Subaru has unveiled the seventh-generation Outback, and this time the iconic adventure wagon has taken a big step into true SUV territory. With tougher styling, smarter technology and the long-awaited Australian debut of the Outback Wilderness, this new model marks the most capable and most advanced Outback Subaru has ever built
A Stronger, More SUV-Like Look
The first thing you notice is how different it looks. Subaru has moved beyond the traditional wagon-crossover shape and pushed the Outback into a more upright, more assertive SUV stance. The body is taller and wider, the front end is bolder, and the lighting is sharper at both ends. Even the boot opening is 50 mm taller to make loading bulky gear less of a battle.
The redesign isn’t just for show — everything from the reinforced cladding to the reshaped roof rails has been engineered with real-world use in mind, whether that’s commuting, touring or heading off the bitumen for some light exploration. A refreshed colour palette, including the new Deep Emerald Pearl, gives the lineup a much more contemporary look.
Wilderness Arrives: Subaru’s Most Capable SUV Yet
The big news for adventurous drivers is the arrival of the Outback Wilderness — the most off-road-ready model Subaru has ever produced.
Wilderness stands taller than any Outback before it, with 240 mm of ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles, and exclusive suspension tuning paired with electronically controlled dampers. It also features toughened exterior panels, matte-black accents, roof rails with increased load capacity and a unique cabin trim built to handle mud, sand and everything in between.
Under the bonnet is an exclusive 2.4-litre turbo Boxer engine producing 194 kW and 382 Nm — the strongest factory Outback engine yet. Subaru says this variant is engineered for drivers who want genuine, ready-to-go adventure capability from day one, with no aftermarket upgrades required.
Smarter, Faster Tech Inside the Cabin
Inside, the Outback gets one of its biggest upgrades in years. The old portrait touchscreen has been replaced with a new 12.1-inch horizontal infotainment system that’s faster, clearer and easier to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and physical climate buttons have returned — an excellent move for usability and safety.
A new 12.3-inch digital driver display brings cleaner graphics, multiple viewing modes and easier access to vehicle information. The seats have also been redesigned for better long-distance support, with increased headroom across both rows and upgraded materials depending on the variant.
Practicality touches — like bigger door bottle holders (now fitting 1-litre Nalgene bottles), a roomier cabin feel and the super-strong 363 kg static-load roof racks — make it clear Subaru expects these cars to be used for real adventure.
Better Engines, Better Ride, Better Feel
Most Outback variants run the updated 2.5-litre direct-injection Boxer, tuned to deliver smoother torque and reduced noise. Combined with an enhanced Lineartronic CVT and a new dual-pinion steering system, the Outback feels more settled, more planted and noticeably more refined on everyday roads.
The Wilderness turbo engine adds stronger acceleration and more relaxed highway performance, especially when loaded with passengers or gear. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system and the improved Active Torque Split control continue to give the Outback its famous sure-footed feel on wet roads, gravel or country highways.
Next-Level Safety Across the Range
Safety is one of Subaru’s biggest selling points, and this generation reinforces that. The new Outback introduces Subaru’s most advanced EyeSight system yet, with a wide-angle camera for better detection at intersections and in complex traffic. New features like Emergency Driving Stop, Acceleration Override Assist and improved lane-keeping functions add extra layers of protection.
On higher grades, drivers also benefit from a 360-degree camera system, giving clearer visibility around the vehicle — especially handy for tight parking or navigating campsites and narrow tracks.
Nine airbags are now standard, including a new far-side airbag for additional occupant protection.
Useful Everyday Practicality
Subaru owners rely on their cars to do everything — work, travel, sport, road trips — and the new Outback embraces that versatility. The boot grows to 530 litres, the opening is squarer and easier to load, and the cargo cover now stores neatly inside the trim so it’s never in the way.
Cabin storage has been improved across the board, and the roof rails now come with integrated reference marks and larger rope hooks to make securing gear much easier.
Pricing and Ownership
Manufacturer’s List Prices (MLP) start at:
- $48,990 for Outback AWD
- $53,490 for Outback AWD Premium
- $56,990 for Outback AWD Touring
- $59,690 for Outback Wilderness
- $62,690 for Wilderness Apex
Subaru continues with 12-month/15,000 km service intervals, a five-year capped-price servicing program, and a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty for private and novated lease buyers.
Whether you’re a touring family, a regional driver, a novated lease customer, or someone who just wants a dependable AWD without stepping up to a large 4WD, the 2026 Outback feels like Subaru’s most complete package yet.
