The Subaru Outback has evolved significantly since it launched in 1995 as a rugged version of the Legacy wagon. Over the years, the high-riding model became a separate vehicle in the lineup and proved extremely popular. One in five Subarus sold in the past 30 years has been an Outback. In 2024, the automaker delivered 168,771 of them in the United States – a 4.3 percent year-over-year increase.
Now, it’s time for a change because the seventh-generation Outback is premiering at the 2025 New York Auto Show. The latest model features boxier styling than any previous iteration, making the vehicle look more like an SUV instead of the lifted station wagon aesthetic from the past. Let’s take a closer look at Subaru’s latest model.
Bold Styling
The 2026 Outback looks nothing like any previous generation. The new styling has a more rugged appearance, with a blunt nose and a prominent grille. Stacked headlights separate the upper running lamps from the primary illumination below them. Fog lights are in the lower corners of the fascia.
The Outback’s flanks highlight the chunkier design. Prominent body cladding surrounds the fenders and the lower portion of the body. Matte trim decorates the pillars. The roof rack can support up to an 800-pound static load. Buyers can pick chunky wheels with U-shaped spokes around the rim.
At the rear, there’s now prominent Subaru branding on the bumper, and the Outback badge spans a significant portion of the hatchback. Some models have a red strip running between the taillights, but the Wilderness grade just has reflectors in this area.
Under The Hood
The 2026 Outback’s powertrains don’t change much. The standard engine is still a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder, making 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can upgrade to a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder making 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
Both powerplants hook up to a CVT that routes power to the brand’s famous all-wheel-drive system. Subaru says the revised system has a quicker center differential lockup to reduce wheelspin in slick conditions. It also now analyzes steering angle data to better respond to how the road changes when cornering. A new dual-pinion electronic power steering rack also improves the steering feel. Drivers can now toggle the company’s off-road-oriented X-Mode from the steering wheel.
A High-Tech Cabin
Subaru uses the 2026 Outback as an opportunity to overhaul the vehicle’s interior. Buyers can get new features such as:
- 12.3-Inch Digital Instrument Cluster With Multiple Display Modes
- 12.1-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment Screen With A New Processor For Better Response
- Physical Controls For The HVAC System
The Outback’s interior is also quieter than ever. Subaru installs sound-deadening material in the headliner. Plus, the revised aerodynamics contribute a 10-percent reduction in wind noise. There’s also a roomier cabin thanks to a 2.0-inch taller roofline, which improves passenger headroom. The total cargo capacity is 34.6 cubic feet.
Improved Safety Tech
Drivers can enjoy the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology suite, which now has a wider-angle mono camera and newly added radar sensors. The system can now support hands-free motoring on a highway at speeds up to 84 miles per hour. The tech includes:
- Front Pre-Collision Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Centering Assist
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Sway Warning
- Emergency Stop Assist
- Front Cross-Traffic Braking
- Acceleration Override Assist
- Vibrating Haptic Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
The optional safety features include:
- Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection
- Pre-Curve Speed Control
- Highway Active Lane Change Assist
- Highway Automatic Resume Assist, and driver-supported Highway
- Highway Hands-Free Assist Up To 84 MPH
When We’ll See It
The 2026 Outback will be available in Touring, XT Limited, Wilderness, and XT Premier trim levels. Sales begin in late 2025. No pricing is available at this time.
TopSpeed’s Take
The 2026 Outback might be polarizing among long-term fans of the model because the styling is such a departure from previous versions. Some folks buy the Outback because it looks more like a wagon than a traditional SUV, but that differentiation is gone with this new model. However, the cabin looks nicer, and the additional safety tech is a welcome addition. We can’t wait to drive one to see how this one compares to earlier Outbacks.
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