First Drive: 2026 Subaru Outback Grows Into a True SUV

As the videos show, the latest Outback leaves its wagon roots behind with a taller roof, modernized cabin, and higher base price

Jeff S. Bartlett, Consumer Reports Managing Editor, Autos.

By Jeff S. Bartlett
Managing Editor, Autos

Updated May 11, 2026

2026 Subaru Outback front driving at CR's ATC — The squared-off front, horizontal body lines, and abundant black plastic trim give the Outback a tougher, busier appearance.

The 2026 Subaru Outback boasts a dramatic redesign that edges it out of the dwindling wagon market right into the popular crossover SUV realm. All it took was raising the roof slightly, flattening the top, squaring off the nose, and decking the vehicle in more rugged, aggressive styling. Even with the conspicuous changes, the 2026 Outback’s dimensions mirror those of the 2025 model.

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Subaru Outback: CR's Take What We Like What We Don’t Like What We’ll Keep an Eye On Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Video: Outback Versions

Starting at $34,995, the Outback is more expensive than before—largely because the prior, unpopular base version was discontinued. The lineup now starts with Premium, followed by Limited and Touring, all featuring the 180-hp engine. The Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT have the more powerful turbo engine.

Shifting the product line a notch upmarket by omitting the base version helps position the Outback more clearly above the Forester. With the updates and revised pricing ladder, the Outback carves a niche above the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, yet slots below the Honda Passport and Toyota 4Runner. Not a bad place to be.

Based on our experience with an Outback Touring XT borrowed from Subaru, this is a redesign done right. Read on, and we’ll explain.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert review of the Subaru Outback is available to you below. Once we purchase our own model and complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put the Outback through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability.

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Video: Outback Exterior

What we borrowed: 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT
Powertrain: 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; continuously variable transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $47,995
Destination fee: $1,450
Total cost: $49,445
Final assembly point: Japan

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Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett