Car and Driver Reviews the All-New 2026 Subaru Outback

For the first time, the 2026 Subaru Outback has evolved into a full-fledged midsize SUV, rather than a wagon-based SUV. This is to give customers more of what they want without compromising what already made the Outback one of the best, safest, and most reliable family vehicles on the market.  

A Test Drive Review by Car and Driver 

In a new review by Car and Driver, writer Joey Capparella discusses how the all-new Subaru Outback has evolved while remaining true to its roots that customers love. While the new SUV appears significantly larger, the automaker was wise to maintain dimensions similar to the outgoing model, thereby avoiding a drastic departure from what already made the Outback great. It is 1.4 inches taller, though, which helps with headroom throughout.  

Trim Levels and Engines 

Subaru offers the 2026 Outback in six different trim levels: Premium, Limited, Touring, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The Premium, Limited, and Touring models are powered by a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The XT and Wilderness trims, on the other hand, feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Like every other Subaru vehicle outside of the BRZ, the Outback comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.  

The Outback Interior Is Perfect for Owners 

“The Outback is a versatile vehicle, and its friendly interior is its best aspect. Subaru talks at length about how much time it spends designing practical elements such as cupholders, cargo hooks, and roof-rack crossbars, and there are several nice touches such as door-panel bottle holders that can hold a Nalgene, a clip by the device chargers to organize your cords, and a cargo cover that can zip and fold in multiple configurations, including a hammock-style pouch.” 

A New Vehicle Means More Space 

The Outback is a five-seat midsize SUV that has 42.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row that opens up to 75.9 cu.ft, when the rear seats are folded. This represents an increase of 10.2 and 0.3 cubic feet over the previous generation.  

How The All-New Outback Drives 

“On pavement, the Outback’s ride is smooth and composed … We also spent significant time off-roading the Outback, as Subaru claims that a large portion of its owners do actually drivetheir cars in the dirt. It has an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance and is unfazed by gravel, sand, and other types of terrain—even on the standard model’s all-season tires. You can opt for the Wilderness model, which boosts ground clearance to 9.5 inches and uses all-terrain rubber, if you want to venture even further afield.” 

Updated Technology and Displays 

The base 2026 Outback Premium trim starts from $36,445. It comes standard with an all-new 12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster display.  

As with every Subaru, owners will appreciate that the company’s first thought is always on safety, thanks to the award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that features Emergency Stop Assist, Front and Side Alert Assist, Automatic Emergency Steering, Emergency Lane-Keep Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Braking, Haptic Steering Wheel Alerts, and Blind-Spot Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Warning and Reverse Automatic Braking. A new, wider-view camera shows a 180-degree view to help mitigate accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. The standard DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System works to make sure drivers keep their eyes on the road as well.  

Ewing Subaru of Plano Has the Perfect Car for You 

When you are looking for the perfect 2026 Subaru Outback or any other Subaru model, Ewing Subaru of Plano has the best prices and services available. Whether you have questions, want to test drive, or you’re ready to buy, you will get the best experience from our qualified sales staff.  

Why Choose Ewing Subaru of Plano  

It’s the new year, and Ewing Subaru of Plano is ready to offer you the best price on new and used vehicles. With hundreds of vehicles to choose from, our sales team and finance department will work hard to get you the best price. Our service department will work tirelessly to ensure your vehicle is in the best possible shape to keep your travels safe and enjoyable.   

We look forward to serving you soon!