Subaru Australia has officially released the seventh generation (MY26) Outback, repositioning the vehicle as a "purpose-built SUV" with a starting price of $48,990 before on-road costs.

‍The updated range is headlined by the arrival of the "Wilderness" sub-brand, a rugged variant that has been available in the North American market since 2021.

This launch occurs as Subaru navigates a significant transition in its local SUV lineup, with the brand's traditional best-seller, the Forester, facing sustained sales pressure in a market dominated by Toyota.

Despite the launch of the sixth-generation Forester in mid-2025, VFACTS data for October 2025 shows the model recorded 1,313 sales, significantly trailing the segment-leading Toyota RAV4, which moved 4,401 units in the same period.

While the new Forester pivots toward efficiency with a Toyota-derived "Strong Hybrid" system to buck the trend, the MY26 Outback Wilderness is positioned to capture the adventure-focused buyer who prioritises capability over fuel economy.

The MY26 Outback introduces a revised exterior design with vertically stacked LED headlights, a re-engineered chassis, and an overhaul of the cabin technology.

Responding to customer feedback regarding the previous model's interface, Subaru has returned to physical tactile switches for frequently used controls such as air-conditioning and Auto Vehicle Hold.

The interior also features a new 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen, replacing the portrait orientation of the outgoing model for improved compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under the bonnet, the volume-selling AWD, Premium, and Touring grades retain the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre Boxer engine, which produces 137kW of power and 245Nm of torque.

The turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, previously available on the XT Touring, is now reserved exclusively for the Wilderness and Wilderness Apex variants.

This engine outputs 194kW and 382Nm, paired with a Lineartronic CVT that features a revised final drive ratio (4.444:1) in Wilderness models to improve low-speed crawling ability.

The Wilderness variant features a suspension lift bringing ground clearance to 240mm, which is 20mm higher than the standard model and exceeds the clearance of a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series (non GR Sport variants).

It also includes an electronically controlled damper system that adjusts to terrain in real-time, and a "Dual-Mode" X-Mode system with specific settings for deep snow and mud to allow for controlled wheel slip.

Towing capacity for the Wilderness is rated at 2,100kg, a slight increase over the 2,000kg rating of the naturally aspirated models.

Subaru Australia General Manager Scott Lawrence stated that "Wilderness takes all the capability so core to our SUVs and cranks it up," describing it as "the most capable SUV we've ever built."

2026 Subaru Outback Pricing (excluding on-road costs)

• Outback AWD: $48,990
• Outback AWD Premium: $53,490
• Outback AWD Touring: $56,990
• Outback AWD Wilderness: $59,690
• Outback AWD Wilderness Apex: $62,690

2026 Subaru Outback Specifications

Outback AWD

• 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Boxer engine (137kW/245Nm)
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-Mode
• 220mm ground clearance (+7mm over MY25)
• 12.1-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Physical buttons for HVAC and Auto Vehicle Hold
• EyeSight 4.0 Driver Assist with new wide-angle monocular camera
• 9 Airbags (including new far-side airbag)
• Cloth/Synthetic leather seat trim
• Powered driver seat with lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• Ladder-style roof rails (363kg static load capacity)
• 18-inch alloy wheels in dark metallic finish

Outback AWD Premium (adds over AWD)

• Satellite navigation
• Panoramic 360-degree view monitor
• Hands-free powered tailgate
• Electric sunroof
• Heated steering wheel
• 8-way powered front passenger seat
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system

Outback AWD Touring (adds over Premium)

• Nappa leather-accented seat trim (Black or new optional Brown)
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Driver Monitoring System with facial recognition for seat adjustment
• Active Lane Change Assist
• Auto-dipping passenger side door mirror
• 18-inch machined alloy wheels with gloss finish

Outback AWD Wilderness (adds over AWD)

• 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine (194kW/382Nm)
• Revised CVT final drive ratio (4.444:1)
• 240mm ground clearance (+20mm over standard)
• Electronically controlled damper system
• Dual-function X-Mode (Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud)
• StarTex water-repellent seat upholstery
• Anodised copper interior and exterior accents
• Unique front and rear bumpers with improved approach/departure angles
• Matte black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Full-size spare wheel
• Underbody protection
• Towing capacity increased to 2,100kg

Outback AWD Wilderness Apex (adds over Wilderness)

• Electric sunroof
• Satellite navigation
• Panoramic 360-degree view monitor
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system