The new seventh generation Subaru Outback is coming to Australia in 2026, bringing more brutal design, slight price increases and new, more robust Wilderness variants.
The Outback range announced yesterday with five variants now starts at $48,990 before travel$4,800 more than the previous model.
Launching in Australia with the arrival of the new Outback is Subaru’s only model in the US to date wilderness Sub-brand aimed at expanding the Japanese brand’s SUV lineup with more hardcore off-road modifications.
Subaru says to think of it like the performance improvements that the STI brings, but for off-road use instead.
Two Wilderness variants will be offered at market launch, with their turbocharged boxer engines virtually replacing the Turbo XT variants in the outgoing Outback.
The Wilderness range starts at $59,690 before on-road costsThat’s $2,200 more than the previous top-of-the-line Outback Touring XT model.
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The regular Outback is powered by a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine with an output of 137 kW and a torque of 245 Nm. These numbers are virtually identical to the previous model.
The Outback Wilderness, meanwhile, gets the XT’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, albeit in a different state. With 194kW of power and 382Nm of torque, it’s just 8kW less than the WRX (which has the same engine) but has an additional 32Nm of torque.
Compared to the XT, outputs are up by 11kW and 32Nm, but the introduction of the new sub-brand means you can no longer get a turbocharged Outback unless it’s a Wilderness. However, it gets an adaptive suspension for the first time, which Subaru says is similar in design to the WRX tS’s adaptive setup.
As is typical for Subaru, the new Outback is only offered with all-wheel drive and power is transmitted via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an “eight-speed” manual mode.
Subaru has also equipped the new Outback with its dual-pinion steering system, which is already used on the WRX and Forester. According to the brand, this is intended to provide a sharp, sporty feel with improved responsiveness.
Inside, there’s a new customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that’s standard across the Outback range. The previous generation’s 11.6-inch vertical infotainment system is gone, replaced by a 12.1-inch, almost square unit that sits high on the dashboard.
Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard, and the new screen means the Outback’s climate system has reverted to a physical layout with buttons and knobs.
The seventh-generation Outback’s local arrival in 2026 follows closely behind its US counterpart, representing a much shorter delay than the nearly two-year gap between the US and Australia for the previous generation model. All Outbacks delivered in Australia will continue to be built in Japan.
Prices
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Outback AWD | $48,990 (+$4800) |
| 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Premium | $53,490 (NEW) |
| 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring | $56,990 (+$4500) |
| 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Wilderness | $59,690 (NEW) |
| 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Wilderness Apex | $62,490 (NEW) |
Drives and efficiency
For the 2026 Outback, the same two boxer engines were retained, one naturally aspirated and one turbocharged. While the performance of the non-turbo unit remains virtually unchanged, the Turbo Wilderness delivers 11kW and 32Nm more than its predecessor, the Outback XT, but the braked towing capacity has been reduced by 300kg.
| Specifications | Subaru Outback | Subaru Outback Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 2.5 liter 4-cylinder boxer without turbo | 2.4 liter four-cylinder turbo petrol boxer engine |
| Engine performance | 137kW | 194kW |
| Engine torque | 245 Nm | 382 Nm |
| transmission | 8-speed CVT | 8-speed CVT |
| Drive type | Four-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive |
| Curb weight | 1705 kg (base) 1732kg (Premium) 1733 kg (touring) |
1781 kg (wilderness) 1802kg (Wilderness Apex) |
| Fuel consumption (claimed) | 8.1L/100km | 9.7L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63L | 63L |
| Fuel requirements | Regular unleaded gasoline with 91 octane | Regular unleaded gasoline with 91 octane |
| CO2 emissions | 183g/km | 228g/km |
| Unbraked towing capacity | 750kg | 750kg |
| Braked towing capacity | 2000kg | 2100kg |
Dimensions
The 2026 Outback is larger in all dimensions, especially height. This increases the trunk volume by around 10 liters with the rear seats folded up and by around 30 liters with the seats folded down, measured up to the roof.
| Dimensions | Subaru Outback | Subaru Outback Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| length | 4880mm (+10mm) | 4880mm |
| Width | 1880mm (+5mm) | 1880mm |
| Height | 1715mm (+40mm) | 1735mm |
| wheelbase | 2745mm | 2745mm |
| Track front and rear | 1585 mm (front, +15mm) 1610 mm (rear, +10mm) |
1575mm (front) 1600mm (rear) |
| Ground clearance | 220mm (+7mm) | 240mm |
| Approach angle | – | 20.0º |
| Departure angle | – | 23.6º |
| Ramp rollover angle | – | 21.2º |
| trunk | 530L (rear seats folded up) 1211L (rear seats folded down, up to the backrest) |
530L (rear seats folded up) 1211L (rear seats folded down, up to the backrest) |
The base Outback AWD and Wilderness versions offer 1844 liters of boot space measured to the roof, while Premium, Touring and Wilderness Apex offer 1810 liters.
Maintenance and warranty
Like the broader Subaru Australia range, the 2026 Outback comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Top price maintenance is offered for five years, although the Wilderness has slightly longer maintenance intervals.
| Maintenance and warranty | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|
| guarantee | 5 years, unlimited kilometers |
| Roadside assistance | 12 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 12,500 km (excluding wilderness) 12 months or 15,000 km (wilderness) |
| Service at top prices | 5 years |
Below are the maximum service costs for the Outback range:
| service | Subaru Outback | Subaru Outback Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months, 12,500 km (excluding wilderness) 12 months, 15,000 km (wilderness) |
$347.92 | $347.14 |
| 24 months, 25,000 km (excl. wilderness) 24 months, 30,000 km (Wilderness) |
$526.90 | $526.12 |
| 36 months, 37,500 km (excl. wilderness) 36 months, 45,000 km (Wilderness) |
$402.89 | $402.11 |
| 48 months, 50,000 km (excl. wilderness) 48 months, 60,000 km (Wilderness) |
$702.60 | $701.82 |
| 60 months, 62,500 km (excl. wilderness) 60 months, 75,000 km (Wilderness) |
$370.90 | $370.12 |
| Average annual service cost | $470.24 | $469.46 |
| Total service costs at the maximum price | $2351.21 | $2347.31 |
Security
The 2026 Subaru Outback has yet to be crash tested by ANCAP or its sister organization Euro NCAP and is therefore not rated.
Highlights of the standard safety equipment:
- 9 airbags (+1), including:
- front
- front
- Curtain
- Driver’s knee
- Seat cushion for the passenger seat
- Opposite side (NEW)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Active torque vectoring
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Driver monitoring system (NEW)
- Lane keeping assistant
- Rear cross traffic warning
- Reversing sensors
- Rear view camera
- Subaru EyeSight
- Wide-angle monocular camera (NEW)
- Emergency stop system (NEW)
- Subaru Vision Assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic warning
- Reverse AEB
- Front side radar (NEW)
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tire pressure monitoring
Outback Premium adds:
- Front view monitor
- Side monitor
- Surround view camera
Outback Touring adds:
- Active lane change assistant (NEW)
- Driver monitoring system with automatic side mirror and driver seat adjustment (NEW)
The Outback Wilderness has the same safety equipment as the base Outback AWD, while the Wilderness Apex has a surround-view camera.
Standard equipment
2026 Subaru Outback trim highlights:
- 18-inch light alloy wheels (dark metallic finish)
- Full-fledged spare wheel
- Automatic LED headlights (steering dependent)
- LED fog lights
- Windshield wipers with rain sensors
- Electrically folding exterior mirrors
- Ladder style roof rails
- Black faux leather upholstery (NEW)
- 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Leather-wrapped gear selector
- Leather-covered steering wheel
- Black inner seams
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (NEW)
- 12.1-inch infotainment display (NEW)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 6 speaker sound system
- 1 x USB-A port
- 1 x USB-C Port
- Dual zone climate control
- Steering wheel paddles
- Electric tailgate
- X-Mode driving mode
Outback Premium adds:
- Heated steering wheel
- 8-way electrically adjustable passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Satellite navigation
- Electric sunroof
Outback Touring adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (turned and glossy painted)
- Automatically dimming and folding exterior mirrors
- Black nappa leather upholstery (brown optional)
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Four-way lumbar support of the driver’s seat
- Driver seat position memory
- Silver inner seams
- Wireless phone charger
- Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Gear Highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (matte black finish)
- Unique exterior and interior design with Wilderness branding
- Front bumper under protection
- Unique LED fog lights
- 2100 kg braked trailer
- 240mm ground clearance
- Adaptive suspension
- Black water-repellent padding
- Wilderness imprint on headrests
- 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Yellow inner seams
- “Wilderness Theme” digital instrument display.
- Wireless charger
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Copper interior and exterior accents
- Double tailpipes
- X-Mode driving mode (2 modes)
Outback Wilderness Apex adds (via Wilderness):
- Electric sunroof
- Satellite navigation
- Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers
Colors
There are 10 colors available for the 2026 Subaru Outback lineup, although not all are universally available.
NOTE: Pictured is a model from overseas. Brilliant Bronze Metallic not pictured, previous generation Outback is for illustrative purposes only Here.
2026 Subaru Outback Colors:
- Crystal white pearl
- Crystal black silicon
- Ice Silver Metallic – $660
- Magnetite Gray Metallic – $660
- Deep Emerald Pearl – $660 (NEW)
- River Rock Pearl – $660
- Crimson Pearl – $660
- Brilliant Bronze Metallic – $660
- Sapphire Blue Pearl – $660
NOTE: Pictured is a model from overseas.
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Colors:
- Crystal white pearl
- Crystal black silicon
- Ice Silver Metallic – $660
- Magnetite Gray Metallic – $660
- Deep Emerald Pearl – $660
- River Rock Pearl – $660
- Geyser Blue – $660
MORE: Explore the Subaru Outback showroom
