Next-Gen Subaru Outback Sighting Reveals Surprising New Details

The new Outback emerges.

Subaru customers eagerly anticipate the next-generation Outback, and I have new updates to share with interested buyers. 

The remodeled 2026 Subaru Outback is shrouded in mystery, although it's been spotted testing in Michigan. New information about Subaru's iconic model is slowly emerging from the sightings, but with plenty of camouflage over the body panels, the whole look remains a secret.

A report from Automotive News (by subscription) reveals new details, and they have a few spy shots. The 2026 Outback gets a complete remodel, and there could be extensive changes to the midsize SUV/crossover. 

Automotive News says, "The 2026 Subaru Outback caught testing in Michigan leans into a traditional SUV look." 

The previous-generation 2025 Outback kept its traditional wagon/crossover exterior design language, but the new model could move to a more traditional SUV appearance. 

Spy photographers, with plenty of camouflage over the body panels, reveal what appears to be new styling and features to differentiate it from the Forester further, says AN.

Last month, a spy photographer caught two Japanese Subaru engineers out testing the next-generation Outback on Michigan roads. 

Like the Forester compact SUV, the Outback will get a complete redesign for the 2026 model year. The Outback will receive significant upgrades over the 2025 model. Recent spy photos reveal the Outback will get new exterior styling similar to the next-generation Forester, with slim LED headlights sitting above rectangular projector-beam lights.

The surprise is that the Outback may grow larger. This is a shift from what Subaru Corp. typically does. Subaru kept the next-gen 2025 Forester about the same size. 

The all-new Outback may offer increased rear cargo space over the current model, thanks to its new exterior styling with a taller rear pillar. This potential improvement is something customers should look forward to. 

AN says, "The next-generation Outback will adopt more traditional SUV styling with a boxier design than the current version and a taller rear pillar, which should improve interior cargo space."

As with the new Forester, the Outback will also get a new front fascia, the photos show, with slim LED daytime running lights sitting above rectangular projector-beam lights. A new grille design is also incorporated in the front clip, which sits more upright than the current model.

AN says, "While there are no apparent visual clues about the testing mule's powertrain, Subaru executives have indicated they intend to offer at least a hybridized option on the next-generation Outback, similar to the powertrain strategy the brand is using on the Forester."

I reported recently that significant changes will occur underneath the Outback's new skin as Subaru will give the next-generation Outback a new Hybrid fuel-saving technology. 

This technology, called a strong-hybrid system (SHEV), combines a powerful electric motor with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine, providing a more seamless and efficient driving experience. You can find detailed information on this new fuel-saving Subaru hybrid powertrain in my report here. 

Subaru has yet to announce when the Outback Hybrid will be available for U.S. customers. It will likely arrive in 2027 or 2028, after the Forester and Crosstrek Hybrids launch in America. 

AN says, "The brand is working to more efficiently marry hybrid batteries and electric motors to its iconic Boxer engine. Tetsuo Fujinuki, Subaru's chief technical officer, has described a packaging system where the engine and electric motor ride up front with a driveshaft reaching back to a compact rear differential to power the rear wheels and maintain the brand's all-wheel-drive legacy." 

The small rear differential is visible in some of the spy shots, as is the brand's independent rear suspension. The Outback will continue with standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and likely its current 8.7 inches of ground clearance. 

I expect Subaru to wait on the new Outback Wilderness trim level. It may come a year after the standard Outback for the 2027 model year. 

The new Outback will be made for U.S. customers.

If you are a regular reader of my Subaru reports, you know that Subaru will drop the Outback in the Japanese market after this year. The Outback was expendable after the launch of the all-new Subaru Layback SUV for Japan. 

When will the 2026 Outback arrive in the U.S.? 

The all-new next-generation 2026 Outback should make its U.S. dealer launch late next year. It has yet to be determined when and where the next-gen Outback will be uncovered. 

Will Subaru reveal the new Outback at the LA Auto Show later this month? Stay tuned. 

What do you think?

Are you waiting to see the newly remodeled 2026 Outback before buying a 2025 model year? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru