Midsize AWD wagon
2026 Subaru Outback: buying summary
The only mainstream wagon where AWD is standard, not an option
- MSRP range
- $28,995–$43,345
- Combined MPG
- 29
- Body style
- Midsize AWD wagon
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
Pros
- Symmetrical full-time AWD is standard on every trim, no upsell required
- 9.5-inch ground clearance beats the CR-V (8.3 in) and the RAV4 (8.4 in) for light off-road
- 75.7 cu ft max cargo with seats folded — best in its price range for haulers
- EyeSight driver-assist suite is standard and has one of the best emergency braking records in IIHS testing
Cons
- Base 2.5L is sluggish (182 hp, 0–60 in ~8.3 sec); XT turbo is much better but costs $4K more
- No hybrid, PHEV, or EV variant in 2026; fuel economy trails CR-V Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid
- CVT-only across the entire lineup, which some buyers find droning
- Infotainment portrait screen (11.6 in) is large but touch-only, no rotary dial for knob-preferring buyers
Best trim: Limited XT AWD
Limited XT is the answer. 260-hp turbo, Nappa leather, 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment, navigation, and the full EyeSight suite — around $38K MSRP. Wilderness adds all-terrain tires and orange accents for the off-road crowd. Onyx Edition is the cargo/practical pick at a lower price than Limited. Skip base and Premium; the NA engine is too slow for highway merges.
What to cross-shop
- Toyota RAV4
- Honda CR-V
- Mazda CX-5
Verdict
The Outback is the best option for buyers who want SUV ground clearance and cargo with car-like handling — and who don't want to pay an AWD premium. The lack of a hybrid is its biggest weakness in 2026. If you drive over 12,000 miles a year, the RAV4 Hybrid's 41 mpg combined vs the Outback's 29 mpg combined will cost $700–$900 per year in extra fuel.
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