Since it first hit the roads in 1995, the Subaru Outback has been the beloved companion of adventurers and everyday travelers dealing with rough roads and rougher weather. For 2026, this Subaru favorite has been completely redesigned with a more modern persona that is sure to impress today's drivers. With a bolder profile, more interior space, and more advanced technology, the 2026 Subaru Outback may just have everything that you are looking for in your next vehicle. And of course, it is still incredibly safe and continues to come standard with the industry's most trusted all-wheel drive system.
Bigger, Bolder, and All-Around Better
The original Outback was just a slightly more rugged version of the Subaru Legacy Wagon, and in fact, was originally called the Legacy Outback. But the more capable nature of the vehicle struck a chord with adventure-loving Subaru drivers, and sales of the new Outback vastly exceeded what Subaru expected, leading the brand to further develop the model into a serious SUV in its own right. Over the years, the Outback has separated from the Legacy, becoming taller and more rugged to better meet the needs of more adventurous drivers.
That evolution of the model has continued with the 2026 Outback, with the vehicle finally bidding a fond farewell to its wagon roots and adopting a more upright SUV-style design more in line with competing models. While the lower roofline of the wagon-style design helped the Outback stand out, it also limited headroom and cargo space compared to a more mainstream SUV design like the Subaru Forester. With the Legacy being discontinued after the 2025 model year, the Outback had more room to grow, and Subaru took full advantage of that.
On the outside, the 2026 Outback has a much blockier appearance that suits its dependable and adventurous nature. The taller roof and more squared-off rear end really tell everyone this model is ready for anything. This is especially true of the Wilderness trim. If you choose the most off-road-ready version of the Outback, you get a unique grille emblazoned with "SUBARU" instead of the traditional star cluster emblem. The Wilderness also comes with yellow accents that highlight its off-road nature, grippy all-terrain tires, and an impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance to get over obstacles.
More Room for Adventures
Despite all the exterior changes, it is inside the 2026 Outback that you will see the greatest differences. To begin with, the more upright design unlocks substantially more cabin space. For instance, while the 2025 model offers 75.6 cu.ft. of cargo space, the 2026 model now provides no less than 80.5 cu.ft. While the old wagon-style design is certainly going to be missed, the higher roofline brings undeniable benefits for drivers—and your furry friends will probably also appreciate having more room to move around on long trips.
That extra space can be found in every aspect of the new Outback. Not only is the roof now two inches higher than in the previous model, but the cargo area is also wider to more easily accommodate large items like mountain bikes or bulky pet carriers. Subaru also helps drivers make the most of that space with practical additions like tie-down points, larger bottle holders, and a configurable washable tonneau cover. When you're getting ready for a long road trip or an outdoor adventure, you want to make sure you have everything you need stashed away securely.
If all that cargo space still isn't enough for you, don't worry, because Subaru has you covered. Roof racks are a time-honored tradition for Outback owners, and modern adventures have taken this even further with additions like rooftop tents. To accommodate these needs, Subaru has substantially upgraded the roof rails of the 2026 Outback. The standard rails can now support 220 lbs when the vehicle is in motion or an impressive 800 lbs when parked. Plus, the rails are rated for a 220 lb lateral load, meaning you can hang a hammock from your Outback and take a quick nap.
Taking Tech to the Next Level
Once you've adjusted to the more spacious cabin of the 2026 Outback, we bet the new tech features will quickly catch your attention. The previous model year was no slouch with its available 11.6-inch infotainment system, but Subaru pulled out all the stops for the 2026 redesign by adding larger screens and making them standard across the lineup. You no longer have to buy a higher trim just to get the modern tech features you are looking for—every 2026 Outback comes with the same impressive 12.1-inch center touchscreen and an even larger 12.3-inch fully digital driver instrument display.
New software provides an improved interface and less lag for a more intuitive experience. The layout has also been reimagined to provide quicker access to important information and a variety of customizable views. However, Subaru hasn't followed the lead of other brands by ditching physical knobs and buttons. Underneath the center touchscreen, you will find a full collection of physical controls for the cabin temperature, heated seats, and defroster. This makes it easy to adjust settings without fumbling through touchscreen menus and taking your eyes off the road.
EyeSight, Improved
Subaru has always been a brand committed to safety, and that doesn't end with the layout of the climate controls. The 2026 Outback also includes the latest EyeSight driver-assist technologies to keep you secure on the roads. A third wide-angle mono camera has been added to Subaru's traditional two forward-facing cameras, improving the ability of the system to identify pedestrians and bicyclists early and help you avoid them. But that is far from the only new driver-assist feature.
Perhaps the coolest addition to the 2026 model is available hands-free driving. That's right, you can let your Outback drive itself in specific conditions! The Highway Hands Free Assist feature works on designated highways at speeds of up to 85 mph, which can really make long road trips less stressful. If the road you're on doesn't support going hands-free, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Pre-Curve Speed Control will automatically slow you down when approaching a sharp bend, letting you safely use cruise control on winding roads.
A smaller but no less critical safety addition is Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection. If you are using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and fall asleep or suffer a medical emergency, the Outback will recognize that, activate its hazard lights, pull over to the shoulder, and come to a safe stop. Then it will call 911 for you and even unlock the doors so first responders can get to you! Subaru really thought of everything when it comes to protecting drivers out on the road.
An SUV for Everyone
The redesigned 2026 Outback really stands out as the perfect SUV for a diverse array of local drivers. When you want to take to the trails on your weekends with the rugged Wilderness model or simply want the safest all-wheel drive SUV you can find to get through harsh winters, the Outback continues to be the reliable pick that has charmed Subaru owners for over 30 years. However, the newest version takes things to the next level with a more spacious design, bolder styling, and modern tech to keep you informed, entertained, and safe wherever your travels take you. We can't wait to show you everything the 2026 Subaru Outback has to offer!