The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness combines rugged design with modern tech, delivering a versatile and capable vehicle for adventurous families. Everyone wants an SUV, and it seems that no one (except wealthy enthusiasts) wants a wagon. That’s the vibe, and Subaru got the memo.
The 2026 Subaru Outback arrived late last year with a more upright and squared design, modern tech, a boxer engine, and all the functionality you’ve come to expect, while the Wilderness model kicks things up a notch. When the first spy shots of the new 2026 Outback came out, I argued with a Subaru spokesperson about whether it would still be a wagon. When the Outback debuted at the 2025 New York Auto Show, I walked up to them and said, “Fine, if you squint real hard, it’s still a wagon, but it’s as square as an ‘80s Volvo.” We are bordering on crossover territory here, folks.
View Price on AmazonThe reason? The roofline’s been raised 1.4 inches, and it plays mind tricks with you. It’s polarizing, but the Outbacks from the ‘90s and early ‘00s were square right down to the headlights. Then the last few generations of Outbacks started getting sweptback designs in the name of efficiency and aerodynamics. Over time they started bulking up again, and now we’ve come full circle. The Wilderness model adds an extra 0.8 inches of ground clearance, bringing the total to 9.5 inches.
Inside, the dashboard ditches its neatly organized, vertically oriented center stack in favor of a chunky 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. There’s a real volume knob stuck between the two. The infotainment system’s interface feels really similar in design layout to what Toyota’s using, but it’s not a direct rip. Unlike the old system, the new one boots up instantly, wireless Apple CarPlay works flawlessly and without lag, and it didn’t feel like the processor was underclocked.
Source: thedrive.com
