The Subaru Outback

Sure, it looks gawky. It’s a Subaru Outback. It’s supposed to look that way! But how does it drive, tow, go off-road and more? That is the real question. And here at Napleton News, we are working on telling you. So put on your best flannel shirt and buckle in for an exhilarating ride

What is it about the Subaru Outback?

It’s a cult classic but can it remain that way if its body is entirely new? Subaru took what once was a station wagon and toughened it up a bit with more SUV-like proportions. Now it looks less a wagon and more a cladded and modded off-road vehicle that just happens to live in a suburban garage.

The Outback is motivated by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder “boxer” engine making 180-horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It’s matched to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) which “simulates” the shifting of a traditional gearbox without the actual shifting. It’s a long way from the CVTs of yesterday but still drones when driven in anger.

Regardless of trim level, the Outback is standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It’s just the thing to deliver good traction in questionable conditions.

How about the Outback’s looks?

The look is definitely more SUV than the tall greenhouse station wagon that defined previous versions. But thanks to a trick of the eye, this new Outback is actually 1.4 inches taller than the outgoing model. It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and good approach and departure angles making it a safe bet for the off-road set.

Love it or hate it, you’ll definitely have an opinion about the new Outback. We were trying to wrap our heads around seeing it in the African Veldt. But the reality is it is more likely to be viewed in a scene from Jurassic Park XVII or whatever number they are up to these days.

And what about inside?

More modern than ever, the new Outback maintains the basic feel of a Subie but updates the technology a bit. Gone is the infotainment screen that looks like an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of notebook paper. In its place is a new screen measuring over 12 inches diagonally. It’s a feature that buyers have been asking for and helps separate the interior from that of a Tesla. Sorry, couldn’t resist.

While jumping ahead technologically, the brand takes a step back by reintroducing knobs and buttons. Many brands have gone digital and it’s nice to see an analog solution to an age-old problem.

Second row seating in the Outback features plenty of legroom, unlike others in the segment. Our second row inhabitants felt relaxed after a ride to dinner and back.

Behind the wheel of the Subaru Outback Limited.

We noticed an improved experience behind the wheel of the Outback. That’s partially because of better noise insulation, improved glass quality

, and maybe even an improved audio system. Acceleration is actually decent considering this is the smaller of the two engines. Sure, we could do without the CVT but that’s been a Subie thing for around 15 years now. They aren’t as drone-y as they once were and they do manage to get the job done. Even so, there’s no replacing the sound of a transmission cranking through the gears. Am I right?

Handling is surprisingly nimble for an SUV or a wagon. We found the ride quality to be satisfyingly firm without being jarring. Even though it has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is adequate for most off-road excursions, it never felt too tall or like it would topple over when cornering through a tight sweeper.

Subaru owners are some of the most loyal owners in the automobile world. After a week in this Subaru Outback, we are beginning to see why.

2026 Subaru Outback Specifications