2026 Subaru Outback: Five Things to Know
One of the highlights of the 2025 New York Auto Show last month was undoubtedly the debut of the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback, marking the seventh generation of the high-riding Japanese wagon. Now more of a traditional SUV, it features a boxier and more rugged-looking exterior that certainly won't appeal to everyone but follows a well-established trend in the automotive industry.
As we reported in late April, Canadian-spec units will be imported from Japan instead of Indiana to avoid the 25-percent countertariffs on U.S.-built vehicles that came in retaliation for similar tariffs announced by the Trump administration on foreign-made automobiles.
- Also: Subaru Canada to Rely Less on U.S.-Built Vehicles Moving Forward
- Also: Redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback is Larger and More SUV Than Ever
Available in four trim levels including Touring, XT Limited, Wilderness and XT Premier, the 2026 Subaru Outback will go on sale in late 2025. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. In the meantime, here are five things you should know about it:
1. More Adventure-Ready Than Ever
First of all, look for more passenger room (especially headroom) and cargo space than in any previous Outback, thanks in particular to a 50mm higher roofline and a more upright rear window. Trunk capacity has increased from 923 to 980 litres, with a floor now 1,100 mm wide. A configurable and washable cargo cover is included as standard.
For hauling extra gear, the raised roof rails have a static load capacity of 363 kg (perfect for a rooftop tent) and a dynamic load rating of 100 km. What’s more, for the first time on a Subaru, a lateral load capacity rating of up to 100 kg from the sides of the crossbars allows for hanging a hammock or clothesline.
2. A More Driver-Friendly Interface
The 2026 Subaru Outback is equipped with an all-new 12.1-inch infotainment display (now in a horizontal layout for improved visibility and accessibility) and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The former is powered by a new advanced processor that offers more responsiveness and customizability, while the latter offers selectable views including a new Calm Mode to minimize driver distraction.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard and allows owners to switch between full-screen and embedded screens for the smartphone systems. Meanwhile, the climate control functions have been moved from the touchscreen to hard-button controls below, making them easier to use in cold weather while wearing gloves.
3. Increased Comfort Levels
New low-fatigue seats mounted directly onto the chassis improve comfort and reduce head movement, as Subaru explains. Lateral sway in the 2026 Outback has been reduced by 42 percent compared to its predecessor, and an adjustable driver’s seat cushion helps to support legs for longer trips.
Elsewhere, engineers have used extra sound-absorbing materials in the roof and headliner to make the cabin quieter. Wind noise has been reduced by 10 percent thanks to aerodynamic elements in the body sides and roof rails, which is also good news.
Comfort is also about peace of mind behind the wheel, and that’s what Subaru provides with the latest version of EyeSight technology, which is packed with advanced features. Three forward-facing cameras and newly added radar sensors for additional support make it all work.
4. Same Engines
The 2026 Subaru Outback returns with basically the same engines as the outgoing generation. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine makes 180 horsepower (-2) and 178 lb-ft of torque (+2) through the familiar Lineartronic CVT. Subaru’s symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive system offers faster centre differential lockup for reduced wheelspin, while the revised X-MODE system enabling better off-road performance in a variety of conditions can now be toggled via a steering wheel-mounted switch.
Available on Outback XT and Wilderness models, the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. By the way, fuel consumption ratings had yet to be posted by Natural Resources Canada at the time of writing.
5. Outback Wilderness: If You Don’t Care About Looks…
Speaking of which, the not-so-pretty 2026 Outback Wilderness—aimed at serious off-roading enthusiasts—retains 241 mm of ground clearance and exclusive matte black 17-inch wheels. The latter are now mounted on Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires. Approach, departure and breakover angles are all enhanced compared to the rest of the Outback lineup.
More importantly, the suspension has been tuned for improved stability on rough terrain while preserving a smooth ride and decent handling performance on the open road thanks to new electronically controlled dampers. Towing capacity is 3,500 lbs, similar to other turbocharged 2026 Outback models.
