The 2026 Subaru Outlook is back in the spotlight with a one-off variant called Wilderness, which was exclusively built for off-road adventures in the wilderness, as the name implies. It definitely looks like a genuine off-road SUV: it’s taller by around 1,4 inches than the previous Outlook, boxier and more performance-oriented.
Subaru is clearly chasing a specific buyer here, and it’s been working. Wilderness trims make up somewhere between 15 and 20 percent of sales, depending on the model. That’s not a rounding error. We drove the 2026 Outback Wilderness in muddy Napa Valley conditions, which felt intentional, if slightly unkind.
Exterior
The exterior is where the magic really happens. There is a higher ground clearance – from 8.7 to 9.5 inches – while the updated front and rear bumpers improve approach and departure angles. There’s an aluminum underbody panel as well. It’s not a full skid plate, but it’s better than bare optimism.
The roof rack gets real attention this year. Static load is rated at 800 pounds, up 100 pounds from the previous Outback Wilderness. Subaru also lists a 220-pound side-load capacity, which matters more than it sounds if you camp. Hooks are built directly into the rails, saving paint from rope abuse. There’s also an LED light integrated into the rear hatch panel, acting as an area lamp when the tailgate is open. Bronze accents show up around the fog lights, reversing lights, and roof hardware. You’ll notice them or you won’t.
Interior
If the exterior is polarizing, the cabin isn’t. This is where the redesign quietly wins. The 12.1-inch touchscreen is now horizontal, which sounds like a detail until you actually use it. Climate controls live on physical buttons again, with their own small displays. No more digging through menus just to change fan speed.
Space improves across the board. And with the rear seats upright, the cargo volume now reaches 34.6 cubic feet, which is a 2.0 cubic feet increase. With the rear seats folded down, the volume increases by 80 cubic feet. Maximum cargo length measures 75.9 inches. Long enough for gear or sleeping plans that didn’t involve tents. StarTex upholstery is standard.
As for materials around the cabin, in standard form, you can get Nappa leather, which adds a luxury feel while climbing rugged terrains.
Powertrain
The drivetrain sticks to familiar ground. There is a 2.4-liter flat-four turbocharged engine with an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. All four wheels receive the power via a CVT. This is also achieved thanks to new electronically controlled adaptive dampers.
Pricing
The 2026 Outlook Wilderness comes with a base price of $44,495. There is also the Optional Package 22, which adds $2,045, for a total of $48,490. With the Optional Package 23, the all-terrain SUV will cost you $50,535.
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness – Photo Gallery
Photo Source: carbuzz.com
