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Subaru Outback AWD 2026 review: snapshot

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EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Dislikes

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option
Photo of Byron Mathioudakis
Byron Mathioudakis

Contributing Journalist

2 min read

The Subaru Outback AWD is the entry-level version of the seventh-generation model.

Released in early 2026 and priced from $48,990, before on-road costs, this Japanese-built largish-medium-sized SUV is classified in the Large SUV category, but is only a five-seater, not a seven-seater vehicle.

Along with permanent all-wheel drive (hence the grade), the base AWD includes climate control air-conditioning, synthetic leather trim, a 12.1-inch multimedia touchscreen, 12.3-inch electronic instrumentation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, heated front seats with powered driver’s side, a powered tailgate, 'X-Mode' off-road mode, roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare.

On the safety front you’ll find nine airbags including a front-centre bag, as well as comprehensive Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) tech, including AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, a blind-spot monitor, traffic-sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.

Under the Outback’s bonnet is a modified version of the 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ four-cylinder petrol engine. Mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight artificial ‘steps’, it produces 137kW of power at 5800rpm and 254Nm of torque at 3700rpm. Sadly, no manual gearbox is available. The all-wheel drive system sends torque to all four wheels, usually 60 per cent up front and 40 per cent out back.

Finally, the Outback with the 2.5L naturally-aspirated engine offers a combined average consumption figure of 8.1L/100km, for a carbon dioxide emissions rating of 183 grams per kilometre. Topping up the 63L tank with 91 RON standard unleaded petrol, expect an average range of about 777km between refills.

Read the full 2026 Subaru Outback review

Subaru Outback 2026: Awd

Engine Type Flat 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 8.1L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $48,990
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$48,990
Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Subaru Outback 2026 variant.
LOWEST PRICE
$48,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$62,690
Photo of Byron Mathioudakis
Byron Mathioudakis

Contributing Journalist

Byron started his motoring journalism career when he joined John Mellor in 1997 before becoming a freelance motoring writer two years later. He wrote for several motoring publications and was ABC Youth radio Triple J's "all things automotive" correspondent from 2001 to 2003. He rejoined John Mellor in early 2003 and has been with GoAutoMedia as a senior product and industry journalist ever since. With an eye for detail and a vast knowledge base of both new and used cars Byron lives and breathes motoring. His encyclopedic knowledge of cars was acquired from childhood by reading just about every issue of every car magazine ever to hit a newsstand in Australia. The child Byron was the consummate car spotter, devoured and collected anything written about cars that he could lay his hands on and by nine had driven more imaginary miles at the wheel of the family Ford Falcon in the driveway at home than many people drive in a lifetime. The teenage Byron filled in the agonising years leading up to getting his driver's license by reading the words of the leading motoring editors of the country and learning what they look for in a car and how to write it. In short, Byron loves cars and knows pretty much all there is to know about every vehicle released during his lifetime as well as most of the ones that were around before then.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.

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