The 2026 Subaru Outback Limited Edition XT SUV

What is an Outback? The Outback is a midsize SUV built in the Yajima, Japan, assembly plant and sold worldwide by Subaru. The 2026 model Outback is a completely redesigned midsize SUV and marks the debut of the vehicle’s seventh generation, transitioning from its traditional lifted wagon silhouette, to a boxier, more upright SUV like appearance. This redesign includes a 2″ height increase that provides more rear headroom and expanded cargo space that features bolder, boxier styling, an upgraded interior with improved technology and enhanced safety features. The new updates are:

Design: The 2026 model has a more conventional SUV shape with a taller, boxier profile, a new front fascia, and a flatter roofline, which increases interior space. It maintains the rugged look with substantial exterior cladding and standard raised roof rails with tie down points.

Interior and Technology: The cabin has been significantly refreshed with a new dashboard design that includes a standard 12.1″ central touchscreen and a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster. Subaru has incorporated physical buttons for climate controls, a change praised for usability. The new system is more responsive, and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Performance: Outback continues to offer two engine options: a 180 hp 2.5L 4 cylinder and a 260 hp 2.4L turbocharged 4 cylinder. All trims come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical all wheel drive (AWD) system, Active Torque Vectoring, and X-MODE for enhanced traction in various conditions.

Safety: The EyeSight driver assist technology is standard across all trims and includes an improved suite of features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and pre-collision braking. Higher trims like the Touring offer advanced features such as hands free driving assist for highway use.

As the 2026 Subaru Outback is a redesigned, seventh generation midsize SUV, it is now manufactured in Yajima, Japan. It moves away from its previous wagon styling to a boxier, rugged, and traditional SUV appearance, and it has advanced safety systems and higher ground clearance.

Redesigned Exterior: Features a square jawed profile with an aggressive new grille, stacked LED headlight clusters, and a flatter roofline.

Modernized Interior: The cabin now includes a standard 12.3″ digital instrument cluster and an all new 12.1″ horizontal touchscreen.

Climate Controls: In a departure from previous designs, Subaru has reintroduced physical buttons and knobs for climate control and audio.

Enhanced Safety: The latest EyeSight driver assist technology includes newly available highway hands free driving assist, operating up to 85 mph, and emergency stop assist with safe lane selection.

Advanced Wilderness Trim: Features electronically controlled dampers for the first time, plus 9.5″ of ground clearance, upgraded roof rails with 800 pounds of static capacity, and a unique Subaru wordmark grille.

Refined Infrastructure: A more rigid chassis with increased structural adhesives and sound deadening materials, results in a cabin that is roughly 10% quieter than its predecessor.

While the exterior and technology are all new, the 2026 model carries over its reliable engine options. The base engine is a 2.5L Boxer 4 cylinder motor with 180 Hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine is a 2.4L Turbocharged Boxer motor with 260 HP and 277 lb-ft torque, and is available on the XT and Wilderness trims. Pricing starts with the Limited XT at $44,365. The Wilderness starts at $44,995 and the Touring is the top of the line model and costs $47,995.

To highlight this all new 2026 model, this week Subaru sent me an Outback SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this Limited XT Edition is $44,365. The options on the test SUV are: none. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,450 delivery charge is: $45,815.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to $51,542. At just 458 bucks under $52 Grand, you get a just updated midsize SUV, that gets 21 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, and a 24 MPG in combined driving. The new 2026 Outback is a very nice looking and driving SUV, and the Limited XT Edition is the sweet spot mix of options and price.

The 2026 Subaru Outback is available in 6 trim levels, while the base model from the previous generation is now discontinued.

The 2026 Subaru Outback SUV is a compelling choice for its blend of rugged capability, featuring 8.7″ to 9.5″ of ground clearance, with enhanced refinement, including a new 12.1″ infotainment screen, improved steering responsiveness, and a quieter cabin. Plus, it has standard Symmetrical AWD, with upgraded EyeSight safety technology, and a more efficient 260 hp turbo engine option.

Here are the 5 best reasons to buy a 2026 Subaru Outback:

Improved Performance and Handling: The 2026 model introduces a new double pinion steering setup, similar to the WRX, for better responsiveness, alongside a 260 hp 2.L turbo 4 cylinder engine available for enhanced power.

Enhanced Capability: The Wilderness trim offers 9.5″ of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and a revised CVT for better off road climbing.

Upgraded Technology and Interior: A new and faster 12.1″ inch infotainment screen replaces the older system, and the interior now features real physical buttons for climate control and audio, improving ease of use.

Safety Features: Every model comes with standard updated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which includes automatic emergency steering, pre-collision braking, and newly available hands free driving assist on designated highways.

Practicality and Comfort: The redesigned 2026 model increases cargo space by 2 cubic feet, and features a more comfortable, more composed ride, along with better visibility.

The all new 2026 Outback Limited XT SUV is a strong, versatile, and well equipped midsize SUV with a starting price of only $34,995. So call, click or visit your local Subaru dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, and remember – Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

The key to life is to learn something new every day, and by reading my Bottom Line review, I hope you did just that, learned about something new and exciting. So, be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Drive safely, have a great day, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net