Our Rides: A Wagon No More

This is a story that just got a new chapter.

For over 30 years, our go-to “wagon” was the Subaru Outback. It was originally introduced as part of the Legacy lineup, with added cladding, a slightly raised ground clearance and a more rugged appearance apart from standard-issue mid-size wagon.

It would be considered one of the first true crossovers, combining a wagon with SUV qualities and tendencies.

Predating the Forester by a few years, the Subaru Outback became a mainstay in LGBTQ+ households. We loved its rugged looks and abilities, while finding space for our pets, partners, spouses and life. It was the right vehicle at the right time for us.

Now in its seventh generation, the 2026 Outback has evolved further into SUV territory. From this point on, you can no longer consider it a wagon.

How did we get here?

If there was one design feature our community loved about the Forester, it was its taller cabin area and a greater upright rear cargo area compared to previous Outbacks. Subaru addressed this by increasing the overall height by about an inch and stretching the overall length by about three-fifths of an inch over last year’s model. The overall width and wheelbase have not changed. These numbers may not mean much on paper, but there’s a lot more going on inside.

The tester we received was the Wilderness model, which offers more agility and ruggedness than the rest of the 2026 Outback lineup. One measurement that has not changed from last year is its 9.5 inches of ground clearance. Standard Outback models also retain their 8.7-inch ground clearance from the previous version.

That extra inch in roofline translates into more cabin space overall. In all, there is an extra inch of headroom for front and rear seat occupants over last year. Cargo space was increased by an extra two cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanded to find another five cubic feet with those seats lowered.

With these expanded measurements, the 2026 Outback is now classified as a mid-size SUV. Some might disagree, since it may seem that it is “smaller” than its direct competitors — perhaps by a few inches.

Once you put away the tape measure, you will appreciate some of the more evident changes inside the 2026 Outback. Inside the driver’s seat is a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with more screen options than before. This is part of a new interior design that offers better quality materials and switches throughout.

Subaru also improved the infotainment system located in a portrait-oriented 12.1-inch center touchscreen display. Backed by a new Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and a new GPU, the new system is quicker and more responsive than the Starlink system on most of the lineup. The infotainment suite adds Google Services for expanded app use, along with smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices.

As a huge bonus, they separated the climate control system from the infotainment screen with tactile buttons and controls. It still has a gear lever for the transmission on the console.

Compared to previous Outback models, the cabin feels airy and the seats are more comfortable and supportive. The cargo space is very useful, thanks to its taller height and steeper rear roofline. If you are looking for a benefit to these changes to the 2026 Outback, let your dog jump into the rear cargo area. Let them roam free back there. Studies show that dogs will feel less claustrophobic in an environment that has a boxier and more open space, including a steep window angle and a taller roofline.

When you get the Wilderness model, your seats are upholstered in StarTex. It looks like leather, but it is not. It is, however, durable. Inside and out, the Anodized Copper trim makes the 2026 Outback Wilderness more distinctive, along with the requisite badges all around. It also rides on 17-inch black alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, along with electronically controlled dampers with improved suspension travel.

The engine lineup for the 2026 Outbacks has not changed, with two horizontally opposed “BOXER” four-cylinder engines. The Wilderness model is still powered by a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged version that also puts down 277 pound-feet of torque. The Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, along with the Symmetrical all-wheel drive system, is standard with both engines. The Wilderness receives the dual-mode X-MODE traction management system, which adds settings for Deep Snow and Mud.

Putting it all together, this is a vastly improved Outback. It is very spacious and practical — more so than last year’s model. The drivability is better, thanks to the new suspension system offering a better ride quality on and off the highway. The performance is there with the turbocharged engine and X-MODE managing torque where you need it.

As for fuel economy, we did manage an average of 23.4 mpg in our care.

What really makes this 2026 Outback Wilderness shine is the overall quality inside. Not just in the use of materials, but of the vastly improved interfaces for instrumentation and infotainment. The center screen alone is a huge win and a major break from other current models.

However, there is a little controversy to address. Not everyone will like the exterior design elements that were added to the 2026 Outback Wilderness. The front grille, bumper and protection assembly has received its share of reactions, along with some of the other added cladding and lights found on our tester.

For those who are not keen on the Wilderness, Subaru offers five additional trim levels, including two XT turbocharged models. In fact, you’ll find that non-Wilderness Outback models are very handsome overall.

Nonetheless, if adventure is what you seek, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness starts with a base price of $44,995. Our tester came with a sticker price of $50,930. The entire 2026 Outback lineup starts from $34,995.

Our “go-to” wagon has grown up to become a bona fide SUV. What the 2026 Subaru Outback delivers is more than just the improvements discussed here. Beyond just expanded dimensions and the capability of the Wilderness trim is a vehicle we should be proud to own. That sounds like a massive victory for our favorite brand of automobile.