2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness: More Rugged Looks, Still Capable
The Subaru Outback is entering its seventh generation and as we reported a bit earlier, it has gone from wagon crossover to full-blown SUV. We’ll wait and gauge the public’s response as to whether or not this styling/genre switch is a good idea. One thing we can confirm, though, is the fact that the Wilderness is back for the new generation Outback.
Key Points
- The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness returns with a more rugged, boxier design, featuring textured body cladding, copper accents, increased approach and departure angles, and reinforced underbody protection.
- It retains the turbocharged 2.4L flat-four engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, paired to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and dual-mode X-Mode, now enhanced by electronically controlled dampers and a quicker-locking center differential.
- Interior upgrades include water-resistant StarTex upholstery, a new 12.1-inch infotainment screen with physical climate controls, and available features like Nappa leather, ventilated seats, and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor.
Adventure Box
The Wilderness takes the Outback’s new, boxier shape and adds the usual rugged upgrades to make it more ready for rough terrain. There’s a matte black treatment on the side mirrors, side cladding, headlamps, portions of the front bumper, and the front grille. The cladding includes a rough texture, almost a bit like bed-liner, which will have better scratch and scuff resistance. Another Wilderness trademark, anodized copper painted bits, are featured on the new Outback’s exterior, located on the fog lights, reverse lights, and roof rails.
While on the topic of roof rails, there’s a standard ladder roof tail system that can hold upwards of 800 pounds when the vehicle is parked, or 220 pounds while in motion. The rack also includes improved rope hooks for better securing loads.
Other upgrades to the exterior include round LED hexagonal fog lights and what the brand refers to as enforced underbody protection. How much protection these guards actually offer, we’ll determine once we see the vehicle in person. What I am a fan of is the pseudo-built-in push bars on the front bumper. Oh, and the ginormous SUBARU embossed across the front grille.
Turbocharged Adventure
Like the current generation Outback Wilderness, the new 2026 model will only be available with a single drivetrain, a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four cylinder paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. As is the case currently, the engine makes 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, while the transmission features a manual mode that includes 8 preset gear steps.
Of course, power is sent to all four wheels through the brand’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and being a Wilderness SUV, there is the dual-mode X-Mode to help the Outback out of the slipperiest or stickiest of situations. There is also a revised transfer gear ratio
More Than Trail Ready
Stop if you’ve read this before, but the new Wilderness Outback gets increased ride height, measuring at the same 9.5 inches (241 mm) of ground clearance as the current model. What has changed is the suspension tuning that Subaru states is more stable on rough terrain while still delivering good ride comfort and decent handling. The difference is new electronically controlled dampers. These new dampers also work with X-Mode, which will help give the wheels with better ground contact more power.
As mentioned in the 2026 Outback preview, the Wilderness also benefits from the faster locking center differential, which should limit wheelspin off-roading. Ensuring those wheels actually grip the loose terrain are Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch matte black wheels. Towing capacity for the Wilderness remains at 3,500 pounds (1,500 kg) for the new model.
But wait, there are some specs that change with the new, boxier 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Approach, departure, and breakover angles have all improved, leading to better off-roading capabilities. In the front, the approach angle is now 20 degrees compared to 18 degrees on the current model. The ramp breakover improves to 21.2 degrees, up from 19.4 degrees, and the departure angle is now 22.5 degrees, compared to 21.4 degrees on the 2025 Outback Wilderness.
Abuse-Ready Interior
Off-roading is messy fun, and Subaru is once again equipping the Outback Wilderness with a water-resistant, easy-to-clean StarTex upholstery. Like the outside, there are copper trim bits inside, and a larger 12.1-inch infotainment system sits in the middle of the dash. Not only does this new main screen mean the death of the old vertical unit, but there is a row of actual, physical climate controls below it: rejoice!
In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. While on the topic of fancy features, those who don’t plan to get the inside of their Outback Wilderness muddy can opt for a bit more luxury. Nappa leather upholstery with ventilated front seats is an available option, as is a moonroof, and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor is available on Wilderness.
We won’t know the final specifications of pricing details on the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness until it goes on sale early in 2026.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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