2026 Subaru Outlook gets boxy again, retains versatile SUV value status
Thirty-one years after its debut, the 2026 Subaru Outback marks the beginning of the versatile vehicle’s seventh generation. The once station wagon-leaning family chariot has morphed into a crossover sport utility vehicle.
Redesigned, the Outback is now more rugged and utilitarian. Its boxy, bold look upholds Subaru’s safety-focused, outdoorsy image, with signature symmetrical all-wheel drive. The new look includes a flatter roofline, steeper rear glass, a more upright grille and vertically stacked headlights.
The Outback, positioned between the smaller Forester and the larger Ascent in the SUV-dominant Subaru lineup, is available in six trims and two different engines. The Premium, Limited and Touring trims are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
The reviewed Limited XT, Touring XT and Wilderness models are standard with turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both choices have continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) with eight-speed manual shift modes.
All-wheel drive is standard on all Outback trims and throughout the Subaru lineup, with the exception of the Subaru BRZ sports car. The symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system has been Subaru’s enduring feature. It was first used in 1972 when the Subaru Leone wagon included an optional part-time AWD setup.
Subaru began offering a full-time, four-wheel drive system in 1986 and it became standard equipment a decade later. It marries the automaker’s longitudinally mounted boxer engine with a symmetrical drivetrain.
It’s a major reason why the carmaker’s vehicles are particularly popular in mountain communities. The full-time AWD system is based around a limited-slip differential. It continuously and simultaneously sends power to all four wheels. If one or more wheels lose grip, the other wheels can still move the vehicle forward.
The Outback’s exterior is slightly taller than the departing design. Gone are the longer proportions, replaced by a boxier structure. The wheelbase remains the same, and the ground clearance remains 8.7 inches. Hands-free highway driving is a new option.
Except for its sports car, Subaru doesn’t emphasize performance or superior fuel efficiency. But the Outback is satisfactory in both categories. It accelerates from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 6.6 seconds. Gas mileage averages are 21 miles per gallon in city driving, 29 mpg on the highway.
The Outback’s new exterior shares newness-billing with a new practical and simplistic interior. A 12.1-inch horizontal displaces a vertical presentation. The new approach features an upgraded infotainment center that features full-screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both are standard features throughout the lineup.
Old is new again as two rows with hard buttons operating fan speed, heated and ventilated front seats and temperature. Subaru has also replaced its analog functions with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Subaru’s safety emphasis is promoted for human and animal occupants. A night/day rear view mirror, steering wheel paddle shifters and a surround view monitor are new upgrades.
Plenty of toggles work for animal carrier add-ons. The cargo area has plenty of small compartments. The multifunctional cargo cover operates in a traditional capacity, but it’s also a divider and a protective mat. Cargo space is 34.6 cubic feet behind the seat and 80.5 cubic feet with the second row flat-folded.
The Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Nissan Rogue provide keen competition. But the Outback gets top billing for its outdoorsy appeal and versatility.
With its destination fee included, it’s priced at $45,815. Boxy is good. Safe adventures await.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: james@jamesraia.com.