Subaru Outback Wilderness 2026 Review

With the worldwide axing of the Liberty (known as Legacy elsewhere), the Outback’s revised Subaru Global Platform no longer needs to factor in a sedan body style. Therefore, the seventh generation has morphed closer to an SUV than a wagon, with increased proportions.

There are now two distinct flavours within the Outback lineup, too.

The traditional Outback route continues to fulfil a successful brief by being a utilitarian family wagon, while the new off-road-focused variants deliver punters what they’ve been asking for.

Enter the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness.

Two model grades are offered – the $59,690 entry-level version we’re testing here and the range-topping Apex for $62,690 (all prices exclude on-road costs). They’re the only models to gain the 2.4-litre turbo-petrol Boxer engine and come with Wilderness-specific kit and styling.

The ‘generic’ Outbacks continue with the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol and the range comprises the base-model AWD, Premium and Touring. Prices start at $48,990 and rise to $56,990. All Outbacks use a continuously variable transmission and harness Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD).

Subaru’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty applies, with servicing intervals every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). The first five years (or 75,000km) of maintenance is capped at $2347.31, and only a year of roadside assistance is complimentary.

No matter how you look at it, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness delivers a ‘challenging’ silhouette. But we’ll let you decide if the dual-cab-style ‘Subaru’ lettering, Wilderness badging, gold accents and angular elements are to your liking.

Leaning into the off-roading theme, even the plastic body cladding comes with a mountainous effect.

The Wilderness’ rugged exterior isn’t merely for show and it uses aluminium underbody protection. That combines with electronic dampers and two X-Mode settings to help you get further off the beaten track.

Adding to that is water-resistant synthetic leather, plus heating for the front seats, rear outboard seats and the steering wheel. A wireless charging pad (with indentation to keep your phone in place, unlike the Forester) and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror are also standard.

Being based on the standard AWD Outback, other equipment includes 18-inch alloys, LED headlights and taillights, strengthened roof rails, as well as keyless entry with pushbutton start. Inside, there’s a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control and a powered tailgate.

There are seven paint options, with five of the premium hues available for an additional $660.

The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness doesn’t currently hold an ANCAP safety rating. It comes with nine airbags, dual ISOFIX points and a trio of top-tether anchorages.

As for active safety, Subaru’s EyeSight technology is present with a new wide-angle monocular camera for improved performance and driver monitoring. Other highlights include front and rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning with lane keeping, rear cross-traffic alert and road-sign recognition.

The integration of the driver monitoring could be better. It doesn’t seem as overzealous as the new Forester, but it remains quick to judge your line of sight with audible and visual alarms. Without a dedicated shortcut, it’s also not easy to turn off and requires delving into infotainment menus.

This isn’t the case for the active lane keeping, with a button on the multifunction steering wheel. Ironically, it’s far less intrusive and often doesn’t need to be turned off anyway.

No Outback has front parking sensors, and you must step up to the Wilderness Apex to gain a 360-degree monitor. The view provided from the reversing camera is quite distorting and narrow, making it harder to judge the surroundings.

A new operating system, classy graphics and a horizontal 12.1-inch infotainment screen make all the difference.

Conforming to a more conventional layout has worked wonders, and the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness is both easy to navigate and pleasing to look at. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, but native satnav strangely isn’t unless you opt for the Apex.

Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster that not only features different screen arrangements but also houses a Wilderness-themed graphic. Despite not offering a head-up display, the LCD presents all the vital information in a sleek and modern way that’s simple to digest.

Other kit includes a wireless charging pad, Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio, USB-A and USB-C ports, voice assistant (‘Hi Subaru’) and a six-speaker sound system – the Apex gains Harman Kardon premium audio. The Outback Wilderness accepts over-the-air (OTA) updates, but Australia currently misses out on connected services.

Making the monetary jump worthwhile is the 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol Boxer engine. It endows the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness with much-needed muscle.

Figures rise to 194kW at 5600rpm and 382Nm between 2000–3600rpm, transforming how the Wilderness performs. Initial take-off is decent, but the mid-range pulling power is impressive and makes inclines and single-lane overtakes a breeze. Interestingly, the Outback has 32Nm more than a WRX.

It’s tied to a stepped-ratio CVT and Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive, which is continuous and not an on-demand system like myriad faux four-wheel drives in the segment. This is important for all-weather traction on-road, and grip when off it.

While you might think the Outback is ‘lumped’ with a CVT, it’s one of the best examples of its type. Thanks to the eight simulated ratios, it doesn’t perch revs high under heavy load and behaves more like a conventional torque-converter automatic. Even the steering wheel-mounted paddles prove useful.

What the boosted Boxer gives in performance, it somewhat takes away in terms of efficiency.

The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness has an official average consumption of 9.7L/100km. Throughout our testing, which includes city, highway and off-road driving, the Wilderness comes close-ish at 10.6L/100km.

It’s able to run on cheaper 91 RON unleaded petrol, while the 63-litre tank affords a theoretical maximum distance of 875km considering the 7.2L/100km highway claim. It’s worth mentioning that the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine returns 8.1L/100km.

Bearing in mind the collaborative and financial link with Toyota (the big T has a 20 per cent stake in Subaru Corporation), it’s a shame there’s no plug-in hybrid tech for the Outback. Or even the series-parallel ‘Strong’ hybrid that’s offered in the Forester – but watch this space on that.

We can only assume it’s a cost issue and a move to shift buyers towards the all-electric Trailseeker. Although, the brand doesn’t believe so.

You might be thinking that with the added ride height the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness is a regression on tarmac. Fear not, because it isn’t.

Thanks to the electronically controlled adaptive dampers, the Wilderness retains a great balance between compliance and handling ability. And it does it without the use of finicky drive modes. Instead, the dampers adjust in real time, with sensors continuously judging the surface underneath, road speed and cornering forces.

Therefore, it fine-tunes the dampers on the run for you. In practice, the ride quality can be slightly firm on the odd occasion, but never uncomfortable. The extra stiffness aids body control and counters the raised centre of gravity while managing the 1741kg (tare) mass. Yes, there’s still a bit of lean and float, but the Outback isn’t in the dynamic, erm, Wilderness.

This is also due to the well-judged steering, that being the dual-pinion electric power steering nabbed from the WRX. It’s light enough for the CBD but infused with natural weight and feedback for the open road. The same goes for the braking considering there’s no need for energy recuperation.

And of course, with permanent AWD, traction isn’t an issue on bitumen despite the rather narrow 225/60 R18 Bridgestone Alenza tyres.

What about off it?

In many ways, this is why you’re buying the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, right?

Thankfully, it has the relative off-road chops to back up the deliberate exterior design. The 20mm raised ride height to 240mm is the key stat, with the jacked-up stance resulting in greater ground clearance than some ‘proper’ four-wheel drives.

The active dampers also do their best to smooth out maintained dirt roads, with the ride quality and steering calibration being reassuring. The Outback Wilderness is also surprisingly fun, with the long wheelbase proving progressive and unexpectedly mobile. No, you won’t be keeping up with Molly Taylor in her WRX rally car, but there are smiles to be had.

Essentially, it’s easy to see why the Outback is popular in rural areas for those whose front gate could contain kilometres of gravel and mud. The two X-Modes assist, with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud to choose from. They also automatically engage hill-descent control, while the latter switches off the generic traction control.

The Wilderness’ Achilles heel is the long front overhang. With an approach angle of 20.0 degrees (dual cabs usually have more than 30.0, for example), its snout wants to bottom out before you attempt difficult terrain. A lack of articulation is also a limiting factor despite practical breakover and departure angles of 21.2 and 23.6 degrees respectively.

Other limiting aspects are the lack of locking differentials and the Bridgestone highway-spec tyres. The Wilderness is offered with 17-inch alloys shod with all-terrain tyres in the US, which is an accessory option that should soon be offered Down Under.

It’s nice to see a full-size spare wheel underneath the boot floor, but for those who like to tow, the braked capacity has been cut to 2100kg (from 2400kg).

Still, the Outback Wilderness is far more capable than you expect and taps into Subaru’s tradition of off-road prowess.

Vertical is out, and horizontal is in. For many, this is good news.

The tall and narrow design of old led to small icons and constrained map views when using smartphone mirroring. Not so with the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. This change liberates the user experience and looks better, too.

Although, the visuals aren’t the only aspect to improve, with Subaru upping its quality game with plusher materials and solid build quality. Even the storage compartments are lined with flock to prevent rattles.

The seats and dash are also covered in faux leather, ushering in a star design that links to the Subaru badge, but might also have Mercedes-Benz pondering a phone call.

While the physical climate controls (and dedicated volume knob) take a hit styling-wise, they’re wonderfully simple to decipher and use. It’s an ergonomic win in the age of touchscreen menus. Outward vision is also largely clear with the big glasshouse, and the sound deadening has been increased for improved NVH.

Dimensional growth also equates to more room inside the cabin. And back-seat passengers are afforded palatial levels of legroom, while headroom is also more than generous given the 40mm increase to the roofline.

All occupants will be comfortable given the rear air vents, while there is outboard seat heating, USB ports, map pockets and a centre armrest with cup holders. The 60/40-split folding rear seats also recline for extra relaxation.

Cargo capacity is a decent 530 litres, which expands with the rear pews stowed. That can be actioned via handy releases located within the boot, while other amenities include various bag hooks, a 12V outlet and netted compartments to secure smaller items.

The rear parcel shelf/cargo blind seems a cheap solution at first, but it’s very handy and can be used as a hammock for groceries or even a fabric tailgate guard to protect the plastics.

Proving the Japanese brand knows its buyer, there are Easter eggs to be found in the form of quirky illustrations. For instance, graphics either side of the boot opening detail the size of dog that will comfortably fit in the cargo area, while underneath the tailgate spoiler it shows you items you could place on the roof.

carsales isn’t a fashion house. Adjudicating style shouldn’t be our game, but when a product like the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness receives universal negativity, it’s hard not to pass judgement.

Which is a shame, because the contentious design could rob sales from a true chameleon SUV. Thankfully, its character makes it easier to like. In the game of automotive dating apps, you’ll be swiping right on its personality…

Yes, it’s crying out for a more fuel-efficient option. However, the Wilderness provides tangible benefits for those who need to go off-road, yet still want a comfortable, pragmatic family hauler. The Outback might be an augmented form factor draped in gaudy clothes, but the proven, do-it-all ethos remains.

There’s a reason why the Outback is one of our top picks in the New Car Buyer’s Guide.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness at a glance:
Price:?$59,690 plus on-road costs
Available:?Now
Engine:?2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output:?194kW/382Nm
Transmission:?Continuously variable automatic (CVT)
Fuel:?9.7L/100km ADR combined
CO2:?228g/km ADR combined
Safety rating:?Unrated