2025 Subaru Outback revealed

Australian adventurers will take note of this upgraded icon that plans to blitz the local SUV market when it is released.

Subaru is doubling down on its quest to cement the Outback as the ultimate go-anywhere, tech-savvy SUV for modern adventurers.

Unveiled at the 2025 New York Motor Show, the seventh-generation 2026 Outback introduces a bold new look while staying true to its outdoor DNA.

With just over 10,000 units sold in Australia in 2024, the Outback has long been a symbol of practical adventure.

MORE: How China’s mineral exports are putting the brakes on cars

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Picture: Supplied

The latest model builds on that reputation with more aggressive styling, upgraded performance, and a suite of smarter features.

The exterior has undergone a muscular makeover, adopting a boxier silhouette, upright front fascia, and vertically stacked headlamps that emphasise the Outback’s off-road capabilities.

Ground clearance remains unchanged at 221mm for most models, but the Wilderness variant now features a factory lift kit, boosting clearance to an impressive 241mm.

MORE: Rust scandal engulfs ute importer

2026 Subaru Outback. Picture: Supplied

Further enhancements include scratch-resistant body cladding and a strengthened roof rack system, which now supports up to 800kg when stationary — perfect for rooftop tents and heavy gear.

Inside, the Outback showcases a redesigned dashboard centred around a new 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

MORE: Petrolheads lose it over wild EV clip

2026 Subaru Outback. Picture: Supplied

In a welcoming move, Subaru has reinstated hard-button climate controls, replacing the previous touchscreen interface found in the older models.

The instrument cluster offers several viewing modes, including a distraction-reducing ‘Calm Mode.’ Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a hybrid cloud/on-board navigation system for smarter routing.

Other features include Nappa leather trim, a wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated seats, a sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Picture: Supplied

Cabin comfort has also been enhanced with new sound-absorbing materials and improved aerodynamics, contributing to a quieter ride.

Subaru promises increased headroom for both front and rear passengers thanks to a taller roofline. New low-fatigue seats and an extendible thigh cushion on the driver’s seat provide extra comfort for long-haul journeys.

Interior practicality remains a strong point, with larger bottle holders, reworked cupholders, and innovative cargo area solutions, including a configurable, washable tonneau cover made from recycled materials.

MORE: How Trump tariffs could impact car prices

2026 Subaru Outback XT. Picture: Supplied

Under the bonnet, the 2026 Outback retains its familiar powertrain lineup.

A revised 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is offered on standard variants, while a punchier 2.4-litre turbocharged unit is reserved for XT trims and the Wilderness edition.

Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission featuring an eight-speed manual shift mode.

All models retain Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and benefit from enhanced X-Mode off-road capabilities.

Subaru has also introduced a new Trailseeker EV. Picture: Supplied

Safety also sees a major boost with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The updated system now supports hands-free highway driving up to 137km/h, using three front-facing cameras and new radar sensors.

These upgraded cameras and sensors allow for Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection — a Subaru first — which can autonomously pull the vehicle over and alert emergency services if the driver becomes unresponsive.

The Japanese carmaker hasn’t confirmed when the latest variant will arrive in Australia; however, the 2026 Subaru Outback is expected to be in US showrooms later this year.