The Outback has long stood apart from the sea of mainstream crossovers by offering something buyers could no longer find anywhere else: a rugged wagon that blended SUV practicality with a more car-like driving experience. For decades, that formula helped it become one of Subaru’s most recognizable and successful models. However, the redesigned 2026 version takes the nameplate in a very different direction, and not everyone is happy about it.
The latest model is bigger, taller, more tech-focused, and styled far more like a traditional SUV than before. While those changes do bring added practicality, improved comfort, and a more modern cabin, they also come with a noticeably higher price tag and a design that has divided longtime fans. Early sales figures suggest buyers may not be embracing the new direction quite as enthusiastically as Subaru had hoped.
With wagon buyers already becoming a rarity in today’s market, the shift raises an important question: did Subaru modernize one of its most beloved models, or did it strip away the very identity that made it special in the first place?
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites, including the EPA.
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The Outback has strayed from its roots and become more SUV than ever before
The 2026 model year brings some pretty big changes
The Outback nameplate has been around since the 90s, sticking to the tried and true station wagon layout even when competitors changed course. For the most part, this strategy has been successful for Subaru, with the Outback essentially dominating the mainstream wagon market. This is why it feels a bit odd that the Japanese brand has now shifted their approach, making the Outback feel more like an SUV than anything else.
2026 Subaru Outback trims and pricing
Model
Starting MSRP
Premium
$34,995
Limited
$41,715
Limited XT
$44,365
Wilderness
$44,995
Touring
$45,395
Touring XT
$47,995
The changes to the 2026 Outback have been pretty substantial. While a lot of the core mechanical components, including the powertrain, remain unchanged, everything else has been updated. Its styling is definitely the biggest sore point among buyers, with reception of the new Outback being quite a bit less than warm. A large part of this is that the nameplate has lost its identity as a station wagon, though there are plenty who simply think the new styling is poor.
Once you get over the styling, the next thing you will likely notice is that the new model is about $5,000 more expensive than the outgoing model. We realize that Subaru has made quite a lot of changes to the Outback, but this is a hard sell, especially for returning customers.
Base Trim Engine
2.5-liter four boxer
Base Trim Transmission
CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
180 hp
Base Trim Torque
178 lb-ft
Make
Subaru
Model
Outback
Segment
Midsize Wagon
Which trim offers the best value?
While it does come with a pretty steep jump in price, we think that the Limited XT is well worth it. The biggest upgrade that it gets is the more powerful optional turbocharged engine under the hood. As well as this, you get some niceties, like a premium Harman/Kardon sound system, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and wireless device charging.
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The new model looks a lot bigger, but it’s not a ton more practical
The bulkier styling hasn’t resulted in that much difference inside
Looking at the new Outback, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking that it is much bigger than the outgoing model. Part of the redesign effort has gone towards making it look more muscular, which has resulted in a bit of an optical illusion. In reality, the only dimension that has changed significantly is the height of the roof.
2026 Subaru Outback interior comfort
Front row headroom
41 inches
Front row legroom
43 inches
Second row headroom
40.5 inches
Second row legroom
39.5 inches
Cargo capacity
34.6 cubic feet
Compared to the outgoing Outback, the new model comes with a roofline that has been raised by around two inches, according to Subaru. This does mean that there is a little more headroom, especially for passengers in the back seats. It has also resulted in a bit more cargo space behind the second row. While maybe not easy on the eyes, the redesigned Outback is a little more practical.
In terms of interior design, Subaru’s aim was to make the Outback more contemporary and more comfortable. While we think things have certainly changed compared to the older model, we’re hard-pressed to say if the new cabin is better. Either way, the interior is neat and comfortable, and this Subaru comes loaded with comfort features from the word go.
Material
Oxford
Organizer Dimensions
21″L x 14.6″W x 10.3″H
Special Feature
Foldable
This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer features compartments to organize and store groceries, sports equipment, emergency supplies, and other daily essentials.
Infotainment and technology
Gone is the iconic vertically oriented infotainment screen in the new Outback. Instead, you now get a 12.1-inch unit that takes on a slightly more traditional layout. However, the bezel is a little oddly shaped and the screen looks almost too big to be on top of the dashboard. It is, however, much quicker and easier to use than the outgoing infotainment system. Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard here across the board.
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The 2026 Outback proves that styling matters quite a lot
Improvements haven’t translated into sales
While there are some points of contention surrounding styling and identity, it is clear that the new Outback is more practical, more modern, and better equipped than the outgoing model. However, since the new model hit the market, sales of the Outback have been rough. Subaru has been struggling to sell the updated model, and we think it is pretty obvious why.
Subaru Outback sales
Year
Jan MTD
Feb MTD
March MTD
April MTD
2026
8,283
8,787
10,004
10,552
2025
10,794
11,601
17,539
11,501
The Outback went on sale right at the end of 2025, meaning that this year’s figures represent sales of the 2026 model while last years figures are sales of the 2025 model year. If you look at the 2026 sales figures for the Outback in Isolation, it doesn’t seem like things are so bad. However, compare them to 2025 and you can easily see a downturn.
At the end of April 2025, Subaru had sold 51,435 Outbacks. In the same period of 2026, the automaker has managed to move 37,626. This means sales have dropped by 26.9 percent compared to last year, which is nothing to scoff at.
Why is the new Outback so unsuccessful?
We think the problem with the new Outback is twofold. The first issues is one that we’ve touched on a few times already, and that is styling. The heritage of the Outback name is built upon it being a station wagon, and loyal buyers aren’t happy that has changed. We also think that the Japanese brand was pretty aggressive with the redesign, and the result is something that looks over-styled.
The second issue is price. The Outback used to be an alternative to the Forester for those who wanted a more carlike experience, and its pricing was indicative of that. Now that the Outback costs almost $5,000 more, buyers are simply migrating to the Forester, or other compact SUVs.
Though, perhaps all the new Outback needs is time.
Bigger and more modern, but not the Outback that people want
The Outbacks redesign feels like a pretty big fumble. It shows an innate misunderstanding of the brand’s buyers. The Outback used to be in contention for the brand’s most popular model, and sales were on the rise, but it is quickly losing that status. Its popularity proved that affordable station wagons were still something that people actively wanted. Unfortunately, while the new Outback is bigger and more tech-laden, it has lost its identity in the process, becoming just another generic SUV in a sea of generic SUVs.
