The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness adds off-road capability and a higher equipment level to a redesigned SUV, but its $44,995 starting price puts it well above the base Outback.
Prices start at $34,995 for the Outback and $44,995 for the Wilderness, excluding a $1,450 destination charge. The well-equipped test vehicle cost $49,085.
What the Outback Wilderness Offers
The five-passenger, all-wheel-drive SUV has a 12.1-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen, physical controls for the climate system and a higher roof that adds headroom, cargo space and a larger rear opening.
Top trim levels add hands-free driving to adaptive cruise control. The system can operate at up to 85 mph, execute hands-free lane changes and pull onto the shoulder — or the safest available place if there is no shoulder — if the driver becomes incapacitated. Subaru said the feature would be available shortly.
The Wilderness also has electronic adaptive shocks, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
How It Compares
The Outback competes with the Ford Bronco Sport, GMC Terrain AT4, Honda Passport TrailSport, Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner. The reviewer found the Wilderness comfortable, capable and roomy, with a value proposition that compares well with those models.
The 2026 Outback has nearly the same exterior dimensions as the previous model, though its height increased by 1.4 inches. The changes are intended to provide more headroom, cargo space and a larger rear opening while preserving the vehicle’s maneuverability.
Fuel Economy and Key Specifications
- Seats five
- All-wheel drive
- EPA fuel economy: 21 mpg city, 32 highway and 27 combined
- Continuously variable automatic transmission with eight-speed manual mode
- Hill descent control
- 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires
- Regular gasoline
- Assembled in Ota, Gunma, Japan
The reviewer praised the SUV’s controls, audio system, ride and everyday practicality, but questioned whether the Wilderness’s optional $4,090 package — including leather seats, navigation and ventilated front seats — added enough value for the price.
Reporting by Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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