By: Aoun Syed
April 1, 2026
Subaru has always been a brand closely associated with making vehicles that can handle all conditions while embracing utilitarianism to the fullest. The newly redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback Touring brings a fresh but bold take on that with its driving capabilities and its highly functional interior, while also bringing in a lot of modern tech to the table. We had the opportunity to test this rugged crossover for an entire week to find out if it still stays true to its roots.
From the moment you walk up to the Outback, it is unmistakable that this is a significant change from previous generations. The Sapphire Blue Pearl finished body of our tester sits taller and has a more rugged look to it, with black plastic cladding and squared-off wheel arches, but with rounded corners to make this crossover less imposing. The triple set of lights in the front differentiate the car from the rest of the Subaru lineup, while the rear tail lights appear to be a modern homage to the ones found in the first-generation Outback, a nice nod to the past. To finish it off, the standard 18-inch dark grey alloy rims subtly increase the rugged look.
The powertrain is adequate, with the standard 2.5-litre Boxer engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque that provides a reasonable amount of power for the intended purpose. With relaxed throttle application, the Outback gets up to speed with ease, and with slightly more throttle application, the Outback is able to reach highway speeds fairly quickly, albeit with some increased engine noise that can be heard from inside the cabin. The CVT transmission keeps things smooth during day-to-day driving, and the paddle shifters allow for finer control of the power band in trickier off-road situations.
On the road, the Outback definitely reminds the driver of its size, with a heavy steering feel that is also very responsive while providing a tight turning radius, which is great for navigating tight spots. However, there is a significant amount of body roll when cornering at higher speeds. The suspension is livable but could use a bit more damping because, although not jarring, smaller bumps in the road can still clearly be felt. Brake pedal application is linear and very effective, with harsher braking being drama-free.
The Outback really shines with its very utilitarian interior that is blended in with a more comfortable touch through the usage of black leather seating surfaces, soft-touch plastics, and carpeted door pockets. There is a generous amount of physical buttons on the steering wheel and around the dual-zone automatic climate controls. This may feel overwhelming at first, but it is very useful when put into practice, such as a separate button for decreasing radar cruise control following distance, which eliminates the awkward distance increase when you are trying to decrease the following distance from moderate to close. The front and rear seats do not just look good but are also comfortable, with plenty of support, especially for the driver with the 10-way adjustable power seat. Cargo room is also very generous, with the option to fold the seats flat and a quirky cargo cover that can double as a cargo hammock, a partition, or even a step cover.
Despite the utilitarian interior, the Outback Touring is far from a barebones crossover, with its large 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and an interestingly shaped 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both of which are easy to view while driving thanks to the screens being set further back. The Touring trim also comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology, with notable features such as radar cruise control that has several modes to adjust acceleration and braking style, as well as Subaru’s DriverFocus system, which sends strong audible and visual alerts to the driver if it thinks the driver is not paying attention or is tired. Other notable technology features include a wide-angle backup camera that sits high up to provide excellent rearward visibility when reversing, and standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although exiting back to the core Subaru infotainment interface takes a while to navigate to on these systems.
While there is significant weight and a full-time all-wheel drive system in this crossover, the Outback efficiently consumes fuel. Natural Resources Canada rates the 2026 Subaru Outback at 9.3L/100km city and 7.5L/100km highway, for a combined rating of 8.5L/100km. During our testing, we achieved a higher average of 10.1L/100km, which can be attributed to the engine being less efficient in the colder months.
Pricing starts at $43,685 plus taxes and fees for the standard as-tested Touring trim and can go up to $53,985 for the top Premier XT trim.
The redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback Touring is a true crossover worthy of the Subaru name. Its bold new design and utilitarian interior speak volumes about its adventure readiness, while the robust driving characteristics and extensive technology make it very livable. This crossover is ideal for someone who wants an adventure-ready crossover with tons of space and modern-day technological comforts without breaking the bank.
