2025 Subaru Outback revealed
Unveiled at the 2025 New York Motor Show, the seventh-generation 2026 Outback introduces a bold new look while staying true to its outdoor DNA.
With just over 10,000 units sold in Australia in 2024, the Outback has long been a symbol of practical adventure.
The latest model builds on that reputation with more aggressive styling, upgraded performance, and a suite of smarter features.
The exterior has undergone a muscular makeover, adopting a boxier silhouette, upright front fascia, and vertically stacked headlamps that emphasise the Outback's off-road capabilities.
Ground clearance remains unchanged at 221mm for most models, but the Wilderness variant now features a factory lift kit, boosting clearance to an impressive 241mm.
Further enhancements include scratch-resistant body cladding and a strengthened roof rack system, which now supports up to 800kg when stationary — perfect for rooftop tents and heavy gear.
Inside, the Outback showcases a redesigned dashboard centred around a new 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
In a welcoming move, Subaru has reinstated hard-button climate controls, replacing the previous touchscreen interface found in the older models.
The instrument cluster offers several viewing modes, including a distraction-reducing 'Calm Mode.' Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a hybrid cloud/on-board navigation system for smarter routing.
Other features include Nappa leather trim, a wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated seats, a sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.
Cabin comfort has also been enhanced with new sound-absorbing materials and improved aerodynamics, contributing to a quieter ride.
Subaru promises increased headroom for both front and rear passengers thanks to a taller roofline. New low-fatigue seats and an extendible thigh cushion on the driver's seat provide extra comfort for long-haul journeys.
Interior practicality remains a strong point, with larger bottle holders, reworked cupholders, and innovative cargo area solutions, including a configurable, washable tonneau cover made from recycled materials.
Under the bonnet, the 2026 Outback retains its familiar powertrain lineup.
A revised 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is offered on standard variants, while a punchier 2.4-litre turbocharged unit is reserved for XT trims and the Wilderness edition.
Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission featuring an eight-speed manual shift mode.
All models retain Subaru's hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and benefit from enhanced X-Mode off-road capabilities.
Safety also sees a major boost with the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The updated system now supports hands-free highway driving up to 137km/h, using three front-facing cameras and new radar sensors.
These upgraded cameras and sensors allow for Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection — a Subaru first — which can autonomously pull the vehicle over and alert emergency services if the driver becomes unresponsive.
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