Subaru is introducing the seventh-generation 2026 Outback in Australia, bringing an interesting new design, major technology upgrades and a new flagship Wilderness variant.
Sitting on a reworked platform and adopting more traditional SUV proportions, the new Outback stands taller and broader than before, with a bolder front end, chunkier surfacing and redesigned LED lighting. The Wilderness takes that foundation further with 240mm of ground clearance, revised approach and departure angles, and a unique suspension tune incorporating electronically controlled dampers. It’s also the only model powered by the 2.4-litre turbo engine.
Every variant adopts a heavily updated cabin centred around Subaru’s new horizontal layout. A 12.1-inch widescreen infotainment system replaces the previous portrait setup, promising faster responses, simpler control layouts and wireless phone connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is now standard, while physical switches for key functions return for better usability on the move. Higher grades can be optioned with a Harman Kardon 12-speaker stereo.
Subaru has overhauled seating across the cabin, using new structures to reduce vibration and increase long-distance comfort. Headroom is up in both rows, and cargo practicality has been improved with a taller tailgate opening, new roof rails with a higher static load limit, and increased storage. The Wilderness adds hard-wearing synthetic upholstery designed to be easily cleaned after off-road adventures.
Refinement has also been a focus, with more insulation, better aerodynamics and structural tweaks aimed at reducing cabin noise.
Power comes from an updated 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine or the Wilderness-exclusive turbo, both paired with a quieter and more responsive Lineartronic CVT. Subaru’s all-wheel drive system gains finer torque distribution control. Max outputs are 137kW/254Nm for the regular 2.5L, and 194kW/382Nm for the turbo (up from 183kW/350Nm in the outgoing model).
Safety tech has been boosted, with the latest EyeSight system incorporating a wide-angle camera for better detection of pedestrians, cyclists and complex intersections. Additional features include driver monitoring, new emergency assistance functions and an available 360-degree camera system. Structural improvements and a broader airbag suite round out the update.
The new model is on sale now with prices starting from the following (excluding on-road costs):
2026 Subaru Outback 2.5L: $48,990
2026 Subaru Outback Premium 2.5L: $53,490
2026 Subaru Outback Touring 2.5L: $56,990
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness 2.4T: $59,690
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Apex 2.4T: $62,690
