2026 Subaru Outback Redesign Shocks Everyone – Is It Still a Wagon?

The Subaru Outback has entered a new chapter, and while it still carries the adventurous spirit it is known for, the 2026 model brings some bold changes to the table. Gone is the traditional wagon silhouette that many longtime fans may remember. What remains is a crossover that pushes the envelope with a more upright stance and a focus on both utility and modern design.
At first glance, the new body styling tells you this is not the same Outback from years past. The design is more chiseled, with a squared-off front grille and stacked headlight setup. Dark plastic cladding surrounds the lower body and bumpers, adding to its rugged appearance. The rear design has evolved too, dropping the previously sloped roofline for a more squared-off hatch. This not only improves rear visibility but also provides more vertical cargo space.
Subaru has rethought the Outback’s cabin as well. Front and center is a new 12.1-inch landscape-style touchscreen mounted higher on the dashboard, replacing the previous portrait orientation. Drivers now get a clean 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Both displays are framed within a single housing for a neat, symmetrical look. Climate controls are no longer tucked inside the screen—physical buttons are back, giving users a more tactile and user-friendly experience. Subaru even kept the traditional gear shifter, a choice that feels refreshingly familiar in a world of electronic toggles.
The interior improvements are not just cosmetic. Thanks to a roof that is 2.0 inches taller, cargo capacity grows to 34.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, an increase of 2.0 cubic feet over the previous model. The added height also contributes to more headroom, making long trips more comfortable for everyone. Subaru has also addressed noise concerns by adding more insulation to the roof and headliner, aiming for a quieter ride. Even the seats are now directly mounted to the chassis, which helps improve support over long distances.
Underneath, the mechanical story sticks to Subaru tradition but with a few smart updates. The base 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine now produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. That is a slight decrease in horsepower but a gain in torque, likely resulting in better low-end power delivery. Power is sent through a continuously variable transmission, and all-wheel drive is, as always, standard. Subaru has also revised the all-wheel drive system for quicker center differential lockup, helping the Outback respond more quickly in slippery conditions.
For those wanting more punch, the XT models return with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is paired with the same continuously variable transmission, featuring manual mode for more driver control.
Subaru has fine-tuned the steering as well, borrowing and modifying the system from the WRX for better feel and control, especially at lower speeds. Ground clearance remains a respectable 8.7 inches, and for the first time, factory-installed 19-inch wheels are available.
Technology gets a big boost too. All trims will include smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s latest Eyesight suite brings advanced driver-assistance features, including hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 miles per hour on approved highways.
Expect the 2026 Subaru Outback to arrive at dealerships in late 2025, with trim levels including Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and the Wilderness edition.
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