2026 Subaru Outback First Drive Review: Not A Compromise

 It may be hard to see from the outside, but the redesigned Subaru Outback is more spacious than just about any SUV in its price range.

2026 Subaru Outback Summary

• 2,280 litres of total cargo space
• Turbo 2.4-litre engine with 260 horsepower et 277 pound-feet of torque on all versions except base
• Taller and more boxy design while retaining the same wheelbase
• 2,700-pound towing capacity

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2026 Subaru Outback Pros

• Outstanding versatility and cargo space
• Efficient turbocharged engine
• Drives more like a sedan than an SUV

2026 Subaru Outback Cons

• Boring interior
• Large gap in pricing between base model and turbo versions
• Somewhat slow to react when passing

Driving the redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback along northern Arizona highways and surprisingly slippery rain-soaked dirt roads, one thing became clear. The new Outback may be taller, boxier, and ultimately more SUV-like in shape, but it still feels like you’re driving a station wagon. You don’t feel all that high off the ground, the visibility is remarkable, and the handling is, well, Legacy-like. The Outback recipe has worked across Canada and parts of the US, and Subaru has preserved most ingredients. They have also improved on the comfort and the already impressive versatility. This new-generation Outback won’t upset enthusiasts while its more boxy, rugged design may just appeal to those who will not waver from buying a “sport utility vehicle.”

Design: Rugged, Square-Jawed, and Still an Outback

Subaru’s seventh-generation Outback leans heavier into SUV territory while keeping the signature long-roof identity that defines the nameplate. The new front end—with its vertically stacked headlights and more upright stance—looks more truck-like, and the rear now features horizontal taillights that visually widen the body while introducing Subaru’s next design language. The body is taller and boxier than before, but because Subaru is no longer constrained by Legacy platform proportions, they were able to redesign the entire upper structure. Height increases, the roofline rises, and the hatch opening becomes more squared—changes intended to add both practicality and rugged appeal.

Despite the blockier outline, Subaru also doubled down on aerodynamics and noise reduction. Roof rails were reshaped to reduce wind noise, wheel-well vents now help cut lift, and new underbody panels stabilize airflow at highway speeds. Sound-insulating glass in the windshield and front doors, along with resin inner-door panels designed to reduce air leakage, help the Outback remain quieter than the model it replaces.

Interior: Cleaner, Quieter, and Far More Modern

Inside, the Outback trades flashiness for practical improvements. Subaru redesigned every surface and control to be simpler, cleaner, and easier to use. The massive infotainment overhaul—developed entirely in-house using direct customer testing—results in a faster, clearer, and more intuitive interface. A new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster offers a range of layouts, from classic needles to full-width navigation mapping.

Canadian models benefit from nicer materials than their U.S. equivalents, including soft-touch dashboards and no cloth upholstery even on the entry Touring trim. Front passengers get more legroom thanks to increased seat travel, while all occupants enjoy improved headroom due to the taller body structure. Clever touches like a cord-management slot, larger phone trays, quiet fabric-lined bottle holders, and improved seat ventilation add meaningful day-to-day usability.

Versatility and Cargo Space: Outback’s Greatest Strength

Subaru knows that Outback loyalty is built on practicality, and the new generation leans even harder into that advantage. Total cargo capacity now reaches 2,280 litres, thanks to a longer load floor, increased vertical room, and a more squared-off rear opening. With the rear seats upright, capacity rises by 57 litres; at maximum volume, the 2026 Outback adds 139 litres compared to its predecessor.

Roof capability also improves dramatically. The redesigned roof rails now support a 363-kg static load, nearly double the outgoing model, making rooftop tents and adventure gear far more realistic. Subaru scrapped the old swing-out crossbars in favour of traditional rails, but the tradeoff results in vastly more carrying capacity. A new multi-use cargo cover enhances rear storage flexibility.

Powertrains: Turbocharged and Responding to Customer Pressure

While electrified rumors swirl south of the border, Subaru Canada’s direction for the Outback is crystal clear: customers asked for power, and the company is focusing on turbocharged performance rather than hybridization—at least for now. Every trim above Touring comes standard with the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering strong everyday torque and enabling a 2,700-lb towing capacity. Subaru repeatedly emphasized that Outback buyers overwhelmingly valued power over efficiency, whereas it’s Forester customers who continue to push for hybrid availability.

Driving Feel: Wagon Dynamics, SUV Confidence

On the road, the Outback still drives like a tall wagon—which is precisely the point. Subaru retuned the all-wheel-drive drag for more precise line-trace ability, reducing the small steering corrections often required through sweeping bends. This results in a direct, relaxed steering feel that is noticeably more composed at highway speeds. Noise levels improve thanks to laminated glass and refined aerodynamics. Ride quality remains excellent, absorbing broken pavement and muddy dirt roads with confidence. The turbo engine still hesitates briefly before delivering full acceleration during sudden passes, but once underway, it pulls confidently and efficiently.

Safety & Semi-Autonomous Technology

Subaru’s next-generation driver-assistance suite—currently referred to as EyeSight X—debuts on the 2026 Outback and introduces a level of semi-autonomous functionality previously unavailable on the model. On major highways, when Adaptive Cruise Control is active, the Outback can offer hands-free driving. Unlike some competing systems, Subaru’s setup does not require periodic wheel-touch prompts; instead, it autonomously disengages when conditions such as heavy traffic or sharper curves demand driver control and re-engages automatically when safe. The system now supports automatic lane changes under the right conditions.

A new Emergency Stop Assist feature elevates highway safety. If the driver becomes unresponsive, the Outback escalates warnings with audible alerts and hard brake pulses before bringing the vehicle to a stop and activating the hazards. With a MySubaru subscription, emergency services are contacted automatically. In Premier trims, the vehicle can even steer itself onto the shoulder before stopping. Additional enhancements include a new 3D surround-view camera, improved outward visibility from redesigned pillars, winter-friendly headlight shapes that shed snow more effectively, and a stronger body structure featuring hot-press door beams and additional ultra-high-strength steel.

Trims and Pricing: A Bigger Gap Than Before

The biggest strategic shift Subaru made for 2026 is in how the lineup is structured. The Convenience trim is gone, making the Touring trim the new entry point at $43,718. It remains powered by the familiar 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is smooth and adequate for daily use, but stepping up to the turbo models now requires a much larger financial leap than before.

Every trim above Touring comes exclusively with the turbo engine—and pricing reflects that shift. The 2026 turbo lineup begins above $51,000, despite the 2025 Outback 2.4-litre turbo starting at $48,313. Last year’s Premier XT opened at $50,918, which is lower than the 2026 Limited XT. In effect, the new generation eliminates three model configurations in the $42,000–$46,000 range, creating a wider gulf between the base model and the upper trims.

There is a clear marketing strategy behind this. Subaru insists customers asked for turbo power, and the brand is responding by pushing the turbo lineup upward, bundling performance with higher equipment levels. But buyers content with the 2.5-litre engine now have fewer affordable options, and the jump from Touring to the turbo trims is steeper than before.