2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness First Look: Did Subaru Cheat Us?

Redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness

• 🚀 The 2026 Subaru Outback has been redesigned, with the Wilderness Edition taking an even more off-road-capable stance, shifting its perception from a lifted wagon to an SUV-like vehicle.
• 📏 The vehicle has grown in height, width, and length, featuring a new aggressive front-end design with split LED lighting, flat black accents, and LED headlights.
• ⛰️ The Wilderness Edition boasts 9.5 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, and for the first time, adaptive suspension on all four corners.

Exterior Enhancements

• 🎨 New sheet metal and plastic cladding are complemented by 17-inch gloss black wheels with Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires (225/55R17).
• 💡 The hood features an anti-glare strip, and the fender flares have a squared-off horizontal design with cladding for protection.
• 🏕️ Raised roof rails support crossbars and can hold up to 600 lbs static weight, allowing for rooftop camping setups.
• 🌟 The rear design includes high-mounted reverse lights, gold accents, and the Subaru Wilderness badge, with a cut-out in the fender flare for the fuel door.

Interior Features and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior showcases soft-touch black materials, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with a physical volume knob, and dual-zone climate control.
• ⚡ Features include heated and ventilated seats, wireless charging, USB-C and USB-A ports, and a redesigned shifter area.
• 🧠 The seats are now bolted directly to the vehicle's frame for a more rigid feel and reduced noise, with Subaru Wilderness embossed detailing and gold stitching.
• 🛣️ Updated Eyesight technology includes a security feature that can slow the vehicle, alert others, and pull over safely if the driver becomes incapacitated.

Space and Practicality

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The enlarged exterior translates to more interior room, particularly in the back seat, offering ample legroom for taller passengers.
• 📦 The cargo area features an electric liftgate, a lower bumper for easier access, and a flat-folding 60/40 split rear seat.
• 🛠️ Under the cargo floor, a full-size spare tire is included, along with a 12-volt outlet.

Powertrain and User Feedback

• 🐎 The 2026 Outback Wilderness is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged flat-4 engine producing 260 horsepower, paired with a CVT transmission and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive.
• ❓ While official pricing is not yet available, the previous model was around $42,000, and viewers are encouraged to share their opinions on whether the redesign meets expectations, particularly regarding the CVT and horsepower.