SPOTTED! The All NEW 2026 Subaru Outback! What We Know So Far & Some Speculation!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Forgot to mention the running boards and different grille on the dual exhaust model compared to the single exhaust version.

[@chrisgraham9203]

Different roof rails, too.

[@shikcheese3234]

I think those are sliders.

[@kimionjones284]

Got a 08 Tribeca and love it to the moon and back, I also own two all original Subaru XT one manual and one automatic.I want to install a 3.6r into the automatic one but have been advised not to do that because of the value of the cars.Tell me what your thoughts are on this.

[@JustProAutoDetailingInc]

Mr. Subaru, as you are aware, changing the front headlamps on my 2013 Outback proved Subaru hired some back alley sadist in the headlamp design department. The first time I changed the headlamps you could hear me scream like Linda Blair in “The Exorcist”. Will Subaru make headlamp replacement easier?

[@SoCalTexan]

Based on the profile, I'm glad I bought the 2025 and didn't wait for the refresh.

[@FordEnthusiast413]

Good choice! I plan to do the same!

[@DannyInfect]

yeah the rear of this new 2026 looks awful

[@Sams911]

just picked up a 2025 Wilderness... SO GLAD I didn't wait.

[@judih.8754]

It looks like a Forester that's been slightly compacted.

[@tinhinnh]

@@DannyInfectthe fron is worse!

[@scott8919]

Remember when Subaru bragged that the Outback was NOT an SUV? Then they suddenly started calling it that once it got an SUV of the Year award? The whole point of an Outback is it's a wagon. Otherwise it's a Forester. They lost the plot.

[@thadcox5298]

On top of that it loses so much functionality as an SUV. People love wagons because it's so easy to throw stuff on the roof rack, especially canoes.

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

They didn’t even market it as wagon, they want t people to call it SUV, it’s only wagon by other people.

[@shadowhound5113]

So with the death of the legacy the Outback is dead to me.

[@jeffstone28]

What is the point? We already have a larger Subaru, the Ascent.

[@chrisgraham9203]

This redesign would support dropping the Ascent.

[@jeffstone28]

@chrisgraham9203 I would tend to agree. But then I'm not a fan of the Ascent.

[@Nemura12]

The ascent will get discontinued.

[@Set_your_handle77]

The Ascent would still be the three row vehicle.

[@jeffstone28]

@@Set_your_handle77 is there a large enough market for a three-row Subaru to justify continuing the Ascent?

[@TDace25]

Just bought a 2024 outback limited XT. Very happy I did

[@crashthestash]

Bought my LXT in Feb. Same. WTF SUBARU!

[@jamesp.7496]

Buying a new 2025 outback soon, I have a 2020 now. Love it ❤️🌵

[@jefflinsk8032]

Glad I saw this! Now I can scratch outback off my list…. That front end is hideous. Way to break something that wasn’t broken Subaru. You could keep the current body for the next 10 years. Just give us a hybrid and more control buttons vs screen.

[@JustProAutoDetailingInc]

Bingo! Winner! I love my 2013 Outback style. Just give me a hybrid!

[@MeowMeowMeow7576]

And it will probably be $50,000. I'll have to keep driving my 05 Outback.

[@Becca-k4h]

05 Outbacks are awesome! I have one that’s the 3.0L LL Bean.

[@guylr7390]

The last good looking Outbacks.

[@MeowMeowMeow7576]

@guylr7390 I love mine and yes the looks. Probably one of the last generations to easily work on as well.

[@guylr7390]

@@MeowMeowMeow7576 I started with a 2000 OBS and a 2001 Forester for my wife. Loved them so much we got a 2002 Impreza then a 2003 WRX for my son which he still has. I enjoyed working on all of them because there was so much interchangeability. My 6th Subaru is a 2017 Impreza which has been great but I haven’t worked on it except for adding a hitch. It’s just more appliance like than the earlier models. Waiting on a hybrid now that will likely be my last new car as I’m aging out of the whole driving thing.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I miss my 05 Outback...but I was only going to replace that engine once.

[@rodh2168]

If the size of the driver is anything to go by this new Outback is going to be HUGE.

[@blacklisted4885]

Just what the world needs. yet another SUV

[@dm19609721]

with an aging population sedans are a thing of the past

[@dm19609721]

sedans are a think of the past

[@item6931]

@@dm19609721 Why would older people not like sedans?

[@LeonAnilom]

Since that is all we buy, it's the only thing we are going to get.

[@Sams911]

right? So glad I got my 2025 Wilderness!

[@Mike_44]

Dear Lord.. what is Subaru thinking? First the Forester now the Outback. I'm not digging that front end at all. I mean, at one point they won't need one of them in the lineup. The Outback is looking very much like a bigger Forester.

[@Sams911]

right? So glad I got my 2025 Wilderness this week.

[@dawsongranger4940]

I don’t mind how the forester looks. It looks a lot like the 1st gen just bigger. I severely disagree with turning the outback into another generic blob suv instead of a wagon. How does Subaru see this going any other way besides killing the model?

[@interceptor7905]

Looks like shoebox...fugly!

[@valdius85]

I own 2022 Forester and like the new gen, so not sure what you’re taking about 😂❤

[@Mike_44]

@@valdius85 I own a 2023 Forester as well. I was referring to the ugly 2025 Fordester friend.

[@Th3Think3r]

I would think Subaru would want to keep the a similar Outback shape because it is a bit of a niche. I do not understand the rationale for moving towards a shape all the other brands already have. It'll be interesting to see how the dimensions compare to the Forester once the new Outback is announced.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It seriously looks like an elongated Forester. Same body lines, same hood.

[@patclark2186]

Thanks for the clip. When it comes time to update my Outback I'll probably look at a 25 Outback.. or a Volvo Wagen.

[@item6931]

Honestly I wish Outbacks had stayed as station wagon with those classic Subaru curves. The brick-with-wheels look just doesn't appeal to me.

[@atticstattic]

Perfect description of the Forester

[@soundknight]

Soccer mums keep buying this crap though...

[@scottscriticalmass]

Always appreciate your videos Mr. Subaru and this one is no different. Can't say I'm a big fan of the new look, but always hard to tell with the camouflage wrap. I currently own a 2021 XT Limited. While I'm not a fan of the CVT, I love just about everything else about the car.

[@FordEnthusiast413]

With this generation Subaru is changing what the Outback has aways been a lifted wagon with some mild off-road capabilities. Looks like I should get a 2025 model to run into the ground.

[@ShadOband]

My 2023 XT is just fine for me!

[@fountainvalley100]

I think they hired the Mitsubishi Outlander designer.

[@paultice610]

With the way car prices are I’ll have to stick with my 09 Forrester probably until I can’t get parts for it anymore 😂

[@chuck5558]

Yes. I went to pick up my 07 Outback from the service department and the 2024 Outback on the showroom floor was $45K and the Impreza next to it was almost $35K. No more new cars for me. 😪

[@Wrang15]

Don't move north to snow lands 12 years is the max people get on a year round ride. Rust takes them.,

[@item6931]

Still with my 2002 Forester. Like you said about the price of cars... I dream that one day I'll be able to afford a nice WRX. The bank would almost for sure loan me the money tbh, but I'm very debt averse.

[@m3rdpwr]

It doesn't look like something I would want to get rid of my 2023 outback touring xt for, but I will hold judgment for when we can see it in all its glory. As others have said, I wouldn't mind a baja.

[@susieserb6068]

at a dealership now; ain't gonna happen :(

[@kimionjones284]

A redesigned 3.6r hybrid would take the world by storm especially porsche audi bmw and mercedes

[@mattboron7491]

Thanks for your take on the camo version Mr. Subaru. I'll withhold final judgement until I actually see the real thing. My extended family already owns a 2023 and a 2024 Outback and we love those models, but I am also excited to see this new one inside and out. I don't mind it being a bit bigger as long as the gas mileage doesn't go backwards. I might love it or maybe I'll get a 2025. They'll still be available for a bit. I like all your videos btw. Good channel!

[@jonhodgkins4476]

I'm glad I just ordered a '25 wilderness

[@judih.8754]

I noticed those rock sliders on the dual exhaust mode. I like that the tow receiver is better integrated and tucked up higher than the current one. This is much boxier. I'm glad I have my Gen 6 model.

[@veganzombe]

Man I have loved the look of the outback sense it came out, bought a 2011 in 2022, it was a bit bigger than I wanted but it fit what I wanted out of a car the most. I feel they really missed what made the outback the outback with this design. There are so many suv's out there (including made by subaru) I just don't see the need for another one.

[@gregdolecki8530]

That thing looks like a hearse.

[@item6931]

😂

[@AudioHead809]

People always said that about my 05 outback xt when I had it. It was lowered so that probably helped. I guess not much is changing in that aspect LOL!

[@jonesjl99]

Modeled after the ascent.

[@austincolt3306]

Sales will plummet on the Outback and they’ll do a full redesign quickly. cash is king.

[@Usul]

Ever wonder if that is exactly what Toyota was hoping for?

[@MalevolentForge]

People said that about the new Accord and it's selling like crazy.

[@zlseth]

There will always be higher demand than there is supply for Subarus. They may lose some customers, but they’ll gain at least as many. This is what their reach tells them will sell.

[@thomas735]

Outback is underrated. Tough to find a better all around vehicle at a relative budget. Mazda has some killer products now too!

[@retirementpirate3665]

Mazda has been a sleeper for a few years now.

[@TheLanard]

I think the current Outback is the best looking station wagon every designed. If I didn’t just purchase a new Forester last year I’d buy this year’s Outback after seeing this remodel.

[@nmalbrecht]

I have a 2021 Outback with 23,000 miles … 🤞if we keep up with schedule maintenance she lasts me a good long while 😂

[@toetz4491]

Its the 2026 Toyota Outback

[@Usul]

RAV4 plug-in wilderness edition! :)

[@vasilesandru8856]

😂

[@robertgloverjr]

Having owned three outback tourings in a row , my current one being a 2023 outback touring, the biggest item on my wish list is for the 2026 outback to not take up any more width or length in my garage than the one I currently drive.

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

I owned a 2005 Outback, which is very similar in dimensions to the current Crosstrek. If they increase the size of the Crosstrek a bit, put the 2.5 in it, and improve the interior, it would come very close to what i would want in an Outback.

[@danielfair4675]

The 2.5 has been in some models of the Crosstrek since '21

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

@@danielfair4675 I wound up getting a 2024 Outback Premium because the price to a loaded Crosstrek was very similar... and the Outback interior was just nicer and roomier in general.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I agree from a looks point of view. But the cargo capacity of the current gen Crosstreks is so small compared to 2005 Outback. 2004-2009 Outbacks/Legacy wagons were the best combination of looks and cargo practicality IMO. I have a 2020 Outback and while passenger room has definitely increased not so much the rear cargo capacity.

[@shikcheese3234]

There is a wilderness in the spy shots. It's the one with the rock sliders and tow hitch.

[@anitapickinpaugh7606]

Looks very much like a Forester. I like the distinction of current body style. This appears to be a combination of the Forester and Ascent. Eventually they will not need all three.

[@rudedog302]

Looks like a big Forester, with the squared off back. I wonder if it will be heavier then current Outback's, it looks bigger, and will it have more cubic inches of cargo space. Those upper LED eyebrow lights would be ok if they turn into a turn signal light when selected. Don't really care for the wheel well squared off angles.

[@experimentaldave7607]

Ugggg. I'll stick with my '08 third gen Outback.

[@bird2114]

07 here👍

[@kimionjones284]

Wish they would bring back the 3.6r

[@wendykuehne3920]

I love my 2017 3.6L outback!!!!!!

[@Temokalati]

Bring back the 3.6r then we will talk

[@jaimebakal4253]

I love my 2019 3.6 Touring, bring back the 3.6R and we are talking.

[@kylesmith245]

excited to see the reveal. i bought a 2024 forester because i love the boxier frame/headroom, but wish it had the length of the outback. Kicking myself for not just buying the outback, especially for the comfort and infotainment (many people hate it, but the 2024 forester infotainment is ridiculously outdated)

[@orlandorivera8347]

Until 6 months ago, I had never owned a Subaru. I picked up a 24 Outback Wilderness, and I love it. Thought that I would upgrade to the new Outback in a couple of years, but after seeing the direction Subaru is headed with the new Outback, this might be the last Subie I buy 😅

[@gerardhaines8119]

Personally, not a fan of the speculated updates -- the Outback carved out a niche with its wagonesque design and it's served Subaru well.....I'm glad I purchased my '25 OB in September. I'll be interested what actually hits the showroom floors and how it specs out; but IMO if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

[@meinasalon]

I love my Forester.

[@SoulDeathCheated]

What's with the squared off fender wells? The whole point of an Outback was that it was a wagon and not an SUV. Wonder what they're thinking gradually chipping away at what sets the Outback apart?

[@deltabravo1257]

Looks more like an Ascent to me.

[@earlforman3030]

keeping my 2018 Outback

[@MyDogRunner]

Subaru already has boxy SUVs, why would they depart from the wagon so many of us love. 😮😢

[@USNAVDC]

Actually, since he had pictures of a pre-2010 Outback, that resembles that design a big only much larger. I loved the 2003 Outback that I had even though it was much smaller that the current Outback.

[@onetimer100]

Hmmm. Just bought a '24 OB and still have my '15 OB. Love them both for it's utilitarian use and offroad capabilities. Need another car, think I'll go with a Crosstrek or more likely a Mazda with a true AT over this version of the OB.

[@sunebird]

I don't like the height of the roof. I carry kayaks on the roof racks and the previous Outbacks, it was real easy to access the kayaks.

[@Timeonabike]

Thanks for that. I see no need to upgrade my 2003 Outback for this.

[@johnkkkj]

I am trying to be open minded, but the front overhang for a Wilderness addition? I thought we would have improved approach and departure angles, and more off road capable than before, but does not look like it.

[@toozigooti]

I think it looks really sharp! Guess I’m the only one.

[@tommyjones2879]

I think it looks good as well.

[@janetmiddleton8009]

I think it looks good too. Reminds me of the early generations of the Outback. I like the boxier look and more glass likes the 2026 has.

[@valdius85]

It only makes sense if they’re ditching the Ascent, or it might be the new Ascent 😂❤

[@richroj]

very interesting Mr. Subaru, looking forward to seeing it when its introduced 👍

[@AaronMal1978]

Foam is often used under the vinyl wrap to hide body lines and improve the camouflage.

[@thesparkster]

Looks like a Ford Explorer rogered a Chevy Equinox. The one with the dual exhaust also has rock rails.

[@Sams911]

I am so glad I got my 2025 Wilderness Adventure .. I hate the lines on this new one.

[@scotthertzler7137]

What's a 2025 Adventure?

[@Sams911]

@@scotthertzler7137 Outback Adventure, google it. the Wilderness comes up.. same thing ;)

[@sherrywilliams666]

I don’t like it it looks like an explorer. I’m going to get the 25 xt touring.

[@KVAR42]

Ty Sir! Fella in the drivers seat doesn't look to happy lol.

[@dondenis1500]

Just bought a 2016 Premium and will beep it for years to come. Are you sure this isn't the next Accent?

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Looking forward to the new generation of Outback. I’ll be keeping my 2023. Words cannot express how much I detest the low mounted front headlights. I really wish Subaru would drop that design element.

[@nataliianezhynska5119]

Can't wait to get my Outback XT (old version)

[@bradbowles1153]

I’d like one with dual exhaust, 6 or 8EAT, the frame rails two inches further apart in the engine bay for easier spark plug changes, and better camshaft cover seals to prevent oil leaks for under $35k.

[@wayneschenk5512]

Could be a run on the current outback’s this one looks like it would take a while to like.

[@Harmon1ca]

My 2018 Impreza Sport hatch continues to do everything I’ve ever asked it to. Doesn’t look like I need to start having a car payment again for whatever this thing is.

[@brandonporter4227]

That XT/Wilderness model looked like it may have had a step or some kind of rail along the bottom. I added some aftermarket sliders to my 2024 Wilderness and all the guys at the dealer loved it. Some even said those should have been standard on the Wilderness. Looks like they may have done it for 2026.

[@mitchellmyers1719]

I’ll keep mine. Thing looks like a box

[@brianzimmer5532]

Could this really be a refresh of the Ascent and not the Outback?

[@RedHuntsman]

So does it look like a Ford like the Forester now.

[@chrissnyder821]

The new Forrester looks like a Ford Explorer. The front end is so boxy and I guess the outback in 2026 is gonna be the same thing. I guess I will buy a limited 2025 outback just my opinion.

[@mountainman35]

I just bought a 2025. I just did not want to buy a first year total retooled body. The outgoing model has been debugged and proven over last 5 years.

[@dalenihiser7766]

it'll be more expensive for sure.

[@deasym6329]

One of those pictures shows raised side rails on the roof with Thule crossbars mounted. I thought the Wilderness trim was the only trim with those side rails and the rest have the black plastic with crossbars that swivel out. Perhaps we were looking at a 26 Wilderness and not an XT?

[@MR-co2ti]

What is the idea behind the strange pattern on the body? It sticks out more than it hides. And how do we know this is an Outback and not an experiment?

[@brucekatkin5310]

I think the upper lights are positioning light and the lower lights are the low/high beam headlights. Another reason the top lights are not headlights is they are not steering responsive.

[@pongosp]

The new Toyotaback

[@Usul]

RAV4baru.

[@HelenFire420]

There goes America’s last affordable station wagon. 😢

[@lovemauihawaii]

04:08 Running boards on older Forester!! Subaru bring this back pls!!

[@LKWDITE]

I don't know - I am in the market for a new one if my wife will give up her 2011 which she loves. We were thinking of grabbing a 2025 Wilderness before they disappear, but this video really helps to clear things up. This kind of redesign reminds me of the Lexus GX and the new Toyota Land Cruiser. The new boxy designs look good and more modern to me, so I am willing to wait it out until next spring. My 2019 Ascent Touring only has 16,200 miles on it so I think I will keep that for a while. Thanks for your analysis!

[@dantheveganman]

I find it interesting that they kind of soften / made the forester more round, and made the outback boxier, feel like the should have applied the look of the new forester to the outback and vise versa.

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Looking at older ones outback or Forester

[@Usul]

It looks quite similar to the 2026 RAV4, especially in profile (door and window shapes, droopy nose, etc.). It is getting harder and harder to tell a Subaru apart from a Toyota, which I suppose is no surprise.

[@cooper57m]

I bought my Outback this year because I wanted to avoid the "Big Brother" Gov't required tech to detect distracted/impared driver on 2026 models.

[@slava_trushkin]

Photo with CR-V behind shows scale. I think it will be taller and I do like that. My Forester is awesome, but lacks boot space, Outback is too low for my liking (I used to drive Opel minivans before buying a Forester), so taller Outback is something I'd really love to see. Many prefer Outback to be smaller wagon and I do get that, but not me.

[@monicasmith7050]

I LOVE the taller Outback...just what my knees need!

[@rdmckeever7645]

Bigger, boxier, smaller displacement motor, probably more electronic toys to break. Yuk! Haven't really warmed up to the 2020 we got. So glad my '02 is running fine; may need to find another...

[@chrisgraham9203]

The basic body looks ok, but it's definitely different any previous Outback. My bet is this will wind up replacing the Ascent, too.

[@berts4877]

Are there any photos showing how it compares in size to the Ascent? If this is comparable size they may be looking to have a 2-Row and 3-Row versions available like Mazda did with the CX-70 / CX-90 which are the same vehicles in size and powertrain options and the major difference being the 2 or 3 rows of seating. It seems that the current Outback is partly the way it is because of sharing the same platform as the Legacy. With the Legacy being cancelled, that sedan constraint is gone, and it could make sense from a manufacturing / financial perspective to have the Outback and Ascent basically share the same platform. I haven't really kept up with how the interior space in the new Forrester compares to the last one, but it seemed like there really wasn't much difference in interior room between the previous Forrester and the Outback.

[@samlevi3821]

Upgraded the 21 to a 25. Build quality seems much better than my 21. Won’t be buying that ugly brick.

[@joshuameade2448]

Someone posted a photo of a new Subaru “off roading” here in Colorado along side the new Toyota SUV in a local forum. It definitely had the same profile but more rugged and had camouflage also, but it was more of a potato picture since the poster was mountain biking an it was a quick picture while on the bike, but the poster did said it was a Subaru SUV looking vehicle.

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

the front is what concerns me

[@Jeremy-k4q]

Wishful thinking here, but is it possible this is a new model and not the Outback?

[@Garrisondive]

If they stay with this design I will have bought my last Subaru. Glad I have a current gen.

[@johnfarel3152]

Im very interested to see how it will look once the camo is removed. This design is growing on me

[@jtraveny]

to me, it reminds me a little bit of a accent? maybe it is going that way just without a 3rd row seating? another rumor i heard is they are going back to physical climate controls

[@mikeremski2102]

I've been a Subaru owner for a long time, first one a "GL Wagon" when the Outback of that time was "GL Wagon with 4wd and Outback trim" (roughly mid 1980s). Keep getting Outbacks, but like others I think the current 2018 is the last one. They've been getting too big; for me gen 3/gen 4 (roughly 2008/2010) were about the perfect size. I like the newer (2019 Forester) wife drives one, but feels like there is too much consolidation going on. Thanks for the info.

[@andrewvines434]

Also what’s with the roof racks?

[@ConkysFlippinAdventures]

Looks like they went Wagon Queen Family Truckster with it.

[@mattwilliams6575]

I’m seeing running boards and bumper vents. I’m thinking the section of the hood that comes down is where the intake will be. It looks like there is a bigger gap there.

[@jp2246]

Looks very much like the Toyota Grand Highlander to me