At the 2025 New York International Auto Show, Subaru revealed the completely redesigned 2026 Outback, marking the debut of its seventh generation. Coinciding with the model’s 30th anniversary, the new Outback showcases a modern, adventurous spirit, blending the rugged functionality the nameplate is known for with striking new design, upgraded technology, and advanced safety features. The vehicle will be available nationwide in late 2025 across six trims: Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness.
Striking New Exterior and Functional Interior
The 2026 Outback introduces a bold new exterior design that leans into its off-road DNA while also conveying a refined sense of strength and capability. It features an upright, more robust front fascia, vertically stacked headlights, and textured lower cladding for both improved aerodynamics and scratch resistance. The redesigned silhouette leans into a boxier, more durable profile, while a wider rear roof pillar and steeper rear glass enhance structural rigidity and cargo space. Functional roof rails now support up to 800 pounds statically and 220 pounds dynamically—perfect for rooftop tents—and introduce a unique lateral load capacity for hammock hanging or similar accessories.
Cutting-Edge Infotainment and Driver Convenience
Every 2026 Outback is equipped with a new 12.1-inch vertically oriented touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system boasts a faster, more responsive processor and integrates cloud-based voice recognition, a hybrid navigation system, and customizable interfaces. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, with easy switching between full-screen and embedded views. Notably, Subaru has wisely relocated climate controls from the touchscreen to hard buttons for easier operation—especially useful with gloves in colder climates.
The digital instrument cluster offers various display modes to reduce distraction or provide more detailed driving information. “Calm Mode” minimizes visual clutter, while other views can highlight navigation, vehicle diagnostics, or the EyeSight® driver assistance system.
Comfort and Quiet on Every Journey
The seventh-generation Outback puts a clear focus on occupant comfort and ride quality. A taller roofline and redesigned cabin increase headroom and shoulder space for both front and rear passengers. New seats reduce fatigue and head movement over longer drives, while enhanced chassis engineering reduces lateral sway by 42%, contributing to a smoother, more stable ride. Subaru also improved in-cabin acoustics by adding sound-absorbing materials to the headliner and reducing wind noise by 10%, making the 2026 Outback one of the quietest in its class.
Clever interior solutions—like gear hooks in the liftgate for hanging wet items, a secure smartphone cord clip, and an easily configurable tonneau system—underscore Subaru’s focus on practical, real-world usability for families and adventurers alike.
New Safety Technology for a Safer Drive
Safety takes a significant leap forward in the 2026 Outback with the newest generation of Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This system includes the familiar suite of adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and pre-collision braking—but also debuts hands-free driving up to 85 mph on designated highways. Other standout features include Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection, which can automatically pull the car over and notify emergency services if the driver becomes unresponsive.
With three forward-facing cameras, new radar sensors, and a wider-angle mono camera, the updated EyeSight® suite is better equipped than ever to detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other road hazards. A haptic-feedback steering wheel ensures warnings are felt quickly and clearly.
Refined Performance with Familiar Powertrains
The new Outback retains its reliable Subaru BOXER® engines, offering two options: a 2.5-liter engine with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, or a turbocharged 2.4-liter delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque for XT and Wilderness trims. Both are paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic® CVT with 8-speed manual mode, and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Off-road capability gets a further boost with a revised X-MODE® system now operable via a steering-wheel-mounted switch, allowing drivers to remain focused while toggling terrain modes. Subaru has also integrated steering angle data into the AWD system for better on-road stability and off-road control. Borrowing from the WRX, the new Outback uses a dual-pinion electronic steering rack, improving responsiveness across all driving conditions.
Pricing and full specifications will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch in late 2025. With its redesigned appearance, next-gen safety technology, and adventure-first mindset, the 2026 Subaru Outback aims to solidify its place as one of the most versatile and capable SUVs on the market.
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