An Additional Dose Of Journey

The all-new seventh-generation 2026 Subaru Outback brings daring new styling, new options, and new expertise. It additionally has an improved model of the Wilderness trim, a badge that makes its manner solely to essentially the most rugged and succesful variations of Subaru autos. On the Outback, this contains additional floor clearance, all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension system, and superior off-road modes. It builds on what makes any Outback sturdy whereas including functionality for harder terrain.

The Outback is succesful in any trim, however the Wilderness provides a little bit one thing additional. You possibly can’t go rock crawling in it, however you’ll be able to sort out harsher off-road terrain with confidence. The no-fuss inside stands as much as mud, youngsters, or canines with a great mix of sturdiness and luxury. Its extra upright SUV-like styling may disappoint some wagon followers, nevertheless it doesn’t change the Outback’s core strengths. It’s a strong alternative for many who need a automobile prepared for journey. We spent a day driving on-road and off in Healdsburg, CA, to see if the Outback Wilderness lives as much as its promise.

Base Trim Engine

2.5-liter 4 boxer

Base Trim Transmission

CVT

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

180 hp

Base Trim Torque

178 lb-ft

Make

Subaru

Mannequin

Outback

Phase

Midsize Wagon

Professionals & Cons

• Rugged exterior styling
• Snug inside with sturdy supplies
• Highly effective turbocharged engine
• Normal all-wheel drive

• Seems extra SUV than wagon
• Not for hardcore off-roading
• Greater worth level inside the trim vary
• Solely obtainable with turbo engine

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness First Impressions

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

The brand new exterior design of the Outback offers it a extra highly effective presence. The entrance fascia stands extra upright with a bigger grille, and the aspect profile is boxier with a flatter roofline that enhances passenger and cargo area. It appears to be like far much less like a wagon and extra like an SUV, but it nonetheless has wagon performance that features elevated cargo room over the prior mannequin.

The Wilderness trim provides ruggedness to the general look. There’s 9.5 inches of floor clearance in comparison with 8.7 inches for the remainder of the lineup, in addition to improved strategy, departure, and breakover angles. This provides it an unmistakable off-road vibe. There are additionally anodized copper accents on the roof rails and fog lights with all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte black wheels. It’s a lovely automobile with plenty of visible enchantment.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Efficiency

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

This isn’t a hardcore off-roader, however it could actually deal with more difficult off-road terrain than the remainder of the lineup. When you recurrently end up within the dust, then that is the trim for you. The suspension is tuned for higher stability on tough surfaces, however nonetheless retains its composure on-road due to the brand new electronically managed dampers. Off-road, they pair with the X-Mode drive modes to offer extra safety on uneven surfaces with out sacrificing consolation. We drove alongside dust roads, up and down steep hills, and thru severe mud, and the Outback Wilderness didn’t even flinch.

Associated

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Good points Adaptive Dampers, 360-Diploma Digicam

The rugged variant of the brand new Outback will likely be obtainable in early 2026.

The extra highly effective engine, which is commonplace within the Wilderness, is a noticeable improve from the bottom mannequin. It delivers higher responsiveness and fewer noise, particularly below exhausting acceleration. The added energy, mixed with the additional functionality, makes the Wilderness a extra participating automobile.

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Braking And Acceleration

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

The Outback Wilderness has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It has sturdy acceleration with loads of energy to stand up to freeway speeds. That energy additionally is useful when making an attempt to get by means of deep mud.

Braking is assured whether or not you’re coming to a cease on paved roads or managing off-road terrain. It’s straightforward to modulate the brake and gasoline when the terrain is hard, so your passengers and you’ve got a much less jarring trip.

Efficiency Specs

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Gasoline Economic system

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness will get an EPA-estimated 21/27/23 metropolis/freeway/mixed. That is barely decrease than different trims with the turbocharged engine, however considerably decrease than the gas financial system with the bottom engine, which will get 27 mpg mixed. Those that put a precedence on gas financial system, particularly in the event that they don’t want the added functionality of the Wilderness, will discover the bottom engine a greater choice.

Inside Design And Consolation

Subaru

The inside is absolutely redesigned for higher consolation and a quieter trip. It has that no-fuss really feel, prepared for journey and exploration. The inside is spacious with loads of room for 5, with Anodized Copper accents that add a singular contact discovered solely within the Wilderness. There’s additionally dual-zone local weather management that makes use of exhausting buttons slightly than fidgety contact controls, which is very essential while you’re off-road.

Associated

2026 Subaru Outback Inside And Exterior Image Gallery

The all-new 2026 Subaru Outback presents a daring new styling, improved consolation, upgraded powertrains, and Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive.

Entrance seats are supportive and comfy with energy changes, together with lumbar help. The rear seats simply accommodate three adults with extra headroom than earlier than, so it feels extra open. It’s a lovely, roomy, and welcoming cabin that gained’t have you ever cringing when your boots are muddy.

Inside Dimensions

Expertise And Ease Of Use

Subaru

There’s a brand new 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen that may be a massive step up from the prior era. It’s responsive and straightforward to make use of with easy menus. There’s additionally a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wi-fi smartphone connectivity, and a wi-fi charging pad. The brand new system offers the Outback a much more trendy and premium look.

Cargo And Storage House

Subaru

Cargo area measures 34.6 cubic ft with seats up, a rise of two cubic ft from the earlier era. With these seats down, cargo capability is 80.5 cubic ft. New utility hooks and a multipurpose recycled-material cowl add versatility. The duvet works as a partition, storage hammock, or scratch protector and stows neatly when not wanted. Loading is straightforward with a flat load flooring and a liftgate that opens greater, so tall individuals gained’t should duck below to stow cargo.

Our Advice For Which Mannequin You Ought to Purchase

Pricing for the 2026 Subaru Outback ranges from $34,995 to $47,995, with the Wilderness sitting close to the center at $44,995. Purchase the Wilderness trim in order for you enhanced off-road functionality with greater floor clearance, electronically managed dampers, all-terrain tires, and superior drive modes. When you’re not into off-roading, then try one of many different turbocharged trims. That extra highly effective engine makes an enormous distinction. Nevertheless, no matter the way you drive, the Wilderness has nice styling that could be purpose sufficient to make it your decide.