New & Used 2026 Subaru Outback for SaleNationwide

Is the 2026 Subaru Outback a good car?

The 2026 Subaru Outback earns 7.2/10 from our experts. The model scores 8/10 across Form and function and Cost effectiveness.

It stands out because it has been redesigned in an all-new, SUV-like form while still keeping the practical strengths that made its wagon predecessors appealing. It is described as being as impressive off-road as it is comfortable on pavement, and the available cargo space reinforces its usefulness as an adventure-ready family vehicle.

The main trade-off is that higher trim levels have diminishing returns, so the strongest value is likely lower in the range rather than at the top end. Even so, the overall package is balanced and practical, with no notable flaws called out in price, performance, or practicality.

36.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there is some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Subaru Outback reliable?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is presented as a well-rounded vehicle with a strong focus on the details that matter to owners, and the expert assessment found no notable flaws in price, performance, or practicality. Its standard all-wheel drive, composed road manners, and capable off-road behaviour all point to a vehicle built for broad everyday use.

The performance assessment also notes that the base engine is more capable than expected, the CVT avoids the usual droning, and the cabin stays relatively quiet in most situations. On the cost side, the Outback’s fuel-use estimates are reasonable for the class, and the base model is described as the one most likely to satisfy the majority of drivers.

If you plan to keep one for the long haul, the main ownership risk is paying too much for higher trims that do not add enough value to justify the jump.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Subaru Outback?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim already brings attractive woven textile cabin materials, while higher trims add smoother materials and leather seat upholstery. The top Premier XT trim’s saddle brown palette gives the cabin a warmer, more rugged personality.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-litre boxer four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, or a turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer-four with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both use a CVT and standard AWD, and the base engine is described as more than adequate for most drivers.
• Safety package: Subaru’s EyeSight suite is standard and includes frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, automatic emergency steering, emergency stop assist, haptic steering wheel alerts, a driver attention monitor, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams. The Premium XT trim adds some enhanced features, and the surround-view camera system is also equipped on the Wilderness.
• Infotainment: The Outback uses a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. A wireless charging pad is available, and native cloud-based navigation is included with the Limited XT, Wilderness, and Premier XT trims.
• Fuel efficiency: Natural Resources Canada estimates as little as 8.5 L/100 km combined for the base engine, 9.7 L/100 km combined for XT models, and 10.2 L/100 km combined for the Wilderness.

Which 2026 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is offered in 4 trim levels: Touring, Premium XT, Wilderness, and Premier XT.

Here's the short version:

• Touring: This is the entry point and the best-value choice if you want the Outback’s core strengths without paying for extras you may not need. It already delivers the practical cabin, standard AWD, and the full EyeSight safety suite.
• Premium XT: This trim adds several niceties and driver assists, plus the surround-view camera system. It is worth considering if you want more convenience features, but the price jump is significant.
• Wilderness: This is the more adventure-focused choice, with 24 centimetres of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and electronically controlled suspension dampers. It suits buyers who genuinely plan to use the Outback off pavement.
• Premier XT: This is the most upscale-feeling version, with the appealing saddle brown interior palette and the richer cabin presentation. It makes sense if you want the most premium Outback experience, but the diminishing-returns warning applies here most strongly.

The Premium XT trim enhances some standard features, and the surround-view camera system is also equipped on the Wilderness.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Subaru Outback?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you should shop carefully and focus on the right listing rather than rushing.

• Deal availability: 36.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 122 listings available.

Is the 2026 Subaru Outback safe?

The 2026 Subaru Outback does not yet have crash test results from NHTSA or IIHS.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

All 2026 Outbacks come with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, automatic emergency steering, emergency stop assist, haptic steering wheel alerts, a driver attention monitor, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams.

The Premium XT trim enhances some of the standard features, and the surround-view camera system is also equipped on the Wilderness.

Should I buy a 2026 Subaru Outback or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 36.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• The redesigned Outback keeps wagon practicality while adding SUV-like presence and broad capability.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It offers a distinctive wagon shape, strong practicality, and great ride quality.

The bottom line: If you want the newest Outback with the redesigned look, improved tech, and broad all-around ability, the 2026 is the one to target. If you are more price-sensitive and value the older wagon character, the 2025 remains a sensible alternative.

How does the 2026 Subaru Outback compare to the 2026 Toyota RAV4?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2026 Subaru Outback:

• Pros: Strong off-road capabilities, Comfortable, Plenty of cargo space.
• Cons: Higher trim levels have diminishing returns.

2026 Toyota RAV4:

• Pros: Multiple trims and styles, Standard hybrid, Updated tech.
• Cons: Confusing trim levels, Size hasn't kept up with rivals.

Our experts score the 2026 Subaru Outback 7.2/10 and the 2026 Toyota RAV4 6.8/10. The Outback comes across as the more comfortable and capable choice, especially if you value off-road ability and cargo space. The RAV4 counters with a standard hybrid powertrain, more listings, and a lower starting price, but its trim structure is more confusing.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.