2025 vs 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness: 5 Big Differences
Subaru’s burgeoning Wilderness sub-brand hits a new milestone this year, as a second-generation model arrives for the first time in the manufacturer’s history. The Wilderness lineup of more capable, rugged SUVs began four years ago with the Outback and this year, an all-new Outback launches, which includes an all-new Wilderness edition.
Granted, in today’s world, all-new needs to be taken with a grain of salt, especially when it comes to automobiles. Many components and frameworks now carry over from one generation to the next, but there are some key differences between last year’s 2025 Subaru Wilderness Outback and this year’s iteration.
Below, we’ve listed five key differences between the two models to better help customers decide if they want to find a 2025 model before they’re all gone, or wait a bit longer for the new 2026 generation.
Exterior
Easily the biggest difference between the Wilderness models from 2025 and 2026 is the exterior. Despite being attached to a very similar platform, with many identical mechanical components, there is a vast metamorphosis when it comes to style.
Each generation of the Subaru Outback has gotten a bit less wagon-like and more SUV in appearance. This year, the brand went all-in, ditching the long-roof profile for a full-on SUV box. Besides the near-vertical rear hatch, the front has a prominent plastic grille with large letters spelling SUBARU across it.
The 2025 model was also adorned with plenty of cladding, but on the 2026 model, it's a bit more stylized and includes built-in details like the front push bar and rear gear pads.
Electronic Dampers
The suspension set-up differs very little generation-to-generation, as the ground clearance, approach, break-over, and departure angles remain virtually the same. There is one major difference, though, the dampers.
On the new 2026 Subaru Outback Wildernes,s there are now electronically controlled dampers. These operate in conjunction with the X-Mode system to help limit body motions off-road. During our recent drive of the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness we found they worked, as washboard roads and deep ruts were felt less inside the cabin than we expected.
Cargo Capacity
The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness' more squared-off, boxier shape leads to more cargo carrying capacity compared to the 2025 model. Officially, the new 2026 model can carry 34.6 cu. ft. (980 L) of gear behind the rear seats, which expands to 80.5 cu. ft. (2,280 L) when the rear seats are folded.
Compared to the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness, that's an increase in both measures, as it has ratings of 32.6 cu. ft. (23 L) behind the rear seats and 75.6 cu. ft (2,124 L) with those seat backs folded. The extra space in the 2026 Wilderness comes from a taller cargo area height and a longer load floor.
Steering
Both the 2025 and 2026 Subaru Outback come standard with a 13.5:1 steering ratio. Compared to many SUVs, that’s a quick steering ratio, leading to better responses and a more car-like driving feel. This year, the Wilderness model gets a unique steering rack with a 13.0:1 ratio, for even better reactions.
Did we notice the difference during our time with the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness? Not specifically, but we did feel this vehicle continues to be the most capable SUV with a distinct car-like driving experience: a fact probably bolstered by the new steering ratio.
Tires
The final change we’re highlighting between the 2025 and 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness may be the most trivial, unless you’re a real tire aficionado. Last year, the vehicle came wearing Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires in a 225/65R17 size. This year, Subaru has switched to Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires, but still in the same 225/65R17 size.
The purpose, class, and tread pattern between the two tires are negligible, and the reason for the change most likely has more to do with supplier deals/agreements than actual performance.
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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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