2026 Subaru Outback: 5 Questions Answered

Alongside the 2026 Trailseeker and 2026 Solterra, Subaru also took the opportunity at the New York Auto Show earlier this spring to unveil the 2026 Outback. Once known as a wonderful station wagon, the seventh-generation Outback has now officially transitioned into the SUV category.

Here are five key questions and answers about the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback.

What powertrains are available in the 2026 Subaru Outback?

Subaru is using the same recipe for the new Outback as for the outgoing model mechanically. The 2026 Outback comes standard with a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can also have a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, which delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of engine choice, both come paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

As expected, Subaru’s renowned full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is included as standard equipment.

Is the Wilderness version of the Outback still available in 2026?

The Wilderness lineup debuted with the Outback in 2022, followed by the Forester and Crosstrek. Essentially, the Wilderness variant enhances the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. For 2026, Subaru continues to offer the Outback Wilderness. It features 241 mm of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, adaptive dampers, and exclusive rugged styling. Notably, this new model year has improved the approach and departure angles.

Subaru Canada May Not Import Ascent, Crosstrek Wilderness, and Forester Wilderness for 2026MY

What kind of tech does the 2026 Subaru Outback offer?

At the dashboard’s centre, the 2026 Outback has a 12.1-inch touchscreen integrated with the infotainment system. Directly in front of the driver is a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.

What safety features are included in the 2026 Subaru Outback?

Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite comes standard with the 2026 Outback. This suite includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, lane departure warning, sway warning, emergency stop assist, front cross-traffic alert, acceleration suppression assist, haptic steering wheel vibration, and lane departure alert.

Optional features include emergency stop assist with safe lane selection, pre-turning speed control, active lane change assist, automatic highway restart assist, and driver-supervised hands-free driving assist on highways at up to 135 km/h.

When will the 2026 Subaru Outback arrive in Canada?

The 2026 Outback bound for Canada will be built in Japan. First units are expected to arrive on the Canadian market in 2025, with the Wilderness version following a few months later.