The New 2026 Subaru Outback Is Boxy and Bigger Than Ever

TL;DR

The 2026 Subaru Outback gets a radical boxy redesign and better tech, but at a significant price hike and the cost of its wagon identity.

Key Points

• 1.The 2026 Outback's boxy redesign is a dramatic departure for Subaru. Previous Outbacks had soft, friendly lines; this one mimics aggressive off-roader styling trending across the industry, and its height now nearly matches the Toyota RAV4 — making it functionally a crossover, not a wagon.
• 2.It is measurably bigger than before, though not dramatically so. The new Outback is slightly longer and about an inch taller than its predecessor, but cumulative generational growth means it's now 8 inches taller than the Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain, the benchmark station wagon.
• 3.The infotainment system is the single biggest improvement. The previous screen was slow and outdated; the new unit is crisp, highly responsive, well-laid-out, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a fully configurable gauge cluster that can display a full map on the driver's line of sight.
• 4.Quirky Subaru DNA survives in small details throughout the car. These include hidden tailgate illustrations of the Outback wearing a top hat and hauling a shark, a cargo area Easter egg showing interior dimensions with a dog graphic, mountain/river floor mat graphics, and a Subaru-logo unlock button on the key fob.
• 5.The interior stays deliberately old-school and practical despite the flashy exterior. Materials are durable but not luxurious, controls are simple and intuitive, and notable features include a front/rear climate control split toggle, a dedicated phone pocket behind the front seat, and a large rear seat with USB-A and USB-C ports plus heated rear seats.
• 6.Pricing has risen significantly — roughly $5,000 more than the outgoing base model. The 2026 Outback starts just over $36,000 versus the previous $31,000 start, with each comparable trim up $2,000–$3,000. Powertrains are unchanged: a 180 hp naturally aspirated flat-four or a 260 hp turbocharged four-cylinder.
• 7.The driving experience is competent but slightly unrefined compared to rivals. Doug notes a little more road noise, wind noise, and vibration than a RAV4, CRV, or Highlander — partly attributable to Subaru's boxer engine — but praises its all-wheel drive, durability, and overall usability, awarding it a Doug Score of 48 out of 100.