Subaru just unveiled the seventh-generation 2026 Outback at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The model features a design overhaul that makes it look more like an SUV than any previous iteration. Now, the company is shining the spotlight on what makes the new Wilderness trim so special.
Subaru reserves the Wilderness name for the most rugged versions of the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback. The recipe for them generally includes improved ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a more aggressive body.
The 2026 Outback Wilderness
The new Outback adopts more chiseled styling, and the more muscular appearance is particularly evident on the latest Wilderness grade. This trim boasts a different grille with prominent Subaru branding in the center. There’s also chunky cladding around the bumper and yellow-accented fog lights. The SUV rides on Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires that wrap around Wilderness-exclusive 17-inch matte black wheels.
The interior features water-resistant upholstery for easier cleaning if mud and muck get into the interior while off-roading. Model-exclusive anodized copper finish adds a splash of color to the cabin. Like other 2026 Outbacks, this rugged model features a 12.1-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Wilderness also gets an optional 360-degree camera system to give the driver better situational awareness on the trail. Other available upgrades include Nappa leather with ventilated front seats and a moonroof.
Off-Road Upgrades
The new Outback Wilderness has lots of equipment to make it more capable of handling rugged situations. The vehicle features 9.488 inches of ground clearance, versus 8.661 inches for the standard model. The re-tuned suspension gains electronically controlled dampers with an Off-Road mode.
The revisions give the Outback Wilderness more capability off-road. The table below shows the difference:
|
Spec |
2026 Outback Wilderness |
2026 Outback |
|
Approach Angle |
20 degrees |
18 degrees |
|
Ramp Breakover |
21.2 degrees |
19.4 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
22.5 degrees |
21.4 degrees |
The 2026 Outback Wilderness is only available with the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat four-cylinder that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It hooks up to a CVT routing power to an all-wheel-drive system. The brand’s off-road-oriented X-Mode Dual Mode System has Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings for particularly tough driving situations.
All new Outback models benefit from upgraded all-wheel-drive tech. The system has a faster center differential lockup for reduced wheelspin on slippery surfaces. It also now takes steering angle data into account for improved stability.
When Will The Wilderness Arrive?
While the other variants of the 2026 Outback will arrive in late 2025, we won’t see the Wilderness until early 2026. There’s no pricing available for any models in the new lineup yet.
TopSpeed’s Take
The latest Outback Wilderness seems more capable than ever before. The adaptive dampers and 360-degree camera system should go a long way toward making it an even better off-road vehicle, and might even be handy on the road, too. The lingering question is how people respond to the new, chunkier styling.
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