Boxier, Bolder, Smarter: What Really Changed from 2020 Outback to 2026 Outback
Fans of the Subaru Outback model are sure to have noted the gradual changes that the distinctly raised wagon-looking Subaru Outback model has gone through over its 30-odd years of existence.
Admittedly, Subaru as an automaker is more inclined to evolve its various model designs rather than go straight out with big bold changes.
The 2026 Subaru Outback, however, changes all that with its significant redesign that's a huge departure from the 2020 model, and now features a much bolder, boxier, and more rugged exterior design.
In this article, we'll explore what Subaru has been up to recently, in our aptly titled article: Boxier, Bolder, Smarter: What Really Changed from 2020 Outback to 2026 Outback.
What's new for the 2026 Subaru Outback?
What is new is that this popular Subaru family wagon has now become a thoroughly modern-looking SUV.
The exterior design is all new, gone is the aging raised station wagon look, and it is now replaced with the all-new looking 2026 model year's taller upright crossover SUV styling that is boxier, bolder, and smarter.
The 2026 Subaru Outback's bold new exterior style
So, some fans of the Outback may bemoan the Outback's radical departure from the previous generations' uniquely distinguishing wagon-like proportions, thanks to the brand-new look, but Subaru is confident that the new exterior styling will please many more buyers, as it follows popular modern SUV styling trends.
The Outbacks' dimensions, like their length, width, and wheelbase, are for all intents and purposes unchanged, with the biggest dimensional change being the 1.4-inch height increase.
The Outback's useful ground clearance, measuring 8.7 inches, remains unchanged. Buyers of the Outback Wilderness model will appreciate the more off-road-friendly 9.5 inches of space between vehicle-damaging rocks and then underneath bits of their new Subaru.
The new, blunt and bolder-looking front end of the Outback now features a split-headlight design as seen on many modern crossovers and a larger rectangular front grille. Thin horizontal lighting strips house the Outback's turn signals, and DRLs that look very much like eyebrows are placed above the squared-off headlight units.
Viewed side-on, the Outback now sports squared-off wheel arches opposed to the rounded shape of its 2020 predecessor, the standard raised roof rails are still there, and a now widened C-pillar design is seen that features a body-colored trim piece.
The rear of the new exterior features a power rear gate with automatic closing, height memory function, and a vehicle lock button. A full-width taillight bar is new, which also incorporates a rather neat ruler that allows owners or any passersby, if they feel so inclined, to measure objects up to around two feet in length.
Further exterior items include the "OUTBACK" badging on the rear hatch, along with an embossed Subaru logo on the black plastic bumper.
Just some of the key exterior features of the 2026 Subaru Outback include:
- LED Steering Responsive Headlights
- LED fog lights
- Two-speed windshield wipers with variable-intermittent mode and mist feature
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- Crystal Black Silica-finish side mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Manual-folding and heated side mirrors
- Body-color door handles
- Single-speed rear window wiper with fixed-intermittent mode
- Aluminium alloy wheels
New, friendly, and versatile interior of the 2026 Subaru Outback
The latest Outback's interior remains a versatile and friendly space, and Subaru's designers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the new cabin offers practical elements like cupholders, cargo hooks, door-panel bottle holders, and even a clip located by the interior's device chargers to keep messy charging cords in check.
In keeping with making life easier for drivers and passengers alike, Subaru has changed tack and has removed many of the controls that were found in the previous generation's touchscreen and replaced them with real analogue buttons and knobs.
The climate controls are now found and easily operable on a separate panel located lower down on the dashboard, along with many other various buttons for vehicle settings.
Key standard interior equipment includes:
- Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
- Auto-on/off wiper-linked headlights
- Heated front seats
- Manually adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column
- Transmission paddle shifters
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
- 12.3-inch configurable fully digital instrument cluster
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control
- Auto-up/auto-down windows in all positions with anti-pinch protection
- Illuminated front USB-A and USB-C input/charge ports
- Eight cup and bottle holders
Can the 2026 Subaru Outback carry more cargo than the 2020 Subaru Outback?
The 2026 Outback does indeed carry more cargo thanks to its taller roofline. The new Outback offers up to 34.6 cubic feet with its reclining 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks, which expand to 80.5 cubic feet with the seats down.
The older generation 2020 to -2025 models offer 32.6/ 75 cubic feet, respectively.
The latest Outback's taller interior is able to accommodate bulkier items while keeping its predecessor's wide and flat floor. The new model gets a multi-use cargo cover as standard.
Is the 2026 Subaru Outback more powerful than the previous model?
The powertrains remain virtually similar.
The Subaru flat-four engines see minor changes with the standard 2.5-liter DOHC engine making 180 horsepower with 178 pound feet of torque vs the previous generation's 182 horsepower and 176 pound feet of torque.
The gutsier 2.4-liter turbocharged DOHC still produces 260 horsepower along with 277 pound-feet of torque.
There are no changes to the drivetrains for the latest 2026 Outback, and both engines are paired with a CVT and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Is the 2026 Subaru Outback safer than the outgoing model?
The 2026 Outback does get upgraded safety equipment over the already well-equipped 2020 version, with the likes of more advanced EyeSight tech, available Hands-Free Assist, standard Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and all-new features such as available 360° cameras.
Find the bold new 2026 Subaru Outback at Granite Subaru
Contact the Granite Subaru dealership to view and test drive this all-new, completely redesigned 2026 Outback.
Our dedicated and friendly team will help you discover more about the Outback's more confident capabilities, advanced safety, and tough style.
