by Michael Gauthier
- Subaru has announced pricing for the redesigned Outback will begin at $34,995.
- The wagon turned SUV comes nicely equipped in $41,715 Limited guise.
- Two engines are available and they have outputs of 180 hp and 260 hp.
Subaru unveiled the 2026 Outback earlier this year and it’s a radical departure as the wagon has been transformed into a boxy SUV that’s trying to deplete the world supply of plastic body cladding. If you thought the less than stellar looks were the worst of its problems, there’s a new one as pricing starts at $34,995 before a $1,450 destination fee.
While that’s not too bad for a midsize crossover, the cost of entry has shot up $5,000. That’s a huge jump and it positions the Outback squarely between the Forester and Ascent.
More: New Subaru Outback Finally Comes Out As An SUV
Kicking things off is the entry-level Outback Premium, which features LED lighting units, privacy glass, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Buyers will also find a power liftgate, roof rails, and an acoustic windshield.
The exterior styling won’t win any beauty contests, but the cabin is less offensive as it features a more traditional design that incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.1-inch infotainment system. They’re joined by a ten-way power driver’s seat, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and heated front seats wrapped in StarTex upholstery.
For an extra $2,270, customers can get GPS navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, and a heated steering wheel. The package also includes a moonroof and rain-sensing wipers.
An assortment of driver assistance systems come standard including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Blind-Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Warning, and Reverse Automatic Braking. Other features include Automatic Emergency Steering, High Beam Assist, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Braking.
Power is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that develops 180 hp (134 kW / 183 PS) and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a continuously variable transmission and a symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
Moving up the trim ladder is the $41,715 Outback Limited. It features a lightly revised exterior with rain-sensing wipers, a moonroof, and 18-inch wheels with a matte black finish.
The cabin embraces luxury as there’s perforated leather, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. They’re joined by an eight-way power front passenger seat, a wireless smartphone charger, GPS navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
The $45,395 Outback Touring ups the ante with two-tone wheels and power folding side mirrors. The model also has a fancier leather-wrapped steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a 12-way power driver’s seat. They’re joined by Java Brown or Slate Black Nappa leather upholstery, wrapped accents, and an auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink.
Buyers will also find a Surround View Monitor as well as an upgraded EyeSight system. The latter provides Highway Hands-Free Assist, Highway Hands-Free Active Lane Change Assist, and Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection.
Customers looking for more power can upgrade to the $44,365 Outback Limited XT. It features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine developing 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS) and 277 lb-ft (375 Nm) of torque. Equipment echoes the Limited trim, but there are a few extras including larger 19-inch wheels, a dual exhaust system, and a surround view monitor.
Likewise, there’s the $47,995 Outback Touring XT. It’s based on the Touring and features a turbocharged engine as well as 19-inch wheels and a dual exhaust.
Last but not least is the rugged Outback Wilderness. It begins at $44,995 and features a lifted suspension that provides 9.5 inches (241 mm) of ground clearance, which is an increase of 0.8 inches (20 mm). The model also sports electronically controlled dampers and a revised steering system.
On the styling front, the Wilderness is distinguished by unique bumpers, exclusive cladding, and anodized copper accents. They’re joined by smaller 17-inch matte black wheels that are wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires.
The turbocharged crossover is loosely based on the Premium trim and comes equipped with StarTex upholstery, heated seats, and a wireless smartphone charger. Other highlights include copper accents, Wilderness-branded floor mats, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
If that’s not luxurious enough, a $2,045 package adds a moonroof, a surround view monitor, and navigation. Customers can also opt for a $4,090 package, which includes the aforementioned features as well as Nappa leather and ventilated front seats that offer 12- and 8-way power adjustment.
The 2026 Subaru Outback will arrive at dealerships later this year, while the Wilderness will follow in early 2026. All of them will be imported from Gunma, Japan.