2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Review: Its Quality Will Make You Overlook Its Appearance

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      Returning to its rugged roots, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness adopts a squared-off design that harks back to classic models.

      Upgraded interior technology. It features a 12.1-inch touchscreen and an enhanced infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay.

      Turbocharged power. The vehicle is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and adaptive dampers for a smooth driving experience.

      Spacious and practical. It provides ample cargo space and excellent visibility, meeting the needs of families.

      In summary, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness merges rugged styling with contemporary technology, offering a versatile and capable vehicle perfect for adventurous families.

      AI-assisted, editor-reviewed

      It seems that everyone prefers SUVs, leaving few interested in wagons—except for affluent enthusiasts. Subaru has taken note of this trend.

      The 2026 Subaru Outback, which appeared late last year, showcases a more upright and squared design, modern technology, a boxer engine, and all the functionality you've come to expect, with the Wilderness model elevating things even further.

      When the initial spy shots of the 2026 Outback were released, I debated with a Subaru representative about whether it still qualified as a wagon. When the Outback made its debut at the 2025 New York Auto Show, I approached them and remarked, “Okay, if you squint hard enough, it resembles a wagon, but it's as boxy as an '80s Volvo." We are encroaching on crossover territory here. The reason? The roofline has been raised by 1.4 inches, creating an optical illusion.

      It’s a divisive design, but earlier Outbacks from the '90s and early '00s were extremely boxy, including the headlights. The last few generations began adopting more sloped designs in pursuit of efficiency and aerodynamics. Over time, they bulked up again, bringing us back to this angle. The Wilderness version adds an extra 0.8 inches of ground clearance, totaling 9.5 inches. It has gold trim accents, but the variety of textures is striking. The various plastic elements on the exterior have different finishes, leading to a lack of cohesiveness. The rear design is visually overwhelming, and you'll recognize it as a Subaru due to the brand name spelled out across the front grille as if it were a Ford F-150 or something.

      The interior is less contentious in design, combining form with function. The dashboard shifts from a neatly arranged, vertically oriented center stack to a chunky 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. A physical volume knob sits between the two. The infotainment system's interface resembles Toyota's layout but is not a direct copy. Unlike the previous system, the new one starts up instantly, wireless Apple CarPlay functions seamlessly without lag, and there’s no sluggishness in the processor. Personally, I preferred the vertical screen of the prior Outback for its integration over this larger version; however, the old system was frustratingly slow. Thankfully, hard buttons and knobs remain for the climate control system. Thank you, Subaru. The buttons and toggles on the steering wheel also provide a satisfying tactile response. I also appreciated that the steering wheel still features tight and neat stitching.

      However, the interior materials, in terms of type, texture, and finish, can be overwhelming. In a short span on the dashboard, I counted five different finishes, all while the tested vehicle had upscale Nappa leather seats that felt out of place. I miss the wipeable material from the last Outback Wilderness, which was handy after outdoor adventures.

      Seat space is ample both in the front and back. Designed with families in mind, I (5-foot-10) was able to sit comfortably in the rear seat with the front seat adjusted, and there was room to spare. The headroom is exceptional, thanks to the raised roofline. In the back, the cargo area is not only generous; it falls just 3.1 cubic feet short of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, offering 34.6 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the space expands to 80.5 cubic feet.

      Every Outback Wilderness features the 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. A CVT remains the sole transmission option, paired with standard all-wheel drive. Similar to the previous Outback Wilderness, this updated model adopts the larger Ascent's 4.44 final drive ratio for quicker acceleration and smoother hill navigation.

      A Subaru representative confirmed that the powertrain has not been altered, so the new Outback Wilderness's smoother performance is due to engineers tuning the powertrain and final drive ratio for better synergy. There is ample power available for the Outback’s intended purposes.

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