2026 Subaru Outback: Boxier SUV nears Australian launch, packing turbo power
Government documents list both '2.5i-L' and '2.4i-T' variants of the Outback as having been approved for Australian roads, though the largely blank documents don't shed any other light on the next-generation large SUV.
Subaru Australia has been tight-lipped about the new Outback, which was revealed in April.
It has yet to confirm launch timing, saying upon the Outback's reveal only that 'We look forward to sharing what these global debuts mean for the Australian market in due course.'
When asked for an update, a Subaru Australia spokesperson said there was no news to share at this time.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Subaru. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
However, the appearance of the Outback in Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents suggests a local launch could occur within the next six months.
The new Forester mid-size SUV, for example, appeared in ADR approval documents in February 2025, before launching here in July. The current Crosstrek small SUV had a gap of around five months between being approved for local roads and being launched.
Should the Outback arrive here in early 2026, Australians would gain access to the all-new model just a few months after Americans. The Outback is going on sale in the US late this year.
That short delay is in stark contrast with the outgoing Outback, which entered production in the US and went on sale there in late 2019. However, its Japanese-built counterpart didn't launch here until early 2021. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The turbocharged version of the outgoing Outback was delayed even longer, also launching in the US late in 2019 but not arriving here until early in 2023.
In that instance, the Outback turbo was initially produced only in the US, with Japanese production not commencing until much later.
This time around, the Outback is being produced exclusively in Japan. This means Subaru needs to have naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions ready for export to markets like ours and the US.
It's a smaller pool of markets this time around for the Outback. Subaru won't offer the new, blockier model in Japan or Europe. In the latter market, the Outback name will live on, albeit with an 'E-' prefix, affixed to the electric Trailseeker revealed in April. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
It's worth noting that ADR approval documents will sometimes list model variants that may not end up being introduced here.
Nevertheless, it appears likely Subaru will stick with a turbocharged engine in the Outback locally, given the absence of a suitable replacement.
That's in contrast with other crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, which is dropping turbo power globally in favour of a hybrid system that will arrive later, or the updated Hyundai Kona lineup which has sacrificed turbo power locally in favour of an expanded naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrain lineup.
The Outback is bigger than both those models and competes in the large SUV segment, where turbocharged engines – whether petrol or diesel – have become an expectation. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
As before, naturally aspirated and turbocharged Outback variants will come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with eight artificial gears, as well as Subaru's 'symmetrical' all-wheel drive system.
The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre flat four produces 134kW of power and 241Nm of torque, while the turbo 2.4-litre produces 194kW and 376Nm.
Subaru has yet to confirm a hybrid Outback, however, one seems likely to arrive eventually given the Japanese brand has introduced a new, more powerful and more efficient 'Strong Hybrid' powertrain.
The seventh-generation Outback departs sharply from its predecessors in terms of styling, with a much boxier body that sees it move away from its more traditional station wagon cues. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Inside, the Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system – now larger and landscape-oriented instead of portrait – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Subaru has also returned to a traditional climate control array, while other more user-friendly touches include larger bottle holders in the doors and 'more accessible' cupholders.
A more rugged Wilderness variant will be available in the US once again, and Subaru Australia has confirmed it will finally introduce this nameplate Down Under… although whether it's in the form of the new Outback, Forester or Crosstrek remains to be seen.
It isn't just the Outback that Subaru Australia is being tight-lipped about. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Subaru also revealed its updated Solterra and new Trailseeker (called E-Outback in Europe) electric vehicles (EVs) in April, but has yet to indicate whether they're coming here and, if so, when.
Likewise, the Uncharted EV revealed this month has also yet to be confirmed for local release.
MORE: 2026 Subaru Outback revealed, looks more like an SUV than ever before
MORE: Explore the Subaru Outback showroom
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Age
41 minutes ago
- The Age
A ‘true visionary': Renowned jeweller Michael Hill dies at age 86
Sir Michael Hill, the founder of one of the most prominent jewellery brands in Australia, has died at the age of 86. The Michael Hill company's board and executives announced the jeweller's death on Tuesday. 'Sir Michael was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur, philanthropist and committed father and husband who, with his wife Lady Christine, founded and grew Michael Hill from its humble beginnings in Whangarei, New Zealand to a global retail jewellery brand that spans Australia, New Zealand and Canada,' the statement read. Hill and his wife founded the jewellery brand in 1979, opening his first store in New Zealand. Since then, Michael Hill has grown into a cross-country enterprise, with 287 stores spanning New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The first Australian stores opened in 1980. Chairman of the company Rob Fyfe said Hill built a legacy that will continue to inspire. 'To every endeavour he pursued, Michael brought a deep sense of purpose, an enduring curiosity, open-mindedness and creativity that challenged all of us to embrace ever more lofty goals and be unconstrained in our thinking,' he said. Australian model Miranda Kerr, who became Michael Hill's first brand ambassador in April last year, called him a 'true visionary whose passion and creativity helped shape a brand that has brought joy to so many around the world'. 'I feel incredibly honoured to be part of the brand he built with integrity, passion and heart,' she said. 'My love and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire Michael Hill team.'
West Australian
43 minutes ago
- West Australian
Australian farmers clap back at Donald Trump's claims US beef will flood the Aussie market
Australian cattle farmers have hit back at Donald Trump's claims American beef will 'flood' the market down under, but say they are concerned about biosecurity risks and failure to consult industry before agreeing to take more US imports. The red meat sector was blindsided last week when the Albanese Government confirmed it had relaxed restrictions on US beef imports — a move welcomed by the US President on social media, where he declared American producers would sell 'so much to Australia' and described their product as 'the safest and best in the entire world.' More than 99 per cent of beef sold in Australian pubs, supermarkets and restaurants is Australian beef, and industry believes the change will have little significant material impact on what Aussie consumers can buy on the shelf. The US president took to social media last week to welcome the controversial move, saying his farmers planned to sell 'so much to Australia', which was the 'safest and best in the entire world'. But farmers and other industry stakeholders Countryman spoke to said the US — Australia's biggest beef buyer — would struggle to compete with the strong domestic cattle industry. They said any US beef imports would likely be used in restaurants, fast food or pre-packaged meals, rather than on supermarket shelves. Rabobank RaboResearch Australia and New Zealand general manager Stefan Vogel said high prices and tight supply in the US would make it difficult for the industry to send a significant volume of beef to Australia in at least the next five years. The US' cattle herd is in a restocking phase after several years of drought. While the amount of beef coming into Australia from the US was unlikely to be significant, Mr Vogel said there could be a market for it. 'We may see some very specific product coming into the market, like a Texas steakhouse, bringing in US beef, rather than mass product,' he said. 'For now, we don't think this will be a gamechanger.' Australia shipped nearly 400,000 tonnes of beef worth $2.9 billion to the United States last year, with just 269 tonnes of US product moving the other way. Australia is the world's second-biggest beef exporter, behind Brazil, while the US is the second-biggest importer of beef, behind China. Western Beef Association chair Mark Thomas said there was a reason Australia was exporting record volumes of beef into America. 'They can't supply their own market, let alone supply ours,' he said. 'This (the imports) is actually a positive thing for Australian beef because removing the inability for America to export into Australia... removes an excuse that America has to not allow Australian beef.' Australian Pork Limited boss Margotr Andrae said Australia 'must not allow trade pressure to override the science, animal welfare standards and food security'. It was a view echoed by National Farmers' Federation president David Jochinke, who said 'tariff negotiations' should be removed from any conversation on biosecurity. '(It) should be dealt with separate from any tariff negotiations,' he said. The cattle industry has also lashed out after receiving no consultation during the final stages of the review. Cattle Australia chief executive Will Evans said the organisation had not seen any detail of the science-based assessment prior to the announcement and was now reviewing the DAFF paper. The group is also concerned that the rules applied to Australian beef exports into the US will not be reciprocated for incoming US product. It plans to call for an independent scientific panel to review how the decision was made. 'We believe an independent scientific assessment is a sensible and prudent way forward. This must occur before imports commence,' Mr Evans said. 'There is simply too much at stake when it comes to Australia's world-leading biosecurity status not to get a second opinion. 'Given the Minister's confidence she should have no issue appointing an independent panel to take the highest level of precaution in protecting the Australian beef industry.' The lack of consultation has sparked criticism that the decision was rushed to appease Mr Trump as he considered slapping more than the existing 10 per cent tariff on all Australian imports announced in April. The US is Australia's largest beef customer, importing 400,000 tonnes worth $US4.2 billion ($6.3b) last year. A prolonged drought has shrunk the US herd to its lowest level in 75 years, sending domestic beef prices to record highs. Despite the longstanding ban on transhipped beef, US born and raised beef has continued to enter Australia, with imports reaching 270 tonnes in 2024-5, the highest since the mid 1990s, according to Episode3's Matt Dalgleish. He said the sheer scale of Australia's 1.4 million tonne annual beef exports made biosecurity paramount. WA Pastoralists and Graziers Association president Tony Seabrook also raised concerns about the traceability of beef imported from the US, saying Foot and Mouth Disease would 'ruin our industry overnight'. 'How the hell would we know where it came from? You've only got to take it out of one box and put it in another, and you'll never know where it came from,' he said. Mr Seabrook labelled the timing 'coincidental' amid tariff talks and accused the Government of making the decision 'without due consultation' with industry. Australia banned beef imports from the US in 2003 after the, mad cow disease, or fatal neurological disease bovine spongiform encephalopathy, was discovered in American cattle. The blanket ban was lifted in 2019, but restrictions remained on beef was sourced from Canada or Mexico and slaughtered in the US. But Red Meat Advisory Council chair John McKillop said industry felt 'relaxed' about the decision 'as long as the science is there'. 'You always get a bit suspicious when you think that things have been pushed through, and maybe they have… or at least expedited because of the pressure from the US. 'But as long as the science is there… then as an industry, we're relaxed about it.' Mr McKillop said a claim by the Minister on Thursday that the US and Australian supply chains were 'equivalent' wasn't accurate because America doesn't have lifelong traceability of stock. 'It's not quite correct. They don't have the same systems as us. We have full lifetime traceability in Australia and have had for 20 years through the Livestock Identification scheme. 'The US has failed to implement such a system.' The Australian Lot Feeders' Association Christian Mulders said Australia had 'rightly undertaken' an assessment after America's 2020 request and was satisfied with the government's assurance on US controls. Mr Mulders said that 'so long as it meets our import requirements' he wasn't opposed to imports, adding that the association was a free trade advocate. Myalup beef producer and WAFarmers livestock president Geoff Pearson also he would 'like to see the detail in the science' and questioned the politics behind the move. 'You could call it a political pathway to negotiation into the tariff and the first introduction Albanese has got with Trump,' he said.
Sydney Morning Herald
an hour ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
A ‘true visionary': Renowned jeweller Michael Hill dies at age 86
Sir Michael Hill, the founder of one of the most prominent jewellery brands in Australia, has died at the age of 86. The Michael Hill company's board and executives announced the jeweller's death on Tuesday. 'Sir Michael was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur, philanthropist and committed father and husband who, with his wife Lady Christine, founded and grew Michael Hill from its humble beginnings in Whangarei, New Zealand to a global retail jewellery brand that spans Australia, New Zealand and Canada,' the statement read. Hill and his wife founded the jewellery brand in 1979, opening his first store in New Zealand. Since then, Michael Hill has grown into a cross-country enterprise, with 287 stores spanning New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The first Australian stores opened in 1980. Chairman of the company Rob Fyfe said Hill built a legacy that will continue to inspire. 'To every endeavour he pursued, Michael brought a deep sense of purpose, an enduring curiosity, open-mindedness and creativity that challenged all of us to embrace ever more lofty goals and be unconstrained in our thinking,' he said. Australian model Miranda Kerr, who became Michael Hill's first brand ambassador in April last year, called him a 'true visionary whose passion and creativity helped shape a brand that has brought joy to so many around the world'. 'I feel incredibly honoured to be part of the brand he built with integrity, passion and heart,' she said. 'My love and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire Michael Hill team.'
