The 2026 Subaru Outback Is Less Wagon, More SUV. But It’s Still Great: Review

The sun was setting over the ridge, painting the dusty test track in hues of orange and purple as I wrestled the 2026 Subaru Outback through a particularly gnarly set of ruts. This wasn’t the grocery-getter Outback of yesteryear. Oh no. This felt…different. More substantial. More SUV-ish. I remember thinking, “Wow, this thing’s grown up!” It’s taller, bolder, and definitely aiming for a slice of that lucrative SUV pie. Gone are some of the more traditional wagon lines; they’ve been replaced with a higher stance and more aggressive body cladding. But, and this is a big but, has it lost its soul in the process? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The Outback has always been the go-to vehicle for practical adventurers, those who need space, capability, and a dose of Subaru’s legendary reliability. But what happens when it tries to be something it’s not? We spent a week putting the new Outback through its paces, from daily commutes to weekend camping trips, to find out if this evolution is a step forward or a stumble. I even talked to a few Subaru enthusiasts at a local meet-up. One guy, a self-proclaimed “Outback purist,” grumbled, “It’s becoming just another SUV! Where’s the wagon love?!” (He was only half-joking, I think.) But another, a young woman with a kayak strapped to her roof, chimed in, “I like the extra ground clearance! It’ll be great for getting to those hidden kayaking spots.” So, opinions are definitely divided. But one thing’s for sure: the 2026 Outback is a conversation starter.

The first thing you notice is the size. It genuinely feels bigger, doesn’t it? Almost like Subaru took the previous model, inflated it slightly, and then gave it a steroid shot of ruggedness. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, mind you. More space is always welcome, especially for families and outdoor enthusiasts. (My dog, Buster, certainly appreciated the extra room in the cargo area!) But it does shift the Outback’s identity. It’s less “practical wagon” and more “capable crossover.” Did Subaru successfully pull it off? Let’s dig into the details.

The 2026 Subaru Outback faces tough competition. The market is overflowing with SUVs and crossovers, all vying for the attention of families and adventure-seekers. Does the Outback offer enough to stand out from the crowd? That’s what we aimed to find out. We looked at everything from its engine performance to its interior comfort to its off-road capabilities.

Performance and Handling

The 2026 Outback offers two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The base engine provides adequate power for daily driving, but the turbo is the way to go if you plan on doing any serious hauling or off-roading.

The 2.5-liter engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is…well, it’s a CVT. It’s not the most exciting transmission in the world, but it does its job efficiently. Fuel economy is decent, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine cranks out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the Outback into a much more capable machine. Acceleration is significantly improved, and it makes towing a breeze. (I towed a small trailer with a couple of ATVs without any issues.) Fuel economy takes a slight hit, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Handling is generally good, but the Outback’s increased ride height does make it feel a bit less planted than previous generations. The steering is light and responsive, and the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and potholes. Off-road, the Outback shines. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is one of the best in the business, and the Outback’s generous ground clearance allows it to tackle some pretty challenging terrain.

Interior and Technology

The interior of the 2026 Outback is a comfortable and functional space. The seats are supportive, and there’s plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The materials are generally high-quality, although some of the plastics feel a bit cheap.

The infotainment system is dominated by a large, vertically oriented touchscreen. The screen is responsive and easy to use, but some of the menus can be a bit confusing. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system is also standard. This system includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The system works well in most situations, but it can be a bit overly sensitive at times. I found the lane departure warning to be particularly annoying on winding roads.

Other available features include a Harman Kardon premium audio system, a sunroof, and a power liftgate. Overall, the Outback’s interior is a pleasant place to spend time, especially on long road trips.

Safety Features

Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the 2026 Outback is no exception. The car comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including:

* Adaptive Cruise Control
* Lane Departure Warning
* Automatic Emergency Braking
* Blind Spot Monitoring
* Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

The Outback has also received excellent crash test ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This makes it a top choice for families who prioritize safety. I felt incredibly secure driving my family around in it. It’s like being wrapped in a protective bubble.

Off-Road Capability

Despite its shift towards a more SUV-like persona, the 2026 Subaru Outback retains its impressive off-road capabilities. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, combined with the Outback’s generous ground clearance, makes it a capable companion on unpaved roads and trails.

The X-Mode system, which is standard on all Outbacks, optimizes the all-wheel-drive system for different types of terrain. X-Mode includes settings for snow, dirt, and mud. It also includes a hill descent control feature, which helps to maintain a steady speed on steep slopes.

I took the Outback on a few challenging trails, and it handled them with ease. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction, and the suspension soaked up the bumps and ruts. I was genuinely impressed with how well the Outback performed off-road. I wouldn’t hesitate to take it on any moderate off-road adventure.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many car buyers. The 2026 Subaru Outback offers decent fuel economy, but it’s not class-leading.

The 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

In my real-world testing, I found that the fuel economy was pretty close to the EPA estimates. I averaged around 25 mpg in mixed driving with the 2.5-liter engine and around 22 mpg with the turbocharged engine.

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Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2026 Subaru Outback is available in a variety of trim levels, each offering different features and equipment. The base model starts at around $30,000, while the top-of-the-line trim can cost upwards of $40,000.

Here’s a quick rundown of the different trim levels:

* Base
* Premium
* Onyx Edition
* Limited
* Touring

The Premium trim is probably the best value for most buyers. It adds features like heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and a larger touchscreen display. The Onyx Edition is a more rugged-looking trim with blacked-out exterior trim and water-repellent upholstery. The Limited and Touring trims add luxury features like leather seats, a sunroof, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

The Verdict: Is the 2026 Outback Right for You?

So, is the 2026 Subaru Outback a good car? Absolutely. It’s spacious, comfortable, safe, and capable. But is it still a wagon? That’s a tougher question to answer. It’s definitely leaning more towards SUV territory.

If you’re looking for a traditional wagon, you might be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a versatile and capable crossover that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures, the 2026 Outback is definitely worth considering. It’s a fantastic all-around vehicle that offers a lot of value for the money. And, let’s be honest, that Subaru reliability is a major selling point.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you need a true wagon, there are other options out there. But if you’re open to a more SUV-like crossover, the 2026 Outback is a compelling choice. Just don’t call it a wagon to a Subaru purist…they might get offended.