2026 SUBARU OUTBACK

BUYERS’ ENTHUSIASM WANES AS SUBARU TWEAKS OUTBACK WAGON’S PROFILE

Once decidedly a wagon, the Subaru Outback identifies more with the crossover SUV segment than the familiar station with the 2026 makeover that moves it into its seventh generation.

Going by U.S. sales numbers, the update has not exactly been enthusiastically received. U.S. sales through April were down just a tick under 27 percent compared to 2025 numbers, but that is an improvement over March’s results that showed a dip of nearly 43 percent in 2026 over 2025.

Still the Outback remains the company’s third-best seller behind the Forester and Crosstrek with over 37,500 Outbacks sold in the first four months of the year.

The availability of a hybrid drivetrain popular among competitors in the midsize segment might help get the Outback on track but early 2027 models show no HEV trim in the works. If one was coming for next year’s models it likely would have been announced by now.

The 2026 Subaru Outback is offered in ix trims with last year’s Base model eliminated and the Premium, which this review is based on, taking over the role as the entry-level model.

The Outback Premium trim shares a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine with the Limited and Touring models while the upgraded Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trims get a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.

The engines are mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission with settings to mock an 8-speed manual transmission via paddle shifters with shift ratios tuned to specific trims.

The non-aspirated engine in the three lower trims is rated at 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet torque and carry fuel efficiency ratings of 25 miles-per-gallon city, 31 highway and 27 combined. Turbo models are rated at 21/29/24 for mileage and boost power to 260 hp and 277 lb.ft. Both run on regular 87-octane fuel.

Though now serving as the entry-level model in the Outback portfolio, the Premium isn’t shortchanged when it comes to standard features.

The front fascia features an all-new grille and the side profile is boxier and taller, giving rear-seat riders a bit more in the way of headroom as well as more storage space for upright loads. 

The redesigned interior features a 12.1-inch screen for infotainment functions and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Tech systems include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and hard buttons can be used to adjust the dual-zone climate control.

The 2026  Subaru Outback Premium features keyless entry with a push-button start, an all-weather package with heated front seats, 10-way power adjusted driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, water,-repellent cloth seats with a “star-trimmed” pattern, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Heading safety equipment is Subaru’s Eye-Sight Driver Assist system with automatic emergency braking. Other safety features include adaptive cruise control with lane-entering, blind-spot warning, and electronic brake force distribution.

Staring MSRP for the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium is $34,995. The green-pearl paint and an option package that added a multi-media navigation system, wireless charger, power moonroof, heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers ran the total for my test 2026 Subaru  Outback Premium to $39,110 including the destination and delivery fee of $1,450.

What I liked about the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium: It is well-equipped with standard tech features that operate off a user-friendly touchscreen. Dual-zone climate control is included as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Eyesight Emergency Braking System is a big bonus The ride is comfortable and rear storage generous. As a Subaru, it also comes with standard all-wheel drive.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium: The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine could use more punch, and the continuously variable transmission doesn’t help with acceleration.

Would I buy the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium? If you can push your budget, you will appreciate the extra power in the turbocharged engines offered in the higher trims. If you can’t push your budget, the lower Outback trims are still a good choice.