Subaru of America, Inc. has introduced the next generation of its most adventurous Outback model: the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Making its debut at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, this latest iteration builds upon its predecessor’s go-anywhere spirit with a completely redesigned exterior, a more refined interior, and advancements in both on-road and off-road driving dynamics. The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness is anticipated to arrive at dealerships nationwide in early 2026.
Performance and Capability: The refreshed Subaru Outback Wilderness continues to offer an impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance, surpassing many full-size SUVs in this regard. The suspension system has undergone significant upgrades, featuring new electronically controlled dampers engineered to enhance stability when traversing challenging terrain while maintaining a comfortable ride and responsive handling on paved roads. Utilizing acceleration sensors in the electronic control unit and front suspension, the system actively monitors road and vehicle conditions to adjust damping forces in real time. This innovative technology effectively minimizes body sway and elevates overall driving stability. In off-road scenarios, the dampers seamlessly integrate with the advanced X-MODE® system to provide increased confidence on uneven surfaces without compromising on-road comfort.
Powertrain and Performance Details: Powering the 2026 Outback Wilderness is a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque for responsive performance in various driving situations. The vehicle is equipped with a standard Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that includes an 8-speed manual shift mode and convenient steering wheel paddle shift control switches. This transmission is paired with the X-MODE® Dual Mode System, offering Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes to further enhance driver confidence in challenging conditions. The revised Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, shared with the broader 2026 Outback lineup, features faster center differential lockup and reduced wheelspin during off-road excursions. It also incorporates steering angle data to improve stability during turn-in and cornering at higher speeds.
Wheels, Tires, and Towing: The Outback Wilderness rides on exclusive 17-inch matte black wheels fitted with all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires, optimized for enhanced performance on muddy or gravel roads. The upgraded available accessory trailer hitch now includes a combined 7-pin and 4-pin connector, and a reconfigured rear bumper simplifies hitch installation. This enhancement complements the SUV’s robust 3,500-pound towing capacity, making it even more versatile for outdoor adventures.
Enhanced Off-Road Geometry: The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasts improved approach, departure, and breakover angles compared to the other models in the 2026 Outback lineup. The approach angle has been increased from 18 degrees to 20 degrees, the ramp breakover angle has been improved from 19.4 degrees to 21.2 degrees, and the departure angle now stands at 22.5 degrees, up from 21.4 degrees. These enhancements provide greater capability when navigating steep inclines and obstacles.
Wilderness Exterior Styling: The design of the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness builds upon the inherent ruggedness of the seventh-generation Outback with assertive styling elements and performance-oriented upgrades throughout. Standard features include robust ladder roof rails with integrated measurement markers and an impressive 800-pound static load capacity (220 pounds dynamic), along with enhanced rope hooks. Underbody protection has been reinforced, and round LED hexagonal fog lights are now standard, ensuring visibility during nighttime off-road adventures. Matte black side mirrors, side cladding, headlamps, an expanded front bumper, and a distinctive SUBARU grille contribute to the vehicle’s durable and tough aesthetic. Anodized copper-finish exterior accents on the roof rails, fog lights, and reverse lights serve as visual cues to the Wilderness trim’s functionality.
Wilderness Interior Features: Inside, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritizes durability and ease of cleaning with animal-free interior seating surfaces featuring water-resistant StarTex® upholstery. Exclusive anodized copper-finish interior accents further distinguish the Wilderness trim. Notably, for the first time on the Wilderness model, premium Nappa leather upholstery with ventilated front seats, a convenient moonroof, and a comprehensive 360-degree Surround View Monitor are available as options.
Convenience and Safety Enhancements: To maximize the utility of the 2026 Outback Wilderness’ increased cargo space, now at 34.6 cubic feet (an increase of 2 cubic feet over the previous model), new standard equipment includes practical utility hooks and a versatile multipurpose cargo cover made from 100% recycled material. This innovative cover can function as a partition to separate items, a gear storage hammock to keep equipment organized, or a step cover to protect the rear bumper from scratches and dirt caused by pets or cargo. When used as a traditional cargo cover, it easily extends to conceal the contents of the cargo area and can be neatly stored in the apron trim pocket when not needed.
For the first time in a Subaru Outback, utility hooks are now standard. These robust hooks can each hold up to 6 pounds, significantly enhancing the versatility of the cargo space for various needs, including hanging clothing, securing gear, or utilizing the multipurpose cargo cover in different configurations. Utilizing anchor points directly integrated into the vehicle’s body frame, these hooks can be attached in eight different locations within the cargo area – four on each side – allowing for efficient space utilization and multiple cargo cover setups.
The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness comes standard with a larger, integrated Subaru 12.1-inch Multimedia Plus system paired with a high-resolution 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster. The 12.1-inch touchscreen features wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility with full-screen display capability. The multimedia system also serves as a central information hub, integrating combination meter data and providing on-screen controls for audio and navigation functions. Additional features include Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, an AM/FM stereo, a rear vision camera, SiriusXM® All-Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link® (with a 4-month free Platinum Plan), HD Radio®, and convenient over-the-air software updates.
Pricing details and complete specifications for the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness will be announced closer to its market launch in early 2026.
Summary:
- All-new rugged exterior design.
- Upgraded suspension with new electronically controlled dampers.
- 9.5 inches of ground clearance.
- Standard turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
- Lineartronic® CVT with 8-speed manual shift mode.
- Revised Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with faster center differential lockup.
- Advanced X-MODE® Dual Mode System with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes.
- All-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires on exclusive 17-inch matte black wheels.
- Increased approach, departure, and breakover angles.
- Standard ladder roof rails with 800-pound static load capacity.
- Animal-free StarTex® upholstery.
- Available Nappa leather with ventilated front seats and 360-degree Surround View Monitor.
- New utility hooks and multipurpose cargo cover.
- Standard 12.1-inch Multimedia Plus system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
- Arrives early 2026.
Disclaimer: Features, specifications, and arrival timing are subject to change. Consult your local Subaru retailer for the latest information.
Source: Subaru
AI Assistance: Gemini
