DecodedCars2026 Subaru Outback
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon Limited/Wilderness/Premier, 4dr Wagon Touring
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 25 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 191.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,772–3,966 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Overview
The 2026 Subaru Outback is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,966 lb (4dr Wagon Limited/Wilderness/Premier).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (25 city / 31 highway), 4% better than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Outback — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Outback →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon Limited/Wilderness/Premier | 191.7 in | 74 in | 67.3 in | 108.3 in | 62.2 / 63.4 in | 3,966 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Wagon Touring | 191.7 in | 74 in | 67.3 in | 108.3 in | 62.2 / 63.4 in | 3,772 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | +4% | $2,500 | 330 |
| Outback AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -7% | $2,800 | 369 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -11% | $2,900 | 385 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Subaru Outback.
Similar 2026 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Outback (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Toyota 4Runner | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2026 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 35 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Subaru Outback.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Subaru Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Outback years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 83 |
| 2024 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 104 |
| 2023 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 89 |
| 2022 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 465 |
| 2021 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 298 |
| 2020 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 901 |
| 2019 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,036 |
| 2018 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 816 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →