​​Highway Hands Free Assist Debuts in 2026 Subaru Outback​

Can you drive down the highway without putting your hands on the steering wheel? In the new 2026 Subaru Outback, you can. As a company committed to building the safest vehicles on the road, adding Highway Hands Free Assist to our new-generation 2026 Outback offers an additional peace of mind when you are traveling on our highways for miles on end.  

This new piece of technology is part of the latest generation of the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This award-winning safety suite integrates several features leading towards creating a hands-free driving experience. They include Front Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Sway Warning, Emergency Stop Assist, Front Cross Traffic Braking, Acceleration Override Assist, Vibrating Haptic Steering Wheel, and Lane Departure Warning.  

For 2026, the Outback adds Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection, Pre-Curve Speed Control, Highway Active Lane Change Assist, and Highway Automatic Resume Assist. The EyeSight system now adds three forward-facing cameras and new radar sensors for more sensing of the road—along with traffic and weather conditions.  

All of these features come into play when Highway Hands Free Assist is enabled. For example, the Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection is automatically enabled if the driver becomes unresponsive. This feature will maneuver the 2026 Outback to the shoulder of the highway and bring it to a stop. The hazard lights are activated, while the doors are unlocked and emergency services are notified of the situation with the driver. 

When changing lanes, you can use this system to do so safely without any driver intervention. A slight touch of the turn signal will enable the Highway Active Lane Change Assist to make a lane change for you. It uses sensors to guide the vehicle into the next traffic lane, then resumes the set speed when the maneuver is completed.  

You can also drive through the curvy sections of selected highways with ease—first, at a slower rate, then safely exit the curve and accelerate back to your set speed. With Highway Hands Free Assist, you can cruise on selected highways at up to 85 mpg. It’s all in the name of reducing fatigue and stress when faced with a long drive—even if it’s across the Metroplex.  

J.D. Power discussed this new technology on the 2026 Outback. The editors concluded that “with the addition of Highway Hands Free Assist, Subaru is stepping into the future of Level 2 autonomous driving. The enhanced EyeSight ADAS suite, improved sensor technology, and innovative safety interventions make the 2026 Outback a technologically advanced and driver-friendly contender. Whether cruising down the interstate on a road trip or navigating long daily highway commutes, Subaru drivers can expect a more relaxed and secure driving experience.” 

Ewing Subaru of Plano is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2026 Outback and this new driver assistance feature that will make driving across Texas easier than ever. Contact us to become one of the first owners of our newest SUV.