The all-new 2026 Subaru Outback has officially arrived in Australia, bringing a comprehensive overhaul in design, engineering and interior functionality. Most notably, the launch introduces the Subaru Outback Wilderness, a variant that Subaru claims is “its most capable SUV ever built.” With increased ground clearance, a new turbocharged Boxer engine and enhanced suspension, the Wilderness aims to transform the Outback from a capable crossover into a more rugged, adventure-ready SUV.
Subaru Outback prices and availability
At launch in Australia, the 2026 Subaru Outback range, including the new Wilderness, is available to order now. Below is the trim-wise pricing (before on-road costs):
| Variants | Price |
| Subaru Outback AWD | $48,990 |
| Subaru Outback AWD Premium | $53,490 |
| Subaru Outback AWD Touring | $56,990 |
| Subaru Outback AWD Wilderness | $59,690 |
| Subaru Outback AWD Wilderness Apex | $62,690 |
Prices for the Outback have gone up by up to $4800 for the updates on offer.
Subaru will also provide a five-year, unlimited-kilometre new-vehicle warranty along with capped-price servicing for the first five years or 75,000 km (whichever occurs first).
2026 Subaru Outback: new design and structure
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The 2026 Outback abandons the more conservative wagon-on-jacks look of its predecessor for a stronger, upright SUV stance. The updated proportions include a broader front fascia, vertically stacked LED headlamps, a flatter roofline and bolder surfacing. It also has a new taillight signature with lifted, wider stance, and cleaner badging, especially the embossed SUBARU text and bold OUTBACK nameplate.
The higher body structure has been reinforced with greater use of high-tensile steel and improved sealing. These changes aim to enhance rigidity, reduce vibration and cut down wind/road noise, boosting refinement whether on long journeys or rough tracks.
The result is a vehicle that visually and structurally straddles the line between a practical wagon and a serious SUV.
Colours
The MY26 Subaru Outback range offers a diverse colour palette across both the Outback and the more rugged Subaru Outback Wilderness, with several premium finishes available at an additional $660.
Both variants can be finished in the following colours:
- Crystal White Pearl
- Crystal Black Silica
- Ice Silver Metallic
- Magnetite Grey Metallic
- Deep Emerald Pearl
- River Rock Pearl.
- Crimson Red Pearl
- Brilliant Bronze Metallic
- Sapphire Blue Pearl
The Subaru Outback Wilderness also gets the choice of an exclusive colour – Geyser Blue.
Subaru Outback Wilderness: Most rugged Outback ever
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The standout of the 2026 launch is the Subaru Outback Wilderness. Subaru positions it as its most adventure-ready SUV ever produced. Among its headline upgrades:
| Capability / Feature | Wilderness Specification |
| Ground clearance | 240 mm (vs. 220 mm for standard AWD) |
| Engine | 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer petrol, 194 kW / 382 Nm (exclusive to Wilderness) |
| Drivetrain / Transmission | Symmetrical AWD + enhanced Lineartronic CVT with revised final-drive, 8-speed manual mode via paddles |
| Suspension | Electronically controlled dampers + dual-mode X-Mode (Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud) for varied terrain |
| Exterior touches | Matte-black mirrors & cladding, rugged bumper, copper-accent roof rails, dual exhaust outlets |
| Interior trim | Water-repellent hydrophobic synthetic leather, embossed “Wilderness” branding on headrests/backrests |
These upgrades, especially for the suspension, ride and performance, aim to give the Outback Wilderness genuine off-road and adventure capability, straight from the showroom. It does raise enthusiast conversations that if the Outback Wilderness sells well enough, there might be an STI version in the future as a performance-centric SUV.
Subaru Outback interior highlights
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The 2026 Subaru Outback doesn’t just change on the outside. Subaru has revamped the cabin with a focus on usability, comfort and long-distance practicality:
- New infotainment & instruments: A 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen replaces the previous vertical display. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard, offering multiple display modes (Classic, Calm, EyeSight®). Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto are available.
- Seating and space: Seats are redesigned with better lumbar and pelvis support and reduced vibration. Both rows gain increased headroom. The cargo opening is 50 mm taller, making loading easier.
- Practical touches: Front and rear door bottle holders now fit 32-oz bottles; high-strength roof rails (static load up to 363 kg) are standard, ideal for roof-top tents, kayaks or cargo boxes. Cargo space increases by 8 L (to ~530 L VDA), and a multi-use cargo cover stows neatly in the side trim when not used.
- Interior ambience: Materials are rugged yet refined, soft-touch surfaces, durable seat trims (synthetic or optional Nappa-accented leather), a thoughtful control layout, and improved sound insulation for a quieter cabin on long drives.
Between modern connectivity, thoughtful storage solutions, and a comfortable cabin, the 2026 Subaru Outback aims to be as practical for everyday commuting as for extended road trips or weekend adventures.
Subaru Outback safety and driver assistance
The Subaru Outback puts safety first with upgraded tech designed to help avoid accidents and protect people on board. It has a range of tweaks that make the Outback easier to drive on top of the enhanced driver assists and safety tech.
Better visibility
- Thinner pillars to reduce blind spots
- Larger rear quarter windows for clearer over-the-shoulder views
- Brighter lights for night-time and bad-weather driving
EyeSight® Driver Assist (upgraded)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane keeping & lane departure alerts
- Pre-collision braking
- Autonomous Emergency Steering
- Emergency Driving Stop System (new)
- Traffic Sign Recognition (new)
- Driver monitoring system
Vision Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Parking sensors
- 360° View Monitor (select grades)
Crash protection
- Reinforced body structure for stronger impact protection
- 9 airbags including new far-side airbag for added safety in side collisions
Powertrains, and off-road readiness
The 2026 Subaru Outback lineup offers two Boxer petrol engines:
- 2.5-litre naturally aspirated (standard AWD): smoother torque delivery, reduced noise and refined performance, suitable for everyday driving and touring.
- 2.4-litre turbo Boxer (exclusive to Wilderness): A lot more power and torque, especially useful for highway overtaking, steep inclines, towing or off-road climbs.
Adding to driving confidence is a dual-pinion electric power steering system, featured across the range. Suspension tuning, along with a more rigid chassis and enhanced insulation, helps balance ride comfort with control, no matter whether on smooth highways or bumpy tracks.
Key specs at a glance
| Specifications | Subaru Outback (Standard AWD) | Subaru Outback Wilderness |
| Engine | 2.5 L naturally aspirated Boxer | 2.4 L turbocharged Boxer (exclusive) |
| Power / Torque | 137 kW / 254 Nm | 194 kW / 382 Nm |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm | 240 mm |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD + X-Mode | Symmetrical AWD + Dual-mode X-Mode |
| Cargo Capacity (VDA) | ~522 L | ~530 L |
| Roof Load Capacity (static) | 318 kg | 363 kg |
| Transmission | CVT (Lineartronic) with 8-speed manual mode | CVT (Lineartronic) with revised final-drive + 8-speed manual mode |
| Wheels / Tyres | 18″ alloys – 225/60 R18 | 18″ matte-black alloys – 225/60 R18 |
2026 Subaru Outback variant breakdown
Here’s what each grade of the new Subaru Outback offers on the features list.
Subaru Outback AWD
- 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Boxer engine
- Subaru Symmetrical AWD
- X-Mode
- 12.1-inch infotainment screen with a faster processor (first for Subaru in Australia)
- 12.3-inch digital instrumentation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
- Driver Monitoring System
- Latest generation EyeSight® technology with a wide-angle monocular camera and new Emergency Driving Stop System
- Nine SRS airbags
- Subaru Vision Assist, including Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking and Front Side Radar
- Powered tailgate
- Powered driver seat with adjustable lumbar support
- Heated front seats
- Ladder-style roof rails
- Synthetic leather seat trim
- 18-inch alloy wheels in a dark metallic finish
Subaru Outback AWD Premium adds the following features:
- Heated steering wheel
- Eight-way powered front passenger seat
- Panoramic 360-degree view monitor
- Satellite navigation
- Electric sunroof
- Premium 12 speaker Harman Kardon® sound system
Subaru Outback AWD Touring adds the following:
- Premium Nappa leather accented seating including the addition of the new optional Brown trim (exclusive to this variant)
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Wireless phone charger
- Active Lane Change Assist added to EyeSight® features
- Auto fold door mirrors with passenger side auto dipping functionality on reverse
- Driver Monitoring System with driver seat and door mirror adjustment functionality
- 18-inch machined alloys with a gloss finish
Subaru Outback AWD Wilderness (standard features):
- 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer Engine
- Subaru Symmetrical AWD
- Dual mode X-Mode
- Electronically controlled dampers linked to X-Mode
- Wireless phone charger
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Robust water repellent seat trim with Wilderness logo embossed into the front headrests
- Uniquely designed LED fog lights
- 18-inch alloy wheels in matte black finish
- Dual tailpipes
Subaru Outback AWD Wilderness Apec adds (additional features over standard Wilderness):
- Electric sunroof
- Satellite navigation
- Panoramic 360-degree view monitor
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system6
Key takeaways for buyers
With the 2026 Subaru Outback, especially the Wilderness variant, Subaru signals a deliberate shift. The Outback is no longer just the versatile wagon-crossover trusted by many; it’s evolving into a more serious SUV platform capable of handling urban roads, long highway hauls and real off-road adventures.
For buyers seeking a single vehicle to do it all, daily commuting, family travel, cargo hauling, towing, weekend camping or off-grid exploration, the all-new Subaru Outback Wilderness stands out as a compelling package with factory-fitted capability. Meanwhile, standard AWD variants preserve comfort, practicality and everyday usability, now enhanced by upgraded tech, space and refinement.
In essence, the 2026 Subaru Outback broadens its appeal, appealing to crossover-minded buyers and SUV and adventure-oriented drivers. Whether your journey ends in the city or beyond the map, Subaru is now offering an Outback built for both.
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