Subaru

Subaru 2026 Subaru Outback Premium with Wireless Apple CarPlay

The 2026 Subaru Outback Premium is a mid-size wagon-SUV crossover built around standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, elevated ground clearance, and a practical, family-oriented feature set.

### Overview

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Outback and the debut of its seventh design generation — the first to break away from its Legacy roots with its own distinct design and all-new technology. The redesign brings a mid-size SUV profile, a roomier cabin, and advanced in-vehicle tech throughout. Starting at $34,995 MSRP, the Premium trim serves as the entry point for the all-new SUV, and arrives genuinely well-equipped with styling, safety, and technology features.

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### Pros

- **Standard AWD with real off-road chops:** The Premium trim offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control — capabilities that most crossover competitors at this price point simply don't match, making it a strong choice for buyers in snowy climates or light trail use. - **Genuinely improved infotainment:** The old Starlink multimedia system is gone; a new 12.1-inch display is much snappier to respond to inputs and renders camera views in sharper quality — a meaningful upgrade that reviewers had been requesting for years. - **Rich standard equipment for the price:** The Premium now serves as the base model, so features like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, and a power tailgate with height memory come standard across the lineup. - **Strong long-term value:** The reliable, long-lasting engineering of the Outback means it holds up over time — 96% of Subaru Outback vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today, more than the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Toyota 4Runner.

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### Cons

- **Base engine is underwhelming:** The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine feels a tad light on guts, and reviewers consistently flag it as a "so-so base engine" — buyers who frequently merge onto highways or tow should seriously consider stepping up to a turbocharged XT trim. - **No hybrid option:** Subaru doesn't offer an Outback with a hybrid, which is a notable gap as many rivals now offer electrified powertrains — a real consideration for fuel-conscious buyers. - **Moonroof and wireless charger cost extra:** An optional package for the Outback Premium adds rain-sensing wipers, onboard cloud-based navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a heated steering wheel, and a moonroof for $2,270 MSRP — features that come standard on competing Limited-tier trims elsewhere. - **Styling is divisive:** The 2026 Outback introduces a taller, boxier body style that brings it more in line with two-row midsize competitors, and reviewers note the styling is considered "controversial" — buyers who loved the original wagon character may feel the new look is too conventional.

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### Who It's For

This trim is a strong fit for practical-minded buyers who want genuine all-weather and light off-road capability baked in at no extra cost, without paying for features they don't need. Every 2026 Outback includes a 12.1-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance — making the entry point genuinely well-equipped for the price. It suits families, outdoor enthusiasts, and commuters in variable-weather regions who want reliability and safety tech without stretching to a $40K+ trim.

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### Not Right For

Buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency or want a hybrid powertrain, or who need confident highway passing power without upgrading — the base 180-hp engine and lack of any electrified option make this the wrong choice for those use cases.

Key features

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

Seen at 2 retailers from $178.96 to $249.99 as of 2026-07-03. Prices change — check the retailer for the current price.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and standard AWD make a compelling everyday package without stepping up to a luxury price tag.