2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Table of Contents
7th Generation Outback Gets Bolder, Safer and More Capable
It is not every day that Subaru launches a completely new generation of the Outback. This is the 7th generation car, and yes, it looks very different. More boxy. More SUV. Less subtle wagon.
We drove the new Subaru Outback Wilderness in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, both on road and properly off road. Subaru says this is their best performing wagon yet. Big claim. Let’s break it down properly.
What Is the Subaru Outback Wilderness?
The Wilderness badge has existed in North America for around five years. It focuses on extra off road ability and tougher styling. Subaru has now brought that formula to Australia with the new generation Outback.
Pricing in Australia:
Outback range starts from $48,990 before on road costs
Outback Wilderness: $59,690 before on road costs
Outback Apex: just over $62,000 before on road costs
Prices have increased by around $5,000 to $6,000 across the range compared to the outgoing 6th generation model. The Wilderness replaces the previous Sport XT and Touring XT grades.
Engine Options and Performance
The turbocharged 2.4 litre boxer engine continues, now slightly retuned.
2.4 Turbo Boxer
194 kW
382 Nm
Lineartronic CVT
Revised final drive ratio
The revised gearing improves low down responsiveness. That matters for towing and off road driving.
Fuel economy during testing:
Around 10.5 to 11.5 L per 100 km in mixed driving
2.5 Naturally Aspirated
137 kW
245 Nm
This version remains largely unchanged and delivers better fuel efficiency, typically in the high 8s to low 9s L per 100 km.
If you want performance and towing strength, go turbo. If you want efficiency and lower running costs, the 2.5 makes sense.
Steering and Suspension: Big Improvements
The Wilderness introduces electronically controlled dampers using a skyhook style control philosophy. The aim is simple. Keep the body flatter and more stable over bumps and corners.
On road, it feels firm but controlled. Off road, it absorbs rough sections confidently while keeping your eyeline steady.
Across the range, Subaru adds a dual pinion electric power steering system derived from the WRX. This change separates the motor from the steering column and mounts it to the rack. The result is more direct and natural steering feel.
Compared to the outgoing model, steering precision improves noticeably.
Off Road Capability
Subaru’s symmetrical all wheel drive remains standard. The Wilderness also gains:
Active torque distribution
Dedicated deep snow and mud X Mode
240 mm ground clearance
X Mode now activates easily via steering wheel controls.
During proper off road testing, the CVT transmission performed smoothly and predictably. It is one of the better tuned CVTs in the market. It does not drone excessively under load.
There was noticeable heat from the drivetrain after extended uphill off road work, but Subaru confirms extensive testing for Australian, Japanese and North American conditions.
Safety Updates
Subaru improves overall safety for this generation.
Updates include:
Revised front bumper structure to improve frontal crash performance
Additional front centre airbag to prevent occupants colliding with each other
Improved braking response
Updated EyeSight driver assistance system
Driver attention monitoring system
The attention monitoring system sits above the infotainment screen. In real world use, it reacts accurately and avoids unnecessary warnings.
Exterior Design: Boxier and More Aggressive
The 7th generation Subaru Outback looks more upright and SUV like. Subaru spells out its name in large lettering at the front. You also get gold accents around the fog lights, split daytime running lights and heavy black cladding with a tree bark style texture.
It is bold. Some will love it. Some will not.
At the rear, the Wilderness gets:
Matte black Outback badging
Symmetrical all wheel drive badge
Gold accents around reverse lights
Dual exhaust outlets
From some angles, it looks tough. From others, it looks busy. The Trail Seeker rear light design seen elsewhere arguably looks cleaner.
Ground Clearance and Off Road Hardware
This is where things get interesting.
Ground clearance increases from 220 mm to 240 mm on the Wilderness. That is more than many variants of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, except the GR Sport.
The Wilderness rides on:
18 inch matte black wheels
Bridgestone Alenza highway terrain tyres
In Japan and the United States, some Wilderness models run 17 inch wheels with all terrain tyres. Subaru Australia says that option is under consideration.
Despite the highway terrain tyres, the car handled proper off road sections confidently during testing.
Roof Rails Upgrade
Older Outbacks had swing out crossbars with an 80 kg static load rating. The new solid roof rails now offer a massive 363 kg static load rating.
Subaru also reshaped them to reduce wind noise and drag. On the road, cabin noise is impressively low for a vehicle with this much external hardware.
Boot Space and Practicality
Practicality has always been the Outback’s strength. Nothing changes here.
Boot capacity:
Over 530 litres with seats up
More than 2100 litres with seats folded
Subaru has raised the cargo opening by around 50 mm, which makes loading bulky items easier.
Smart touches include:
Magnetic cargo cover connections
Full size spare wheel
Under floor storage
Easy one pull rear seat folding
Towing capacity sits at 2.1 tonnes. That is up from 2.0 tonnes on other trims but down from the previous XT Touring which offered 2.4 tonnes. The higher curb weight explains the reduction.
Also worth noting: it still runs on 91 unleaded fuel.
Interior: Finally More User Friendly
This is where Subaru listened.
The previous vertical tablet style screen is gone. In its place sits a landscape infotainment display with massive icons and large fonts. It is simple. Clear. Easy to use.
Better still, climate controls return as physical buttons. No digging through menus to change temperature.
Other highlights:
12.3 inch digital instrument cluster as standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless phone charger
Heated steering wheel
Nappa leather accented seats on Wilderness
Heated rear outboard seats
USB C and USB A ports front and rear
The Wilderness gets unique headrest embossing and subtle gold interior accents.
Material quality feels solid. Soft touch surfaces cover the dash and doors. Ergonomics make sense. Storage space is generous, though the carpet lined door bins may be harder to clean if you spill something.
The Apex trim adds:
360 degree camera
12 speaker Harman Kardon audio
Panoramic sunroof
Real World Positioning: Who Is It For?
The Subaru Outback sits in a unique space.
You might compare it to:
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
GWM Tank 300
But none of them offer the exact same mix of wagon practicality, genuine off road ability and daily comfort at this price.
The RAV4 cannot match the Outback off road.
The Prado costs significantly more.
The Tank 300 targets a different buyer entirely.
Final Thoughts
The 7th generation Subaru Outback feels more mature and more focused.
The interior is a major improvement. The steering is sharper. The suspension is smarter. Off road ability remains a core strength. Yes, prices have increased. But so has capability.
I do wish Subaru offered the turbo engine in a less aggressive non Wilderness trim. That would suit many buyers. Still, the naturally aspirated version will likely remain the volume seller thanks to better fuel economy.
If you want a practical family wagon that can handle school runs during the week and gravel tracks on the weekend, the Subaru Outback still makes a very strong case.
And honestly, that is why people keep buying them.
Sources and reference
Subaru Australia – Official Model Page
Official pricing, specifications, safety features and general details for the new Outback range in Australia.
https://www.subaru.com.auSubaru Global – Official Product Info
Technical and global info on Subaru Outback platforms, EyeSight safety system, AWD tech and model background.
https://www.subaru.co.jpANCAP – Australasian New Car Assessment Program
Independent safety rating framework relevant to Australian and New Zealand vehicles.
https://www.ancap.com.auCarsales Australia – Subaru Outback Wilderness Review 2026
Local independent review and impressions covering price, capability, off-road and on-road behaviour.
https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/subaru-outback-wilderness-2026-review-151425/Carexpert – 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Specs & Review
Detailed Australian spec breakdown including grunt, fuel economy, practicality and cargo space.
https://www.carexpert.com.au/subaru/outback/2026-wilderness-jsk5o55o20251127Car and Driver – Subaru Outback Model Overview
Global independent review covering platform changes, suspension tech, and performance details.
https://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/outbackRoad & Track – 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness First Drive
First-drive assessment highlighting AWD performance, ground clearance and suspension tuning.
https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a70344863/tested-2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-delivers-in-the-wild/GoAuto – 2026 Subaru Outback Review (Australia)
Australian automotive journalism site offering independent impressions of handling, design and interior.
https://www.goauto.com.au/car-reviews/subaru/2026-subaru-outback-review/2026-02-18/98505.htmlRACV – Subaru Outback Price, Specs & Review
Independent overview including AWD details, capability comparison and Australian pricing context.
https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/transport/cars/2026-subaru-outback-price-specs-release-date.html
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness FAQs
What is the Subaru Outback Wilderness?
The Outback Wilderness is the most off road focused version of the 7th generation Subaru Outback. The Wilderness sub brand started in North America around five years ago and has now arrived in Australia. It adds increased ground clearance, tougher styling, revised suspension tuning and unique interior touches.
How much does the 2026 Subaru Outback cost in Australia?
The Subaru Outback range starts from $48,990 before on road costs. The Outback Wilderness is priced at $59,690 before on road costs. The Apex trim sits just above that at a little over $62,000 before on road costs.
What is the ground clearance of the Outback Wilderness?
The Outback Wilderness offers 240 mm of ground clearance. That is up from 220 mm in other variants and is higher than many large SUVs in the market. It makes a real difference when driving off road.
What engine does the new Outback Wilderness use?
The Wilderness uses a retuned 2.4 litre turbo boxer engine producing 194 kW and 382 Nm. It is paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission and symmetrical all wheel drive.
Is there a naturally aspirated option?
Yes. The standard Outback models use a 2.5 litre naturally aspirated boxer engine producing 137 kW and 245 Nm. It is more fuel efficient than the turbo and better suited to buyers focused on economy.
What is the fuel economy of the turbo Outback?
During mixed real world driving, the turbo Outback returned around 10.5 to 11.5 L per 100 km. Expect slightly higher consumption if you drive enthusiastically or tow regularly.
How capable is the Outback Wilderness off road?
The Wilderness features active torque distribution, X Mode with deep snow and mud settings, 240 mm ground clearance and electronically controlled dampers. It performs confidently on gravel, steep climbs and uneven terrain while remaining easy to drive.
What is the towing capacity?
The Outback Wilderness can tow up to 2.1 tonnes. This is slightly higher than other variants in the range but lower than the previous generation XT Touring due to increased vehicle weight.
How much boot space does the Outback offer?
The boot offers over 530 litres with the rear seats up. Fold the seats down and capacity expands to more than 2100 litres. The Wilderness also includes a full size spare wheel and a clever magnetic cargo cover system.
What are the key interior upgrades in the new generation?
The new model replaces the old vertical screen with a landscape infotainment display featuring large icons for easier use. Physical climate controls return, a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster is standard, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
Does the Outback Wilderness have a 360 degree camera?
No. The 360 degree camera is available only on the Apex trim. The Wilderness includes a wide angle reversing camera but not the full surround view system.
What safety features are included?
The new generation includes the latest EyeSight driver assistance system, improved braking performance, reinforced front structure and an additional front centre airbag. The driver monitoring system has also been refined for better accuracy.
