Subaru of America revealed 2026 Outback today at the New York International Auto Show, ushering in the seventh generation of its signature SUV as it celebrates three decades on the road.
The new Outback, set to arrive in showrooms in late 2025, remains a symbol of adventure and versatility, combining all-wheel-drive capability with modern design and intuitive technology. It will be offered in six trims: Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and the rugged Wilderness edition.
Design and Practicality Refined
Subaru’s updated Outback introduces a bolder exterior while preserving the practicality that made it a staple for outdoor enthusiasts. A wider stance, vertical LED headlights, and an upright front fascia offer a more muscular look, complemented by textured lower cladding designed for durability and improved aerodynamics.
The SUV retains its signature silhouette but gains a more defined, boxier profile with a flatter roofline, enhancing cargo volume and passenger space. Standard roof rails now support up to 800 pounds when parked, allowing for rooftop tents and even hanging gear like hammocks, a first for Subaru.
At the rear, redesigned taillights accentuate the Outback’s height and width. A steeper rear window and improved cladding add to its utility, while subtle branding details help streamline hitch installation.
Inside, the cabin adopts a clean, cohesive design featuring sustainable materials, including headliner inserts made from 12 recycled bottles. The redesigned dashboard houses a new 12.1-inch vertical touchscreen alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Controls for climate and audio are now physical, providing ease of use in all conditions.
Smarter, More Connected
Technology upgrades include Subaru’s latest infotainment system, offering faster responsiveness and a streamlined user experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a new cloud-based voice assistant integrates with hybrid navigation for faster route planning.
The digital gauge cluster includes multiple display modes, from minimalist to map-focused, as well as an EyeSight®-enhanced mode for improved situational awareness. A new “Calm Mode” helps reduce distractions during longer drives.
More Space, More Comfort
A taller roofline and wider cargo area offer up to 34.6 cubic feet of storage—2 cubic feet more than the previous model. The updated interior adds more rear headroom and low-fatigue seats designed to reduce motion and improve long-distance comfort. Adjustable cupholders, larger bottle storage, and smarter cord management add daily convenience.
Soundproofing enhancements, including roof and headliner insulation, contribute to a 10% reduction in wind noise. A reconfigurable, washable tonneau cover made from recycled materials helps keep gear organized and pets secure in the cargo area.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2026 Outback features Subaru’s most advanced EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology to date, now with three cameras and expanded radar coverage. Standard systems include adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and emergency braking.
Select trims introduce new capabilities such as Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection, which pulls the vehicle safely to the shoulder and alerts emergency responders if the driver becomes unresponsive. On certain highways, hands-free driving is now possible up to 85 mph under driver supervision.
Performance and Engineering
Two powertrains are available: a revised 2.5-liter BOXER® engine delivering 180 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged option producing 260 horsepower for XT and Wilderness models. Both are paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic® CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The 2026 Outback debuts an upgraded X-MODE® system for enhanced off-road handling, and a dual-pinion steering rack derived from the WRX improves precision at all speeds. Every trim features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with new 19-inch wheels available and the Wilderness model continuing with 17-inch all-terrain tires.
Pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to launch.