2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT Review
The 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT is the top most trim level you can currently buy in the new Outback lineup. Finished in River Rock Pearl and priced around fifty thousand dollars, this variant comes fully loaded with every feature Subaru offers. After spending an entire day driving it uphill, downhill, on gravel, and through town, there is a lot to talk about. This review compiles all observations in a simple and straightforward way to help buyers understand what has changed, what has improved, and how the new model feels compared to the outgoing version.
A Detailed Look at Interior, Exterior, Driving Experience, Features, Cargo Space, and Real World Insights
Engine and Performance
The Touring XT continues with Subaru’s 2.4 litre turbo boxer engine. It still produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound feet of peak torque. Even though the numbers are the same as before, the motor feels strong on steep grades and at higher altitudes.
Key engine highlights
2.4 L turbocharged boxer engine
260 hp and 277 lb ft torque
Longitudinal engine layout
Top mount intercooler
Alternator positioned high up
Serpentine belt visible like a truck style layout
Prop rod instead of hydraulic hood struts
Badge lifts with the hood in one single piece
The engine bay looks busy and more covered compared to the older model. You cannot see the valve covers easily, but overall the layout is very similar to previous Outbacks.
Exterior Design and Styling
At first glance, the 2026 Outback appears very close in size to the older model. At 5 feet 11 inches tall, the reviewer could easily see over the hood. The shape looks slightly more squared off but still carries the familiar wagon-inspired proportions.
Front
Split headlight design
Turn signals and hazard bulbs appear incandescent
Bright LED headlights
Fog lights with clear throw
One piece hood and Subaru emblem grille
360 degree camera with moving trajectory lines
Side
Unique wheel arch shapes with grooves and vents
19 inch alloy wheels on the Touring trim
Black plastic cladding along the lower body
Textured material on door sills, shark fin antenna, and trim panels
Rear
New tail lamps that look sharp and modern
Subaru Outback stamped bodywork
Squared off rear end to improve cargo volume
Temporary spare tire under the floor
The new Outback has around 34 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. When the seats are folded, you get a minimum of 76 cubic feet. Subaru has added more clips and hooks for accessories or grocery bags. There is a 12 volt socket, a small storage cubby, and easy seat release handles.
Interior Quality and Comfort
Inside the cabin, Subaru has kept the familiar layout but added more premium touches, especially at the Touring level.
Front seats and features
Ventilated seats added for the first time
Heated seats get warm quickly
Heated steering wheel works well, though less hot than some rivals
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
New physical HVAC controls
Wireless phone charger
Responsive on and off toggles for heating and cooling
Navigation system built in
Although the ventilated seats are not very strong, the cabin overall feels comfortable and practical. The digital mirror and the 360 degree camera system are well executed, especially the way the mirrors tilt down during reverse.
Rear seat comfort
Heated rear seats
Air vents
USB ports
Wide opening doors for pets and child seats
New seat straps are interesting, but seat reclining is removed
The removal of the reclining rear seat function is a noticeable change compared to previous years.
Storage and Practicality
Storage space at the front has reduced slightly. The small shelf above the glove box is still present but smaller. There is no storage area on the transmission tunnel.
Storage details
Two cup holders
Wireless charger
Glove box with average space
Center console similar to the previous generation
Technology and Infotainment
The new infotainment system is larger, crisp, and reacts faster. Subaru has moved important controls like traction control and auto start stop back to physical buttons, removing the need to navigate menus.
Tech highlights
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Big display with quick response
Physical HVAC switches
Digital rear view mirror
Compass display
360 degree camera with excellent clarity
The gauge cluster looks fancier but has mostly the same information as the older model. A turbo boost gauge is still missing.
Driving Experience
Driving the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT feels familiar in the best way. The turbo engine responds quickly at low RPM. The CVT downshifts well when using the paddle shifters.
On uphill climbs
Strong torque delivery
Builds boost quickly
Does not require high revving
Ideal for altitude driving
On downhill grades
Engine braking in the simulated first gear holds the vehicle around 17 mph
CVT does a decent job, but physical brakes remain more dependable
On gravel
The limiting factor is the basic all season tires. With better all terrain tires or snow rated tires, performance would improve significantly.
In snow and winter conditions
Subaru’s symmetrical all wheel drive continues to be one of the best systems on the market. The platform feels balanced, predictable, and confidence inspiring. Power is sent smartly to the rear when needed, making it feel more like a well tuned AWD car than a typical front wheel drive based crossover.
Safety Features
The 2026 Outback Touring XT comes equipped with a long list of safety technologies.
Safety equipment list
Blind spot monitoring
Adaptive cruise control
Lane keep assist
Rear cross traffic alert
Reverse automatic braking
360 degree camera system
High quality LED headlights
Newer crumple zones and body structure updates
Lane keep assist feels similar to the outgoing version. It is good overall but not significantly improved.
Real World Observations
Cabin insulation feels better and quieter than the older Wilderness model
The new steering alert system flashes to remind you to keep eyes on the road
Build quality is solid because this model is built in Japan
Even though many tech components are new, the Outback still feels like a natural evolution of the older generation
Verdict
The 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT is a well rounded and well executed upgrade. It keeps the strengths of the outgoing model and improves on technology, comfort, and refinement without changing the overall character that long time Subaru owners appreciate.
Should you buy it
If you drive in winter conditions, travel in mountainous areas, or want a comfortable crossover with true all wheel drive capability, the Touring XT is a strong choice. The turbo engine makes a noticeable difference, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or towing up to its 3,500 pound limit. The price is higher now, but the added tech and overall build quality make it feel justified.
Subaru has not messed up the Outback formula. The new generation continues to be practical, capable, and easy to recommend.
2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT FAQ
What engine does the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT use?
It uses the 2.4 litre turbocharged boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound feet of torque. The layout is longitudinal with a top mount intercooler, high mounted alternator, serpentine belt, and a busy looking engine bay that resembles the outgoing model.
Does the 2026 Outback Touring XT still have a prop rod?
Yes, it still uses a prop rod instead of hydraulic hood struts. The Subaru emblem and grille section lift with the hood in a single piece.
What are the main exterior changes in the new Outback?
The split headlight design, sharper tail lamps, textured side materials, redesigned wheel arches, and improved 360 degree camera system are key highlights. It looks slightly more squared off but still carries the familiar Outback shape.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Subaru Outback offer?
It offers about 34 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the seats folded, capacity expands to around 76 cubic feet. It includes hooks, clips, a 12 volt outlet, seat release handles, and a temporary spare under the floor.
What interior upgrades does the Touring XT come with?
It gets ventilated seats, heated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, physical HVAC controls, a digital mirror, and a larger infotainment display with faster response. The layout is premium while still familiar to the previous generation Outback.
Does the rear seat still recline in the new Outback?
No, the rear seats do not recline anymore. They still fold nearly flat, and the rear area includes heated seats, vents, and charging ports.
How does the Outback Touring XT perform on hills and steep grades?
The turbo engine performs very well on uphill climbs, even at higher altitudes where many vehicles lose power. It builds boost quickly and does not need high revs to maintain speed. Paddle shifters also help with quick simulated downshifts.
How effective is the engine braking when driving downhill?
In first simulated gear, the CVT keeps the vehicle near 17 mph on steep downhill sections. It works reasonably well, although the physical brakes remain more dependable for emergency slowing.
Is the 2026 Outback good for gravel and winter conditions?
Yes, but the stock all season tires are the limiting factor on gravel. With better all terrain or snow rated tires, performance improves significantly. Subaru symmetrical all wheel drive continues to be among the best systems for winter driving and daily traction.
