The 2026 Subaru Outback has finally ceased to be a station wagon and has become a crossover with a pronounced off-road character. However, all the main advantages of the model have been preserved and multiplied: excellent interior, confident off-road behavior and practicality remain at their best. The Motor1 review confirms that the car is still great, even if the new design did not appeal to everyone.
The exterior is the most controversial change. Smooth lines and a sloping tailgate are a thing of the past. Now the body is vertical and angular, like the old 80s Subarus. The front and rear echo the Forester: a huge black grille, powerful plastic body kit, ground clearance raised by 35 mm. "Shark skin" overlays appeared on the sides - textured plastic that should reduce wind noise. In real life, the car looks more compact and neat than in the photos, and the dimensions have hardly changed.
The interior has become one of the best in its class. Everything is new except the steering wheel. The cup holders confidently hold liter bottles, the door pockets are lined with carpet - nothing rattles even on strong shaking. Finally, physical buttons and knobs for climate and seat heating have been returned, and the 12.3-inch vertical screen is only responsible for basic functions. No glossy "piano lacquer" - everything is matte, practical and looks more expensive than the real price.
There is plenty of space: a person with a height of 190 cm can easily sit "behind himself", the headroom has increased thanks to the raised roof. In expensive versions, the second row has heated seats, USB-C and a separate climate zone. The trunk has become even larger and more convenient, easily swallowing equipment for camping or hiking.
The engines are the same: naturally aspirated 2.5 l (182 hp, 239 N·m) and turbocharged 2.4 l (260 hp, 376 N·m). The turbo version is noticeably more cheerful, while the consumption in the combined cycle is about 9.8 l/100 km versus 8.7 l for the naturally aspirated version - most buyers are willing to pay extra for dynamics. Both engines have become quieter and smoother, the CVT and Symmetrical AWD permanent all-wheel drive have not gone anywhere.
Off-road, the 2026 Outback is surprising even in the standard Limited configuration. Ground clearance of 220 mm, a smart X-Mode system and permanent all-wheel drive allow you to drive where many competitors would have been sitting on their bellies for a long time. It goes confidently over stones and deep ruts, although the suspension is stiff - your back feels everything on serious off-road. For real off-road, it is better to immediately take the Wilderness version or change tires.
Prices in the USA have increased: there is no more basic version, the start from Premium is 36 445 $ (≈3.75 million ₽ at the exchange rate at the end of November 2025), the test Limited XT is 43 165 $ (≈4.45 million ₽), the top Touring XT reaches 49 840 $ (≈5.15 million ₽), and Wilderness — 46 445 $ (≈4.8 million ₽). In Russia, the increase will be significant.
The Outback has remained itself - practical, passable, with a chic interior and without unnecessary gigantomania. For those who are looking for a versatile car for all occasions, it is still one of the best in its class. Yes, the design is controversial, but in real life everything looks much better than on the Internet.