The next generation of the Subaru Outback will arrive for the 2026 model year and it will ditch its wagon roots more than its done in the past.
The Outback has been the adventure wagon that many enthusiasts have loved for generations. This Subaru proved its worth with impressive off-road capability and rugged good looks that gives it the build desired for some impressive experiences in the wilderness. In addition to being a great adventure vehicle, the Outback has become an amazing family ride that should get better during the next generation.
The heritage is gone
The Outback heritage of being a wagon will be gone for the next generation when it become a real SUV. Recently, the new model has been out on the roads in testing camouflage, which gives it an appearance that might hurt your eyes with the swirling black and white appearance. Despite efforts to disguise this new model, its pretty easy to see that the Outback has a brawnier look and taller shape to give it the boxier style of an actual SUV. So far, we don’t know much about what’s hidden under the skin of the new 2026 model, but it could receive a new hybrid powertrain, mirroring that of the new Forester.
Until this new generation arrives, you can enjoy everything about the 2025 version.
What does the current Outback offer?
If you want an SUV that’s capable of taking you across moderately difficult terrain, the Subaru Outback has what you’re looking for. This SUV is still mostly a station wagon, but when you say that, people tend to cringe, which means we should stick with calling it an SUV. This vehicle is ready for some adventures with its lifted stance and impressive Symmetrical AWD, which makes it one of the most capable vehicles in its class.
The power you need when you need it
Most versions of the Outback have a 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT. This powertrain gives you 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This is plenty of power for this SUV to handle some off-road driving situations, and it gives you up to 2,700 pounds of towing capability.
If you want more power from this SUV, you’ll choose the turbocharged powertrain, which gives you a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT. The power from this setup is 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant upgrade from the base engine. If you choose this powertrain, you’ll have up to 3,500 pounds of towing power.
What’s new for the 2025 Outback?
Although we can look forward to the new 2026 mode and its generation, the current Subaru Outback has a lot to offer. The 2025 version adds a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, driver attention monitoring, and an 11.6-inch infotainment screen to the Limited trim. The XT package gives you the turbocharged engine and can be added to the Limited trim to make it easy to have everything you want in this Subaru SUV, including the more powerful setup.
A functional and comfortable interior
Once you step inside this Subaru SUV, you’ll enjoy a cabin that’s not flashy but is comfortable, well-crafted, and made of high-quality items. The comfort is impressive, and the highly functional nature of the cabin makes it easy to enjoy a great drive on any road. The base model might seem a little lacking, but once you step up to a higher trim, you’ll have the benefits of dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat to give you the items you expect to find in a modern SUV.
You’ll find 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which makes it easy to put all the stuff you need in this area during your drive. If you want more comfort and convenience items from the Outback, you’ll need to step up to higher trims and enjoy what they have to offer.
Connectivity that matters
You expect to be connected while on the road, and the Subaru Outback gives you this capability. The base model has dual 7.0-inch screens that seem small but functional. Stepping up to the Premium trim brings you a vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen, which is much better than the dual-screen setup.
The 2026 Subaru Outback will be here soon enough and we’ll discuss everything it brings to the market, but the 2025 version still has much of what you want from this venerable Subaru SUV.
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