The Outback Wilderness retains the ruggedness of the previous wagon and adds even more practicality.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
The seventh generation of the Subaru Outback bears little resemblance to the previous version on the outside but shares a great deal in common under the dramatically retooled skin.
The sturdy little off-roader, in its Wilderness trim, has the same 241-millimetre ground clearance as the previous model – third best in its class. That’s because it is built on the same platform as its predecessor, albeit heavily modified. It’s also almost exactly the same length as the 2025 but stands a full 36 millimetres taller. And when it comes to function, it is as unafraid of cow paths as is the beloved wagon it replaces.
The 12.3-inch instrument cluster is fully digital and the 12.1-inch centre touchscreen is equipped for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Courtesy of manufacturer
In many other respects, the 2026 Outback Wilderness is far better. The transition to a more SUV-like shape yields more cargo space. Its spritely turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer engine – the only option on the Wilderness – mated to Subaru’s oil-cooled Lineartronic CVT has enough oomph to both pass efficiently in traffic and to paw up steep backcountry hills. Its entertainment and safety technology has entered the 2020s. And the cabin finishing details are more refined.
On the road, it provides a comfortable ride, quiet as you could reasonably expect from a vehicle equipped with all-terrain tires. The ride is plusher than before and yet the vehicle has virtually no lean during aggressive cornering, owing to stiffer springs and electronically controlled dampers.
The bumps in the fender flares are designed to make the car more aerodynamic.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
Its squarish shape is deceptively aerodynamic, thanks to a variety of wind-tunnel tweaks – such as little bumps in the fender flares that, at first blush, look like a styling mistake, and head and tail lamps that are shaped to not only slip through the wind but even encourage snow to slide off.
Thrashing the new Wilderness around a rugged ranch in northern California revealed a vehicle more than capable of handling terrain that would put its citified mall SUV competitors to shame. A chunky front bumper turns in at the bottom to improve breakover angle, while skid plates protect the undercarriage.
Traction controls are so effortless, they make the Wilderness feel like the off-roader for dummies. The two-level X-MODE traction system, good for mud and snow, includes hill descent control and has an activation switch on the steering wheel, right beside cruise control. Multiple cameras ensure the driver can see what’s ahead when cresting a steep hill or take a 360-degree view.
The made-in-Japan Outback Wilderness retains the ruggedness of the previous wagon and adds even more practicality. It’s a fun-to-drive vehicle that inspires confidence on road and off.
It is arriving in Canadian dealerships now.
Going to a more SUV shape means more cargo space.Courtesy of manufacturer
Looks
Function trumps style, and that’s not a bad thing. Some people hate the chunky blacked-out front grille, but I quickly warmed to it. Visual cues such as the squared-off fender flares, reinforced roof rack (lateral capacity of 100 kilograms) and beefy “ski guard” pads on the rear hatch signal this little beast comes to play. Anodized bronze signal this is a Wilderness.
Ski guard pads on the rear hatch can protect the paint when leaning skis against the car and will make sure the skis don't fall over.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
Interior
There are some pleasantly surprising details, such as clips to keep your phone cord off the floor and felt liners in the door-mounted water bottle holders to reduce rattle. The extra headroom makes the cabin feel roomier and provides for respectable leg room in the back seat. In Canada, the top grade is a washable leather-like synthetic. Thankfully, Subaru has opted for buttons instead of on-screen controls for climate control and other basic functions.
Performance
The Wilderness’s turbocharged four cylinder delivers enough horsepower and torque to handle traffic and to hold its own in moderately challenging offroad conditions. Subaru’s CVT smoothly delivered power to the symmetrical all-wheel drive, mated to all-terrain tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. The electronically controlled dampers and stiffer springs provide a remarkably stable ride that is also more comfortable than you’d expect on pavement. The X-MODE traction system offers one-button transformation from daily driver to weekend warrior.
Technology
The 12.3-inch instrument cluster is fully digital, and the 12.1-inch centre touchscreen is equipped for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio connectivity, rearview camera and over-the-air updates. A 360-degree camera provides a variety of views in challenging terrain. Safety tech includes a system that overrides accidental acceleration, lane-keep assist and the ability to safely stop the vehicle if the driver becomes incapacitated.
Cargo
Increased cabin height pays off in enhanced space, which Subaru brags about in a little Easter egg stamped into the rear hatch liner. Behind the rear seats, the Outback offers 980 litres of cargo space (up by 67 litres), expanding to a generous 2,280 litres (an increase of 139 litres) with the second row folded flat.
The Easter Egg stamped into the rear hatch liner shows the space with reference to how dogs can fit.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
The verdict
The Outback remains great value, especially with Subaru’s reputation for building solid vehicles. Its entry price puts it in the compact SUV category while the vehicle offers cargo space that approaches many mid-sized models. The Wilderness upgrade offers a sporty off-roader that also functions perfectly well as in city traffic.
Tech specs
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
- Price range: Touring (base model): $43,756 (with dealer, delivery fees); Wilderness: $52,042 (with fees); Premier XT $54,056 (with fees)
- Engine: 2.4-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder boxer
- Horsepower / torque (lb-ft): 260 / 277
- Transmission / drive: CVT / All-wheel drive
- Fuel consumption (litres per 100 kilometres): 11.3 city; 8.8 highway
- Alternatives: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco Sport, Volvo V60 Cross Country, Audi A3 AllRoad, Honda Passport
The X-MODE traction system offers one-button transformation from daily driver to weekend warrior.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.