Subaru

Subaru 2026 Subaru Outback Premium

The Subaru Outback is a mid-size wagon-SUV crossover that occupies a practical middle ground between traditional estate cars and taller SUVs, with standard all-wheel drive across the range.

### Overview

The Outback is a raised wagon with standard all-wheel drive that serves as a smart alternative to more traditional SUVs. It is a comfortable, functional vehicle well-suited for everyday commutes and weekend adventures, and its size and capabilities allow it to compare favorably with small and midsize SUVs. Pricing starts around $29,995 for the base trim and climbs to $44,730 for the top-spec Touring XT, giving buyers a wide range of configurations to choose from.

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### Pros

- **Standard AWD on every trim:** All-terrain traction is part of the Outback's core DNA — the symmetrical AWD system comes standard across the lineup, paired with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it genuinely capable in snow and rain without paying a premium for it. - **Generous cargo space:** Cargo room is outstanding, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with those seats folded — more than many traditional SUVs in this class, and the wagon-style load floor makes it easy to use. - **Comprehensive standard safety tech:** Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane centering assistance, and adaptive cruise control — features that cost extra on many rivals are included from the base trim. - **Strong long-term reliability:** 96% of Subaru Outback vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today, which matters if you're planning to keep your vehicle well past the loan payoff date.

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### Cons

- **Base engine feels underwhelming:** Consumers consistently rate performance as the Outback's weakest feature, and acceleration from the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and CVT is adequate, but you won't win any races — buyers who want confident highway passing power should budget for an XT turbo trim. - **CVT can feel unrefined:** The decision to pair a turbocharged engine with a CVT is always a risk, and combining two things with such significant variables makes for a less-than-smooth experience — something to evaluate on a test drive, especially if you're sensitive to powertrain feel. - **Infotainment reliability is a recurring complaint:** The most frequent frustration centers on the 11.6-inch infotainment screen, which some owners find slow to load and prone to disconnecting from wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. - **Blind spot warning not standard on lower trims:** Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are unavailable on the base trim and only optional on the Premium — a meaningful gap for safety-focused buyers who don't want to step up in trim.

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### Who It's For

The Outback is a strong fit for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and commuters in climates with real winters who want the traction confidence of AWD without the bulk or fuel penalty of a traditional SUV. Consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 68% of owners recommending the vehicle, and repeat buyers are common — a reliable signal that it delivers on its everyday promises. It's a great cruising vehicle with a great ride, well-suited for extended road trips with the family.

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### Not Right For

Buyers who prioritize a sporty, engaging driving experience or want a fully digital, modern cabin — the Outback's CVT, analog gauge cluster, and aging interior design put it behind newer rivals in those areas.

Key features

• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• standard all-wheel drive
• good safety tech
• practical cargo space

Few vehicles at this price point offer all-wheel drive as standard alongside genuine load-lugging practicality.