The Next-Gen Subaru Outback Redesign, Don’t Mess With Success

I've owned three, Subarus are quirky, like me. QUIETNESS-----KEY for me,I'm old and I need quiet for my last car--

The 26 Outback sounds good, but I’m wondering if the 25 Outback has any improvements over the 24 model. If it has some, I would likely be interested in purchasing the 25 model. I presently own a 2020 Touring model.

The 2026 needs be the 2019 3.6R again.
My fifth outback, a 24 XT touring is
Terrible. Turbo lag and poor fuel economy.
Bring back buttons and knobs.
Cooled seat function is noisy and the least effective I encountered.
Add a 360 camera to the 2019.
A ZF gearbox would help too.

Crossing my fingers for a true Heads up Display (HUD) with speed, posted speed limit, and next turn info when navigating. Also hoping for a Outback plugin hybrid. But I know from your reporting that may not be until 2027.

I agree with the focus on Don’t Mess with Success. With this in mind, I hope they take advantage of the successful hybrid power systems their Toyota partner uses and utilize those designs into their production lines.

I own a 2023 outback. Key checklist for the new model:

- Maintain or improve quietness (always a plus)
- Bring back knobs and buttons! I like the big screen but I find myself looking away too often to mess with the heated seats and hvac.
- Improve fuel economy by not simply relying on the auto engine shutoff feature (which gets annoying).
- More cargo room? I don't mind a more wagon appearance. It will improve the differentiation with the Forester.

I’ve owned 7 Outback’s since 2003. All of my adult boys and three of my grandkids drive Outback’s. The 06 I drive on a daily basis has over 300K miles on it and has only had to have routine maintenance items. We are going to buy a new one when the 25s come out. We love them!

I traded my 2018 Outback Limited for a new 2024 Outback Premium. I'm very impressed by the increase in technology. I'll probably wait until 2027 before considering another new Outback.

Gimme a knob. The touch screen is good but I need a switch or a knob for the air control. Taking your eyes off the road to activate defrost is dangerous. The tiny fan control at the bottom of the screen is so annoying! Good luck with gloves on in the winter.

I own a 2008 outback. It's still low like the sport cars Ive driven before. Driving a new one, the corners are like driving a 4 by 4

I currently own a 2022 Outback Touring. In my opinion, it's the best car I have ever purchased. The only thing I wish for is more power from the engine that it desperately needs . I didn't purchase the turbo as I didn't think it provided the power I wanted at the cost of the fuel economy it dropped. The car needs a 6 cylinder offering that would provide adequate power boost at a more economical delivery. Also, the black trim that is standard on all models, not just the wilderness, is tacky and should not be a standard option for every Outback.

Have owned 4 outback. 2.5 turbo was the best until it swallowed a valve on #1 cylinder. Our turbo was good as we drove it like the sales man said," Drive it like you stole the car, but be sure to cool the turbo down". Both Crosscheck & Outback lack that GO. Maybe 2.4 turbo doesn't eat valves. They both need that extra go hopefully without premium gas. Better milage on Outbact to meet the Crosstrek milage would help sales too. I realize that is a tall order, but when your on top you need better Engineers.

Upgrade the horsepower, kilowatts, so as to enable better towing abilities.
It's a fantastic car but just lacks the extra power for step hills fully loaded and or towing a trailer, caravan etc.
The power increase to be in the standard outback available in all countries.

I own a 2017 Forrester and I’ve owned over 30 cars & SUVs during my lifetime. And the Forrester is the best vehicle I’ve ever owned! It runs so smooth and before you know it you’ll be doing 90+mph. I’ve yet to find anywhere it won’t go and it always wants more. The next SUV I own will definitely be a Subaru!!

I currently drive a 22 Outback, and have owned a 2008 as well as a 2020.
The amount of black plastic on the wheel arches of the 23-25 models is tacky to me.
The giant touchscreen is nice, but the computer behind it is way too slow. Drivers should be looking at the road not at a screen wondering when the climate controls will appear (bring back buttons).
Apple car play uses the whole screen meanwhile Android auto is still restricted to half of the screen with nothing useful being shown on the bottom half. This technology has been in use for five years now without a remedy.
The new Outback needs better cameras on it. Even a base model gmc has much better cameras.
The wave in front of the emblem to open the trunk feature needs to be reassesed (it never works). And how much would it take for the drivers mirror to tilt down when in reverse? The passenger mirror already has that function.
Lastly how can a "flagship model" not have tire pressure monitoring, even as an option?
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

Hello Subie People,

My Subie story.

In 1980 traded my 2nd Toyota FJ40 for a Subaru DL 3 door hatchback, which climbed the same mountains as easily as the FJ40's did with the same aplomb.
We needed a roomier vehicle, so a 1987 GL became the 2nd Subie.
In 1991, I was helping my bro purchase his 1st Subie - a '92 Legacy Turbo. The owner of the dealership asked if I might be interested to get a Subaru. After saying no to him, he pushed and said he'll give me a great deal because I helped to sell the dealers 1st black Legacy Turbo. I bought the last manual Legacy LS wagon in Canada - a 1991 model. The 92's were automatic only..
In 94, we needed a 2nd car - a pre-owned manual 91 sedan with 160,000 kilometers (100,000 miles). Both 91's served us faithfully.
Back to 1 car and a red 1998 Legacy GT became our pride and joy.
We missed the space a wagon provided, so a 2005 Outback 2.5GT became our next Subie. This was a amazing vehicle - provided a cavernous trunk, great 2nd row legroom, awesome bucket seats, a panoramic sunroof and wicked quick for a family wagon.
In 2018, a 3.6R Outback Premier (Touring in USA speak) with Java brown interior and low slung roof rails, in dark blue became #7. It's a lovely vehicle, pretty quick, but not like the 2.5XT. Very comfortable, awesome safety and excellent adaptive cruise control.

We'll be checking out the 2026 Outback........maybe #8.
Take care y'all 🙂.

I have a 2006 XT Outback that I love! I am anxiously awaiting the 2026 Outback XT Hybrid. The only major change I would like to see is the verticale display. I would like to see a horizontal display like the BMW or at least a tablet like the Rav 4so you could keep you eyes upward.

Our family have purchased over 10 Subaru’s starting in the 80’s. Currently own a 23 Outback limited and never had a more uncomfortable drivers seat. The pull out stiffens the seat and it cannot be adjusted to stop the pressure on the back of your legs. After an hours drive I need to walk off the discomfort and leg pain. Hope the 26 does not have the same seat. I would have to look for a different car if it does.

Just drove a ‘25 Outback Touring XT. The ride and quiet were awesome and it came with terrible rated tires.
If the ‘26 is quieter and rides better it may end up in my garage next year.
I hope they look at the bells and whistles offered in the Santa Fe and incorporate some of those into the new Outback. A audio blind spot warning when you turn on the turn signal is a must. Having your phone act as the key is a great feature. Wireless dual phone charging is also a big plus.

My wife and I bought a new 2019 Outback Limited when the “2020s” started showing up at the dealerships. This was the 4th family Subie. The 2019 model has been exceptional. Basically just routine service, Ride quality is great. We spend time mostly on the highways, backroads, and trails of Minnesota,Wisconsin, and other surrounding states. Perhaps if there is one issue it is oil consumption. It doesn’t bother me, but it might bother others that don’t want to deal with routine inspection and “topping off”. I don’t mind and actually I use this to ensure that I inspect the engine bay every month or two based on mileage. Looking forward to the 2026 model.

Although I’m anticipating a hybrid Outback in 2026, one thing that I sure hope doesn’t change is the top rails which easily enable kayak transport.

I have owned 4 Outback. My mom, siblings, nephew and in laws all drive Subaru. I have heard that the 2026 Outback will look like the Toyota Landcruiser. Nope, don't mess with the wagon, it's your golden goose, huge mistake! I won't have another Outback if that happens. Sorry folks.
Currently own a 2021 Outback Limited.

I am a 6 time Subaru Outback owner, 1 Forester, and 1 Legacy. The last Outback is by far the best, even if it carries some flaws, like the rear seats 40/60 fold-down instead of a more practical 40/20/40. As a European, a new Outback will be here earliest in 2026, very probably.

Live in Utah and have had 5 different Outbacks in the family over the years. Have had the 6 cylinder boxer engines since they have been available. Currently have a 2017 3.6 and still going strong. Would have replaced it in the past couple years, but are put off buy the new over done and excessive plastic cladding particularly around the wheel wells, Just don't like the looks of it. The interior tech, cockpit and screens are also behind where they should be in this day and age. We held off buying a new Outback because of all this and are hoping the new 26 models may change for the better and have us interested in buying again.