Subaru confirms details for tougher Outback Wilderness

Turbocharged all-terrain family wagon arrives with new-generation standard variants

By carsales.com.au

The car that created the crossover craze, the Subaru Outback, is getting tougher in 2026.

The Japanese car maker has confirmed local details for its seventh-generation all-wheel drive wagon, which is set to arrive in Australian showrooms early this year with two new flagship models designed to go further into… well, the Outback.

Like before, the model line-up will include the eponymous entry-level Outback, mid-grade Premium and higher-spec Touring versions. But they will also be joined by the Wilderness and Wilderness Apex models that feature unique bodywork, raised suspension and are exclusively powered by a new-generation turbocharged petrol engine.

First seen at the 2025 New York Motor Show last April, all variants of the seventh-gen Subaru Outback are fractionally larger than its predecessor, standing 7mm taller and offering more boot space.

The three ‘conventional’ versions all share the same powertrain set-up, with a carryover version of the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder that produces 137kW and 254Nm and drives a permanent all-wheel drive transmission via a continuously variable automatic gearbox.

Pricing starts at $48,990 plus on-roads for the base-model Outback, which features a generous level of standard equipment including 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power operated tailgate, twin digital screens for the instrument cluster (12.3-inch) and infotainment system (12.1-inch) and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The mid-level Premium model adds a heated steering wheel, embedded sat nav, a 360-degree parking display, powered sunroof and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

For the full luxury experience, the Touring has genuine Nappa leather trim, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, wireless phone charging and more.

All versions share a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids and crash avoidance systems as part of an upgraded Subaru Eyesight system that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, driver monitoring and blind spot warnings. The cabin also features a total of nine airbags, and all versions are fitted with a full-size spare tyre.

The Wilderness versions revive a sense of adventure that made the original Outback such a smash hit.

Visually, they are easily identified by the chunky front and rear bumper designs, orange highlights and black alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres.

However, there’s more significant changes under the skin with a new-generation 2.4-litre turbo petrol boxer four-cylinder engine that develops 194kW and 382Nm, driving the all-paw transmission with two dedicated X-mode off-road settings and a revised CVT gearbox that is claimed to replicate lower gear ratios for more flexible performance when off the beaten track.

On top of that, the Wilderness versions have unique electronic suspension and a raised ride height that provides up to 240mm of ground clearance.

The base-level Wilderness, which costs from $56,690 plus on-roads, largely mimics the features of the entry-level Outback but adds heated front and rear outboard seats with water repellent trim and yellow highlight stitching, plus a wireless phone charger.

For an extra $3000, the Wilderness Apex adds the Premium’s powered sunroof, satnav, 360-degree camera, and 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

All Outback models are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, as per the previous model, with five years or 75,000km of capped price servicing and free roadside assistance for the first 12 months.

How much does the 2026 Subaru Outback cost?

^{Disclaimer: Images supplied by carsales.}