integrated into the screen, are now managed by dedicated hard buttons, improving usability in extreme weather.
The all-new Outback brings greater passenger comfort and expanded cargo capacity. Highlights include:
• 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space (2 cubic feet more than the previous model)
• 2-inch taller cargo area
• Wider load floor (43.3 inches)
• New low-fatigue front and rear seats directly mounted to the chassis
• Noise reduction improvements, cutting wind noise by 10%
These upgrades ensure a quieter, more spacious, and comfortable driving experience for all occupants.
Subaru’s renowned EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology reaches new heights with the 2026 Outback, offering:
• Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection
• Highway Hands-Free Driving Assist up to 85 mph
• Front Cross Traffic Braking
• Pre-Curve Speed Control
• Haptic-feedback steering wheel alerts
• Enhanced pedestrian and cyclist detection
With the addition of three front-facing cameras and radar sensors, the new Outback further cements Subaru’s commitment to safety leadership.
Powering the 2026 Subaru Outback are two refined SUBARU BOXER® engines:
• 2.5-liter engine with 180 horsepower
• 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower (available on XT trims and Wilderness models)
Both engines are paired with a Lineartronic® CVT and Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The updated X-MODE® system, now switchable from the steering wheel, and the dual-pinion electronic power steering rack (adapted from the WRX) enhance off-road and high-speed handling.
The 2026 Outback continues to offer 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it one of the most capable crossovers in its class.
The 2026 Subaru Outback will be available at Subaru retailers nationwide starting late 2025. Detailed specifications and pricing information will be announced closer to the launch date.
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