2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT 

When I first sat in the 2026 Subaru Outback XT, I couldn't help but notice how big it felt. Unlike the Outback models of old, this one felt like it had grown from the inside out. The cabin has an airy feel, thanks to the SUV's new boxy proportions, and the seats feel wide and are comfortable, for you know, American-sized people. But my focus was mainly on what lied under its hood: a turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER engine that sends 260 horsepower to the wheels. 

Like any true car enthusiast, the first question that went through my head was, "It is going to feel fast? Like a lifted WRX?" After that thought left me, I pushed the engine start button and fired it up. After shifting the car into reverse on the (thankfully) normal shifter, I pulled out of the parking spot and was pleasantly surprised.

Driving Impression and Powertrain

I wasn't pleasantly surprised because the engine pinned me to the seat or because the Outback shredded its tires all the way to redline – I'm not that kind of car enthusiast. Instead, What surprised me was how eerily quiet the cabin was. Seriously, it was Lexus quiet. The kind of hush you expect after spending $60,000 on a luxury SUV that's designed to impress your friends with just how luxurious and refined it feels. Maybe I'm getting old.

That said, the force-fed engine under its hood was impressive. The XT trim levels come standard with a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER engine that gives the car plenty of gusto off the line and for highway passing. It's not a WRX, especially given its nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. Just like Outbacks of the past, this one also comes equipped with a CVT. In my opinion, that's a bit of its downfall because I found the CVT to be jerky upon acceleration at some point, but smooth otherwise. 

The base Outback models are equipped with a 180-horspeower 2.5-liter engine, which some report to be "sluggish," so the turbocharged engine could be the way to go. However, just know that it won't get 30 mpg. In fact, the EPA estimates the 2026 Outback XT will get up to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, 24 combined. After my week of testing, I averaged 22 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving.

Interior

Sitting inside the 2026 Subaru Outback feels more luxurious than you would expect. Since it's the top trim level, my test car had Nappa leather seats and all the power adjustments you could need to fit your body type. The front and rear seats were comfortable, but I could have used more contours and bolstering on the driver's seat, because it felt flat. However, the lack of support means they too are well suited for people of all sizes.

The front seats are also heated and ventilated, the latter of which came in handy because it was over 90 degree outside during the week I had the car. There's also heated rear outboard seats to keep your passengers warm during the colder months. As for the cargo area, it's wide and larger, with a couple grocery hooks, fold-flat seats, and a nifty cargo cover that snaps into place with magnets and tabs. Overall, the Outback's interior felt very comfort, with an airy feel, thanks to the car's boxy shape. 

Exterior

The Subaru Outback was redesigned for 2026, which resulted in a boxier, brawnier overall design. Although it's still a wagon in my eyes, Subaru classifies the Outback as a midsize SUV. I can see why – it's tall, wide, and offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The front end now has a much more squared-off look, with a bigger grille, slimmer lighting, and enough black cladding to make it look like it's always on its way to a trailhead, even if it's really just headed to Costco.

From the side, the Outback still has some long-roof energy, but the upright pillars and chunkier wheel arches push it closer to Forester territory than Legacy wagon. The 19-inch wheels on the Touring XT help fill out the stance, and the roof rails keep the outdoorsy Subaru vibe intact. I don't think it's as sleek or as charming as the old Outbacks, but I get what Subaru is doing here. Most buyers want SUVs, not wagons, and this new shape gives them that without completely throwing away the Outback formula.

Technology

Subaru clearly knew it had to do better with the Outback's tech, because the old vertical screen was not exactly my favorite thing in the world. Thankfully, the 2026 model gets a new 12.1-inch multimedia system that feels much quicker and cleaner than before. The graphics look sharper, the screen is easier to read, and the whole thing reacts faster when you're swiping around maps or jumping between menus. In other words, it finally feels like modern car tech instead of a giant tablet that needed a cup of coffee.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and in my experience, that's still the best way to use most infotainment systems. Pair your phone, let Google Maps or Apple Maps do the heavy lifting, and move on with your life. Subaru also deserves credit for bringing back real buttons and knobs for the climate controls. That might not sound exciting, but when you're driving, wearing gloves, or just trying to change the temperature without staring at a screen, physical controls feel like a luxury feature.

The Touring XT also comes with the kind of stuff you expect at this price point, including a digital gauge cluster, built-in navigation, a wireless phone charger, and a Harman Kardon audio system. None of it turns the Outback into a rolling spaceship, and honestly, that's probably a good thing. The tech is useful, easy enough to figure out, and mostly stays out of the way, which fits the Outback perfectly. It's not trying to impress you with gimmicks. It's trying to make the road trip easier.

Safety

As expected, the 2026 Outback comes loaded with safety tech, because that's kind of Subaru's whole thing. Every Outback gets the brand's upgraded EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes the usual active safety helpers like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and pre-collision braking. In practice, the system felt smooth and unobtrusive, which is exactly how I like these features to work. I don't want the car yelling at me every five seconds or tugging the wheel like a nervous driving instructor.

The Touring XT also gets some of the more advanced stuff, including available Hands-Free Assist and Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection. That sounds like a lot of marketing speak, but the basic idea is that the car can help with steering on certain highways and, if the driver becomes unresponsive, it can slow down, move toward the shoulder, stop, and turn on the hazards. Hopefully, you never need that feature, but it's one of those things that makes sense in a car that's built for road trips, snowstorms, family hauling, and everything in between.

Ultimately, the Outback doesn't feel sporty or exciting because of its safety systems, but it does feel reassuring. The visibility is good, the cabin is quiet, the all-wheel-drive system gives you confidence, and the driver-assist tech backs you up without becoming annoying. For a car that's clearly aimed at people who have kids, dogs, bikes, camping gear, or maybe all of the above, that peace-of-mind factor matters.

Summary

The 2026 Subaru Outback soldiers on as one of the brand's best-selling models, and it's easy to see why. It's utilitarian design and rugged functionality hit all the hot spots for outdoorsy types and families alike, while the turbocharged engine appeals to those who wish they could drive a WRX, but have to do adult things now.

That said, if you're in the market for a midsize SUV (or wagon) that's smooth and efficient, with the added dose of capability the brand is known for, the 2026 Outback will not let you down.