By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
At one time, it used to be referred to as a “lifted wagon.” But after a total revamp in 2026, you can safely say that this seventh-gen Subaru, ensconced on a unitized body structure, conveys a midsize SUV/crossover look. The Outback is now taller and boxier with a higher ground clearance than before. Regardless of its appearance, the Outback boasts a solid ride with quick acceleration, superb handling and steering feel. Of course, standard all-wheel-drive system along with dual X-Mode traction management ensures exceptional balance in all driving conditions.
Once again, the 2.4-liter horizontally opposed, turbo inline-4 engine cranks out 260 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 277 pounds-feet of torque @ 4800 rpm. Power routed through a continuous variable transmission with 8-speed manual-shift capabilities contributes to adequate performance. An independent MacPherson strut front and a double wishbone rear suspension results in a pleasantly agile ride. Steering response with the rack-and-pinion power assist is sharp, precise and perfectly weighted. The Outback’s exceptional stopping power comes from robust 12.4-inch ventilated front and 11.8-inch rear discs. Tow capacity is decent at 3,500 pounds.
Forget the familiar hexagonal grille! Instead, the revised front fascia shows off SUBARU in all black caps flanked by stacked LEDs and anodized copper accents and Wilderness cladding on the exterior body. The steeply raked rear glass meets up with a new light signature that spans width of the liftgate. A twin cockpit with electroluminescent rounded gauge displays for speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant temperature give the interior a rich ambiance. All new is the 12.1-inch tablet-style infotainment touch screen, the center of attention on the dashboard. Eye-catching copper accents on the steering wheel and shifter are evident in the well-lit cabin too, which boasts passenger volume of 146.9 cubic feet. Physical climate and volume control knobs are well laid out. Other goodies include 10-way power driver and four-way front-passenger heated seats, dual auto a/c, overhead sunglass holder, power lift gate, Harman Kardon speakers, wireless phone charger/Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 60/40 fold-down rear seatback, auto start/stop and a roof rack with crossbars that can carry a payload of 800 pounds.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for all three rows, driver knee airbag, EyeSight (adaptive cruise control, pre-collision and front cross-traffic brakes, lane sway/center/departure warning), blind spot detection with rear-cross traffic alert, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, rollover sensor, vehicle dynamic control, electronically controlled dampers, active front seat head restraints and whiplash protection, front view (180-degree view of front) and smart rearview monitors, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
This redesigned and easy-on-the-pocket Subaru (lower trim models begin at $34,995) is a tempting midsize SUV that has sold over three million units since its U.S. debut over three decades ago. Thanks to a functional interior, subtle styling and, best of all, standard all-wheel drive that showcases its on-road ride/handling and off-road talent, the Outback is a terrific performer.
OUTBACK (WILDERNESS)
Tires: 225/65R17
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches
Length: 191.7 inches
Height: 68.3 inches
Width: 74 inches
Weight: 3,973 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18 gallons
City/hwy/comb: 21/27/23 mpg
Base price: $44,995
Price as tested: $48,490
Web site: www.subaru.com
