Japanese brands like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru have a rock-solid popularity for reliability—however that often comes with enjoying it protected. More often than not, meaning smart automobiles that received’t shock you, for higher or worse.
The Subaru Outback is totally different. It mixes real-world reliability with a punchy boxer engine, real off-road chops (particularly in its more durable trims), and a cabin full of fashionable tech and safety features.
It’s an SUV snug sufficient for every day responsibility, powerful sufficient for weekend abuse, and confirmed to rack up severe miles with out drama. That uncommon steadiness is what makes the Outback really feel just like the one mainstream automotive that may really do all of it.
With the intention to provide the most modern and correct data potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Subaru and different authoritative sources, together with iSeeCars, J.D. Power, TopSpeed.
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The 2026 Subaru Outback is constructed to go the space
Rated 81/100 for reliability by J.D. Energy
The Subaru Outback retains its popularity for reliability going strong, with no main modifications for 2026.
J.D. Energy offers it an 81/100 for high quality and reliability, backing up what Subaru homeowners already know.
Add in stable marks for driving expertise, resale worth, and dealership service, and the Outback scores an general 83/100—adequate for second place on J.D. Energy’s 2026 midsize SUV rankings.
The Outback additionally shines on iSeeCars with a reliability rating of 8.5/10.
Its anticipated lifespan is round 11 years or 158,000 miles, which is spectacular for a midsize SUV.
With common driving of 12,110 miles per yr, the 2026 Outback has a few 20 p.c probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
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Loads of feature-loaded trims to suit each want
Six trims beginning at $34,995
Despite the fact that Subaru dropped the bottom trim in 2025, the 2026 Outback nonetheless is available in six trims.
The Premium trim kicks issues off at $34,995 with a stable set of normal options.
On the surface, it provides new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, an influence rear gate with auto-close and top reminiscence, raised ladder-style roof rails rated for 800 kilos, and a detachable rear trailer hitch cowl.
2026 Subaru Outback trim ranges and pricing
|
2026 Subaru Outback trim |
Beginning worth |
|---|---|
|
Premium |
$34,995 |
|
Restricted |
$41,715 |
|
Touring |
$45,395 |
|
Wilderness |
$44,995 |
|
Restricted XT |
$44,365 |
|
Touring XT |
$47,995 |
The cabin comes with sturdy, water-repellent upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, heated entrance seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone local weather management, and a 10-way adjustable driver seat.
A $2,270 non-obligatory pack provides rain-sensing wipers, cloud-based navigation, a wi-fi telephone charger, a heated steering wheel, and a moonroof.
Merely put, even the bottom Premium trim on the Outback is impressively well-equipped.
The Restricted trim steps up from the Premium with additional consolation and tech.
It provides leather-based upholstery, a built-in navigation system on the 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, and an electrically adjustable passenger seat.
All of the non-obligatory options from the Premium trim come customary right here.
The Touring trim takes consolation and comfort up a notch.
It options Nappa leather-based, ventilated entrance seats, a surround-view digital camera, and an upgraded leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The motive force’s seat positive aspects additional lumbar and thigh assist, and the total EyeSight Driver Help suite comes customary.
The Wilderness trim takes the Outback to the subsequent degree, displaying simply how far this SUV can go.
Off-roading is its focus, with a extra highly effective turbocharged boxer engine, larger floor clearance, and all-terrain tires.
Subaru’s X-Mode retains electronics working collectively to remain composed on powerful terrain, whereas rugged bumpers, cladding, and distinctive styling spotlight its adventurous facet.
The highest trims—Restricted XT and Touring XT—mirror the usual Restricted and Touring however include the turbocharged boxer engine.
Visually, the XT variations stand out with 19-inch wheels, a surround-view digital camera, and twin exhaust shops, giving them a sportier, extra aggressive look.
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Pushed by a confirmed boxer engine
Increased trims get a beefed-up turbo boxer
The Subaru Outback stands out from different dependable crossovers by refusing to play it protected.
Its powertrain proves the purpose: as a substitute of a typical four-cylinder, the 2026 Outback sports activities a particular 2.5-liter boxer engine.
It delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, sending energy to all 4 wheels via an AWD system and CVT.
The highest trims flip up the joy with a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine that cranks out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
It retains the CVT and all-wheel-drive setup, however Subaru makes it really feel extra partaking with an eight-speed handbook shift mode that mimics actual gear modifications.
That additional energy additionally boosts towing capability to three,500 kilos, in contrast with 2,700 kilos on the naturally aspirated trims.
Engine and transmission specs
|
Engine configuration |
Horizontally-opposed four-cylinder; naturally aspirated |
|---|---|
|
Engine displacement |
2.5-liter |
|
Bore x stroke |
3.70 x 3.54 in. (94.0 x 90.0 mm) |
|
Compression ratio |
12.0:1 |
|
Energy |
180 hp |
|
Torque |
178 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
CVT |
|
Drivetrain |
All-wheel drive |
(Customary engine specs quoted right here)
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Rugged chassis boosts off-road functionality
Comes customary with all-wheel drive
The peppy boxer engine and CVT hold the Outback environment friendly on lengthy drives whereas vigorous round city.
Its rugged underpinnings make it surprisingly snug even off the crushed path.
With absolutely impartial suspension and eight.7 inches of floor clearance, it handles tough terrain with ease.
The Wilderness trim takes floor clearance as much as 9.5 inches, giving it severe off-road chops.
Whereas different trims use customary dampers, the Wilderness will get electronically managed ones for smoother dealing with on tough terrain.
All trims trip on 225-section all-season tires, however the Wilderness switches to chunkier all-terrain rubber for additional grip in all places.
Key tech that reinforces the Outback’s driving efficiency
- Car Dynamics Management
- Hill Descent Management
- Traction Management System
- X-Mode drive Mode
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Full of fashionable in-car tech
Larger display, smoother interface
The 2026 Outback’s dashboard incorporates a new 12.1-inch high-res touchscreen infotainment system.
It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 processor, making animations buttery easy and responsive.
Connectivity is straightforward with customary wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus SiriusXM 360L with new artist stations. The setup pairs completely with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Different standout tech options inside
- Push-button begin
- Auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with Homelink (solely on Touring trims)
- 3-spoke steering wheel with built-in connectivity and assistive controls
- Twin-zone local weather management
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi functionality
Comes customary with a full suite of EyeSight driver help options
The standout characteristic on the Outback is its customary EyeSight Driver Help suite.
It consists of entrance pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise management, lane centering, lane departure and sway warnings, emergency cease help, entrance cross-traffic braking, acceleration override, and haptic steering suggestions.
Subaru additionally presents useful add-ons on sure trims, like pre-curve pace management, freeway computerized resume for cruise management, and hands-free help as much as 85 mph.
Key security and driver-assist options
- Excessive Beam Help
- Distraction Mitigation System
- Blind-spot Warning with Lane Change Help and Rear Cross-traffic Warning
- Reverse Computerized Braking
- Brake Help
- Brake Override System
- Tire Strain Monitoring System
- 360-degree Encompass-View Monitor
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