The Subaru Outback is one of the brand’s most popular vehicles, and it’s also carved a niche out as an SUV that looks more like a wagon – and it seems that buyers really like that fact that it’s a bit different.

For 2026, there’s an all-new Outback with tons to offer, including bold new styling we think may be challenging to some of the Outback faithful. How does it stack up? Let’s take a look!

Bigger, Bolder, Boxier

The biggest change to our eyes is the all-new exterior design – gone is the familiar tall wagon and replaced with a more squared-off design. This is nothing new in the market place – Hyundai has been going all-out with the all-new Santa Fe, and the Outback also reminds us of a larger version of its sibling, the Forester. It also feels like a logical development of the hunky Outback Wilderness model.

Square-jawed, and handsome, the front looks taller and more off-road ready with headlights placed vertically at all four corners and a larger grille that stands more upright for a tough look. A grater-stye grille and scratch resistant lower fascia with LED fogs add to the off-road vibe.

The profile is the biggest change – gone is the relatively sleek wagon shape, for a taller, boxier profile that hints at greater interior space. The chunky, squared-off wheel wells in black cladding say let’s go off-road! While the tall greenhouse promises loads of visibility on road or trail

It not only looks tougher – it is tougher. Subaru says the flatter roofline helps the standard raised roof rails to an impressive 800-lb static load capacity, and 220-lb dynamic load rating. For the first time ever on a Subaru, a lateral load capacity rating of up to 220 pounds from the sides of the crossbars allows for hanging a hammock or clothesline. Overlanding anyone?

The finishing touches are an 8.7-inch ground clearance and handsome 18-inch alloy wheel with a cool machine finish for some visual pop.

Out back on the Outback (ha!) The taller, boxier theme continues with a steeper angle on the rear window for added cargo space, while the rear light spans the width of the tailgate to emphasize the design’s broad shoulders. We loved O U T B A C K spelled out in black block letters, while an embossed SUBARU on the lower fascia leaves a rugged final impression.

Our tester also featured a Sapphire Blue Pearl paint. Blue is a signature color for the brand, and this color really pops, and we love that it stands out in a sea of gray, silver and white SUVs.

It’s interesting to us, that few passersby noticed this was the all-new Outback, it seems the design is more mainstream – is that a good thing, or a bad thing? We’ll have to see what the marketplace says. We will say that the design really grew on us for the week we had our Outback. At first, yeah, it’s a big departure, but the more you look, the more you like.

Spacious Luxury Inside

While the exterior may be controversial, we think everyone will love the new interior – it’s gorgeous!

While previous Outbacks were techy-meets-functional they never wowed you. On the new model, there’s plenty of WOW going on. On our tester it starts with the beautiful two-tone with a rich mocha brown on the seats, door panels and lower dash, contrasting black on the tech and center console. The smell of rich Nappa leather makes a further upscale statement.

Settle into those big, comfortable front buckets, and you’ll see a modern display of tech, starting with a fully digital, driver-configurable 12.3-inch display. Goodbye, analog gauges on the Outback – but there is a very nicely rendered speedo and tachometer in one of your 4 screen choices.

Even bigger news is on the info-tainment side, with a 12.1-inch display that melds nicely into the wall of digital goodness. It’s a big step up from the previous Tesla-like tablet. Not only handsome, it works much, much better. Where the old system was laggy and old-tech, the new system uses and advanced processor, that includes Subaru’s new cloud-based voice recognition, along with standard Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And the easy swipe, pinch and tap motions help you easily access what you need.

Helping you find your way, the new Subaru touchscreen utilizes a hybrid navigation system that combines cloud-based and onboard information to quickly download relevant maps for any journey.

Another big plus for us, the climate control system has been moved off the display and features hard buttons and knobs for quick access. Yay! Subaru drivers must be a thirsty-lot, as the maker proudly points out that bottle holders in each door offer enough room for 32-ounce water bottles a piece. Subaru really sweated out the details on the new Outback.

Want some? OK! That 2-inch taller roofline means more headroom, and the cargo area enjoys 2 more cubic feet of space, while new low-fatigue seats mounted directly onto the chassis improve long-distance comfort and reduce head movement on longer drives.

More you say? Lateral sway in the new Outback has been reduced by 42% compared to its predecessor, and an adjustable driver’s seat cushion helps to support legs for longer journeys.

Thanks to a 2-inch taller roofline and an all-new design, the Outback offers 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, larger by 2 cubic feet than its predecessor. The cargo area is also 2 inches taller, while the load floor width spans 43.3 inches, wider than many competitors. Flexible and durable interior utility hooks offer tie down points for gear and can be used in the liftgate to hold items such as lanterns or wet gear, up to 6 pounds.

 Even your gear gets an upgrade – a new, standard, configurable, and washable tonneau cover is made from recycled materials in the cargo area help safeguard goods, keep dirty and clean items separate, creates a useful partition for pets riding securely in the rear, and keen even cover the rear bumper to prevent scratches. Even better when not in use, you can just ball it up and throw it in the cargo bay. Like we said, details, details, details.

Ready for the long haul.

Driving the new Outback is another big win.

Under the hood is Subie’s familiar 2.5-liter, boxer engine, making 180 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque – horsepower is slightly down from last year, but torque has been designed to be smoother and more linear.

We’ll agree with that. Working through the CVT transmission, power is smooth and easy if not fast. It’s quiet and comfortable from the helm and features an impressive 31 mpg highway rating.  If you really want more power, Outback XT and Wilderness models feature a 2.4-liter turbo engine with a significant bump to 260 hp, and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. We hope to test one soon.

All Outbacks feature standard all-wheel-drive, naturally, and the X-MODE system has been revised on the new model for better off-road performance. To help you get around, the AWD features a faster center differential lockup for reduced wheelspin and incorporates steering angle data for better stability at turn-in and cornering on higher-speed roads.

Steering has also been improved with a version of the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic power steering rack, providing better feel and responsiveness.  

More good news comes in the ride department, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, you’ve got a long travel suspension that serves up an impressively creamy ride, and major bumps are ironed out with ease. The Outback is fun to zip around town and relaxed on the freeway.

Speaking of Freeway, Subaru takes a big step forward for 2026, with Hands-Free Assist on Touring and Touring XT models. The system provides limited hands-free operation once advanced adaptive cruise control is active, and works up to 85 mph. We didn’t have the opportunity to try this on our tester, but it’s impressive to see this level of tech filtering down to mainstream vehicles.

Even if you’re not going hands free, there’s plenty of protective tech looking out for you with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, serving up Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise, Lane Centering, Lane Sway Warning and more.

Outback ups the ante with a Subaru-first Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection. If the driver becomes unresponsive while using the Adaptive Cruise Control, the system will change lanes if needed to pull the vehicle over safely to the shoulder, activate the hazard lamps, notify emergency services, and unlock the doors for first responders. Wow!

Up-front Price on the Outback?

Subaru gives a wide selection of models, depending on your needs. The lineup starts at $34,995 for the Premium model, and with standard AWD, EyeSight, loads of space and tech it’s an impressive value.

Our nearly top of the line Touring model started at $45,395, and with no options, and $1,450 for Destination, we rang the bell at $46,845. For all you get, that’s also great value.

With its new SUV looks, there are new competitors to consider. We like the Toyota Land Cruiser which is even more capable off road but starting at $57,000 and easily ramping up to over $70k, it’s a much more expensive proposition. We also like the Hyundai Sante Fe, it’s a larger vehicle, but really sells the boxy design, and at just over $50k for the decked-out Calligraphy model it serves up great value too.

With bold new looks, a gorgeous interior, lots of tech and that familiar Subaru charm, the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback is at the top of the class. Whether it’s a tall wagon or an SUV – well, that’s up to you!