The new, seventh generation Subaru Outback The 2026 model will be the Japanese brand’s first model in Australia, available in a more robust flagship version of the new Wilderness sub-brand.
In a recorded video announcement, Subaru Australia confirmed the new Outback for local showrooms. The brand also confirmed the addition of the first Wilderness model variant for Australia, following delays in the launch of the sub-brand here.
As of 2021, Subaru has sold Wilderness versions of the Outback, Forester and Crosstrek in North America, each offering mechanical and cosmetic upgrades intended to provide an off-road advantage.
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“Wilderness is not just a model,” Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence said in the video announcement.
He said Wilderness models “offer depth beyond a badge…a conscious homage to the brand…for customers who value real off-road capability and adventure.”
“What STI is to our performance range, Wilderness is to our SUVs,” said Mr Lawrence.
While the Outback Wilderness sold here originally targeted buyers in the U.S. with locally manufactured vehicles, it will come from Japan.
It will be available in Wilderness and Wilderness Apex trims, replacing the current XT Sport and Touring models as the only turbocharged Outback variant in local showrooms – but the price will be at least $6,000 higher, from $59,690 before on-road costs.
The regular seventh-generation Outback range will start at $48,990 before on-road launch, with the Wilderness benefitting from the new Outback’s core features, being taller and wider than the current model.
Visually, the Wilderness is characterized externally by a more robust-looking black wheel arch lining, which is also visible under the LED headlights, as well as by black exterior mirror caps.
Beneath the rugged exterior lies a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer gasoline engine – codename FA24F – mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
It’s the same powertrain as the current Outback XT, but with output increased to 194kW/382Nm – an increase of 11kW and 32Nm – compared to the 137kW/254Nm 2.5-litre boxer engine in the rest of the range.
This makes the Wilderness the most powerful Subaru SUV, including previous STI versions of the Forester.
As with the Wilderness vehicles sold abroad, the eight-speed CVT automatic transmission has had its artificial shift points adjusted.
There’s also a shorter final drive for improved off-road performance – and while this isn’t confirmed for Australia, US versions feature a transmission oil cooler, a rear differential temperature sensor and a recalibrated four-wheel drive system that allows for a quicker center differential lock to improve traction.
Off-road capability is further enhanced by a 20mm increase in ground clearance (now 240mm) and adaptive suspension in the form of wilderness-specific electronic dampers from German supplier ZF, which enable two unique X-Mode suspension settings.
While Wilderness vehicles sold overseas on Yokohama ride Geolandar tires on 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and the example on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo last month was fitted with BFGoodrich off-road tires in the same size 225/70, press images from Subaru Australia show 225/60 Bridgestone road tyres 18-inch six-spoke wheels.
The Outback Wilderness vehicles will also feature water-repellent “hydrophobic” synthetic leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel and a 12.1-inch horizontal multimedia touchscreen, replacing the previous Outback’s vertical display.
The Outback Wilderness Apex adds a satellite navigation system, a power moonroof, a surround-view camera and 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio and costs $3,000 more, making it $62,690 before it hits the road.
Subaru has yet to confirm when and if additional Wilderness models will come to Australia, but given the language surrounding the Outback Wilderness, it’s likely other models will receive the same treatment.
The Outback is the automaker’s third most popular model in Australia, behind the Forester – a new generation of which was launched here in 2025 – and the smaller Crosstrek.
Subaru isn’t the only brand eyeing more rugged off-road vehicles positioned as premium or halo offerings. Ford President Jim Farley has said he wants to produce a “supercar for gravel” to position the U.S. automaker as the “Porsche of off-road vehicles.”
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