2026 Subaru Outback: What's It Like to Live With?

• The 2026 Subaru Outback is the model's most significant redesign yet.
• This tall wagon presents a great alternative to vehicles like the Honda Passport or Toyota 4Runner.
• We bought a loaded Outback Touring XT to test over the course of one year and 20,000 miles.

What did we get?

While we often tend to buy mid-spec, mainstream versions of our cars, we decided to go for the gold and get a fully loaded Outback Touring with the optional turbocharged engine. The reason? Subaru finally offers a hands-free highway driving assist system, and it's only available on the new Outback's range-topping Touring models.

We got our Outback in Sapphire Blue with a black leather interior, and since the Touring comes with all the bells and whistles, there were no additional options to select. As tested, our Outback cost $49,445 including the mandatory $1,450 destination charge. (Full disclosure: Edmunds purchased this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.)

A base Outback costs $36,445 including destination, and if you're all about off-roading — or just appreciate some outdoorsy vibes — the Wilderness model starts at $46,445. If Subaru offered its hands-free driving tech on other trims, we'd have probably ordered a lower-spec Limited, which does without upgraded Nappa leather and ventilated front seats.

Subaru's somewhat ancient 2.5-liter flat-four engine comes standard in the Outback, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. But rather than listen to our staff complain about a lack of performance over the course of a year, we sprung for the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, with a healthy 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. How's it perform? How's the fuel economy? Scroll down to find out.

Tested: Here's how the Outback performed

How is the Outback's real-world fuel economy?

• EPA fuel economy rating: 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway)
• Edmunds' observed fuel economy: 22.3 mpg
• Best fill: 26.2 mpg
• Worst fill: 15.3 mpg
• Best range: 395.2 miles
• Miles driven: 2,043 miles

Outback vs. Forester: Is bigger really better?

"We don't blame you for cross-shopping these two popular SUVs. The compact Forester has a lot going for it, including the option of a hybrid powerplant. But for about five thousand dollars more, the midsize Outback provides a bit more space for both people and things, better tech and a better ride quality overall." — Emme Hall

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