The Subaru Outback has always been known as a lifted station wagon, but this is no longer the case with the seventh-generation model that has made its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).
Now explicitly called the ‘Outback SUV’ in the automaker’s press release, the latest Outback features a bolder design that aims to project a more utilitarian and rugged identity. At first glance, some might even say it looks very truck-like, with right angles dominating the front end that reminds us of the current Mitsubishi Triton.
The prominent front grille is accompanied by a thick surround, while the main headlamps sit just below the L-shaped daytime running light signature. Meanwhile, the lower apron sports a wide air intake that is bookended by fog lamps that have their own chunky surrounds.
Along the sides, we find equally chunky cladding around the wheel arches and at the base of the doors, while the rear bumper continues the theme. The rear is also where you’ll find the brand name proudly embossed, and the model’s name is spelt out on the tailgate just below a light bar connecting the taillights.
To reinforce the rugged persona, scratch-resistant surfaces can be found on the front and rear, while the standard roof rails offer a 363-kg (800-pound) static load capacity and 100-kg (220-pound) dynamic load rating. The automaker adds that for the first time ever on a Subaru, a lateral load capacity rating of up to 100 kg (220 pounds) from the sides of the crossbars allows for hanging a hammock or clothesline.
Inside, the Outback abandons the vertical-format 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen of the outgoing model in favour of a slightly larger, near-square unit measuring 12.1 inches. This doesn’t incorporate the climate controls, which are now proper buttons and knobs. Joining the touchscreen is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while the centre console has been tidied up and no longer angles upwards.
Subaru says the new Outback offers 980 litres (34.6 cubic feet) of boot space thanks to a roofline that is 51 mm (two inches) taller than its predecessor. The cargo area is also 51 mm (two inches) taller, while the load floor width now spans 1,100 mm (43.3 inches). The car is larger overall but exact dimensions weren’t mentioned in the official release.
Other improvements touted include interior utility hooks that can hold items up to 2.7 kg (two pounds), low-fatigue seats that reduce lateral sway by 42%, 10% lower wind noise thanks to aerodynamic elements on the outside, clips to hold charging cables in place, larger bottle holders and a washable tonneau cover.
While the exterior and interior are excitingly new, the available powertrains remain familiar. The standard engine is a 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer unit making 180 hp and 241 Nm of torque, with a Lineartronic CVT (eight virtual speeds) and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system sending drive to all four wheels. The Outback gets the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic power steering rack for a more direct and natural steering feel with greater responsiveness.
For more power, there’s the XT variant that is powered by a 2.4 litre turbocharged boxer-four rated at 260 hp and 376 Nm. This engine comes standard with the returning Wilderness variant, which is aimed at those who want their Outback to be even more rugged.
As a start, the Wilderness offers 241 mm (9.5 inches) of ground clearance, which is more than the standard Outback that has 221 mm (8.7 inches). With this, the approach and departure angles are 20 (up from 18 compared to the previous Outback Wilderness) and 22.5 degrees (up from 21.4 degrees) respectively, while the ramp breakover angle is up to 21.2 degrees (up from 19.4 degrees).
The Wilderness also gets exclusive 17-inch wheels wrapped with beefy Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres, while the standard Outback can be had for the first time with 19-inch wheels. Model-specific suspension tuning for better stability on rough terrain, along with faster centre differential lockup and reduced wheelspin when off-roading is also unique to the Wilderness.
Additionally, there are extra sensors that incorporate steering angle into the all-wheel drive system’s torque distribution, while the X-Mode Dual Mode System comes with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings.
The Wilderness is marked out from regular Outback variants by it is imposing (and very truck-like) grille with the Subaru script, round LED fog lamps with hexagonal elements as well as anodized copper-finish exterior accents. The latter is also prominent inside the cabin that has easily cleanable StarTex upholstery.
GALLERY: 2026 Subaru Outback
GALLERY: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
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the rear is so funny. it seems that alza and veloz go to gym everyday and become bulky. and the front drl funny too, it seems that civic go to gym everyday too and become bulky too, except the eyes..become smaller.
Lemme guess, not coming to Malaysia