2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Review: A Square Design That Grows on You

The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness has arrived with a boxier, more upright look that echoes the brand's rugged past. Subaru made this change because wagons are out and SUVs are in, and the company responded with a design that some might find polarizing.

4 inches, which gives it a crossover-like stance. 5 inches total. The exterior has a lot of different plastic textures and finishes, and the rear end is busy, but the squared-off style is a deliberate nod to older Outbacks from the '90s and early 2000s.

Inside, the cabin is more practical than flashy. 3-inch digital gauge cluster, plus a physical volume knob. The infotainment system boots up quickly and wireless Apple CarPlay works without lag, which is a big improvement over the previous slow system. Hard buttons for climate control and satisfying clicks on the steering wheel are welcome touches.

However, the interior materials are overwhelming, with five different finishes on the dashboard alone, and the Nappa leather seats feel out of place for a rugged model.

Space is a strong point. There's plenty of room in both rows, and headroom is excellent thanks to the raised roof. Cargo space measures 34.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 80.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down, just 3.1 cubic feet less than a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and all-wheel drive. The powertrain is unchanged from before, but engineers tuned it to work smoothly with the Ascent's final drive ratio, making it quicker off the line. The adaptive dampers provide a planted ride despite the extra ground clearance, and the tall, squared glass offers great visibility.

The Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires, however, look more like street tires than true all-terrain rubber.

Pricing starts at $36,445 for the base Outback, while the Wilderness model starts at $46,445. The tested Emerald Green version came to $50,930 with a package that added navigation, a power moonroof, a surround-view camera, and cooled Nappa leather seats.

The verdict is that the Outback Wilderness delivers on its mission: combining wagon practicality with all-weather capability and everyday usability. Nothing else quite matches it unless you're willing to pay more for a luxury wagon or switch to an SUV. The design might not win everyone over, but it stands out in a crowded market.

Subaru provided a seven-day loan for this review.