2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness First Drive Review

As far as natural progression goes, Subaru’s so-called Wilderness treatment makes all kinds of sense.

After all, the brand’s crossovers have long been the kind you can take to a secluded camping or kayaking spot that most competitors might struggle to reach, with generous ground clearance and full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) helping to facilitate their adventurous abilities. Adding a little more ride height, as well as some suspension and gearing tweaks — and a rugged look to round it all out — is like the peanut butter to Subaru’s jelly.

The wagon-like Outback was the first of three models to be adorned with the upgrade kit back in 2022, and it proved immediately popular with shoppers, quickly accounting for about a quarter of the model’s annual sales — an impressive figure for what’s a fairly niche trim. But with a controversial redesign introduced late last year, the new 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness arrives hot on its heels and ready to hit the trails.

A Questionable New Look

In some ways, the Outback Wilderness has come into its own aesthetically with this redesign, looking like it was part of the plan from the very start instead of being the sort of add-on it used to be. However, it’s simply no longer the lifted wagon it once was, with a boxy shape that’s sure to appeal to SUV-hungry shoppers while alienating the devoted followers who seemed to like the Outback specifically because it wasn’t a sport utility.

Digression aside, there’s no denying the 2026 Outback Wilderness looks even more like it’s ready for adventure than before. It wouldn’t be a stretch to accuse Subaru’s designers of borrowing the wordmark that spans the grille from Ford, which has applied the same treatment to its Raptor trucks for years, but it works well to signal this Outback’s intentions to onlookers.

The rest of the Wilderness additions have been tastefully applied, including the raised roof rails and copper-coloured accents scattered here and there. Instead, it’s the fundamentals of the seventh-generation Outback that let it down at least a little, with a bluntly shaped front end and wheel arches that aren’t really arches at all. While there’s no question some shoppers will like the new look, what’s missing is the sort of charm that’s long defined the Outback’s design.

The Same Sort of Upgrades

On the bright side, there’s more to the Wilderness kit than its aesthetic changes, and this Outback has been fitted with some familiar enhancements. The ride height stands at 240 mm (9.4 in) compared to 220 mm (8.7 in) across the rest of the lineup — and, indeed, it’s the same for each of the brand’s other crossovers, save its electric ones — and the dampers are of the electronically controlled variety, marking a first amongst the brand’s off-road offerings.

The 17-inch wheels are the smallest to come fitted from the factory, a decision made in order to accommodate the appropriate style of all-terrain tires an SUV like this one should have — or at least in theory. Because the Bridgestone Duellers the 2026 Outback Wilderness rides on are all-terrain by name only, and perform more like all-seasons than the Yokohama Geolandars the previous generation came equipped with.

Otherwise, the transmission and differential gearing boast shorter ratios than the rest of the Outback lineup for improved off-pavement performance. And there’s a dual-mode version of Subaru’s so-called X-Mode system that features separate settings for dirt and snow or deep snow and mud, optimizing the various mechanical components — engine, transmission, centre differential — to work at their best in tough conditions.

Meanwhile, under the hood is the same turbocharged 2.4L engine as every other Outback trim except the entry-level Touring. The four-cylinder is arranged in the Subaru-signature horizontally opposed — or boxer — layout, meaning the pistons move side to side instead of up and down like the majority of others its size. As before, output is a healthy 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

On the Road — and Off It

The most noticeable improvement is the addition of adaptive dampers. Particularly on pavement, the electronically actuated units work to minimize body roll when cornering and reduce the harshness of impacts, and all to great effect. Sure, the roughest of roads can still be felt, but not to the degree that’s typical of these adventurous SUVs. The Outback has long been a smooth and stable companion, but this version might be the best of the bunch.

It’s also capable of a hearty shove thanks to the motor, with all that torque arriving at 2,000 rpm and staying there until 4,800 rpm. OK, that leaves a bit of room for turbo lag, but it’s not enough for this Subaru to feel flat-footed, while even the automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT), long the type to be derided as disappointing, responds well with its simulated shift points.

Both on- and off-road, the Outback Wilderness feels as light on its feet as ever, with its expanded dimensions doing nothing to make it a more cumbersome companion. Steering feel might not be satisfying in the same way as an old hydraulic setup, but it’s far from lifeless. And then there’s the way it helps negotiate treacherous terrain, with a quick ratio and smooth response to inputs. (The forward-facing camera helps here, too, by providing a live look ahead.)

Again, it’s only the tires that leave something to be desired, with off-pavement performance that feels a little lacklustre, especially compared to what came with the previous version. Yes, these Bridgestones are smooth and quiet when cruising around town, but grip is lacking where the asphalt ends. And while tires are an easy upgrade for anyone who’s serious about their off-road ambitions, you shouldn’t have to spring for a new set when buying a brand new vehicle like this.

Final Thoughts

On the subject of the price you’ll pay, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness rings in at $51,490 before tax but including freight ($2,295) — a significant hike of $3,700 from last year. And while the new suspension explains at least some of it, it isn’t enough to justify all the extra cash this adventurous new Outback commands. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the price of admission, but at the very least other options should be taken into account before a decision is made.

The other consideration is its competitive set, which can easily cost considerably more. Take the segment stalwart Toyota 4Runner, for example; the cheapest one in Canada starts at $56,130. Then there’s the recently redesigned Honda Passport TrailSport that’s $58,990. (All prices include freight.) Next to those rivals the Outback Wilderness is a comparative steal, plus it’s probably a little more refined thanks to those dampers — even for the money it’ll set you back.