HIGHLIGHTS
- Wilderness makes its New Zealand debut, introducing “the most adventure-ready and capable Subaru ever engineered”, with an exclusive 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, 240 mm of ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles and electronically controlled dampers.
- All-new seventh-generation Outback features a completely redesigned SUV profile
- Next-generation technology including an all-new 12.1-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard.
- Major interior advancement with redesigned seating, increased headroom and expanded cargo opening
- Enhanced driving dynamics with evolved Subaru Global Platform, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and dual-pinion steering.
- Latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist with wide-angle monocular camera and expanded driver assistance functions, plus improved body rigidity and sound insulation for quieter cabin.
The all-new, seventh-generation Subaru Outback takes one of New Zealand’s most trusted outdoor playground-conquering SUVs to a whole new league of toughness, capability and everyday ease, claims Subaru New Zealand.
Redesigned from the wheels up as a purpose-built SUV, leading the charge is the Outback Wilderness, making its New Zealand debut as the most adventure-ready and capable Subaru ever produced says the company.
Wilderness has greater approach and departure angles and distinctive tough styling. It is exclusively powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine, delivering strong, effortless response on the highway and on steep, loose climbs. Distinct suspension tuning with electronically controlled dampers help keep the chassis composed when the road runs out, so it feels stable and controlled even when the surface doesn’t, says Subaru.
Across the range, the new design adopts more traditional SUV-style proportions while staying true to Outback’s rugged character, with increased height and width, a stronger, more upright front end and bolder surfacing that projects confidence on any road or trail. Redesigned LED headlamps and tail lamps sharpen the look while also improving visibility, and an expanded exterior colour palette introduces fresh hues, including exclusive finishes for Wilderness.
2026 Subaru Outback: Technology
A new era of Subaru technology comes to life, making this the most technologically advanced Subaru yet. The interior introduces an all-new 12.1-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen – replacing the previous vertical display – with up to 2.5 times faster processing than the prior generation, enhancing usability, widget layout and customisation, while continuing to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
A new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is now standard across the range, offering multiple viewing modes including Classic, Calm and Eyesight, while Map & Projection modes are also available for variants with in-built satellite navigation. Essential controls such as air-conditioning and Auto Vehicle Hold are now tactile hardware switches.
2026 Subaru Outback: Interior
Inside, redesigned seats feature new structures that better support the lumbar and pelvis areas while reducing vibration. Durable yet refined, easy-care seat materials are used across the Outback range to match its adventurous nature. On AWD Touring, premium Nappa leather-accented seat trim is featured.
Wilderness variants feature hard-wearing, easy-to-clean hydrophobic synthetic leather with an anti-slip embossed finish, ideal for outdoor and off-road use. ‘Wilderness’ branding is thoughtfully integrated via embossed headrest logos and woven backrest tags. Across the range, both rows also benefit from increased headroom.
Practicality has also taken a step up, with a cargo opening now 50 mm higher to make loading and unloading easier. High-strength ladder-style roof rails are adopted, with static load capacity increased from 318 kg to 363 kg to better support adventure gear. Enlarged front and rear door trim bottle holders now accommodate 32oz Nalgene water bottles and cups with handles, while a new multi-use cargo cover can be compactly stored in the apron trim pocket when not in use. A contractible surface material and magnetised rear-most fixing point make it easier to manage luggage – even with both hands full – along with an extra 8 litres of cargo space and anchor tie-down points retained.
2026 Subaru Outback: Drivetrain
Under the skin, the all-new Outback is available in two direct-injection Boxer engines. A refined 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine delivers more useable torque, reduced noise and smoother performance. Wilderness exclusively receives the more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer, producing 194 kW and 382 Nm – a boost over the previous generation turbo.
Both engines are paired with an enhanced Lineartronic CVT with 8-speed manual mode, tuned for quieter operation and more natural, responsive acceleration. A new dual-pinion electric power steering system adds extra precision and confident control. In Wilderness variants, the high-torque-capable Lineartronic transmission adopts a revised final reduction ratio, purposefully calibrated to maximise off-road capability by making the most of the increased low-rev output.
2026 Subaru Outback: Off-road
Capability has long been at the heart of Outback’s reputation, and this new generation raises the bar to new heights. X-Mode remains standard across the range, while Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system now features improved Active Torque Split control for more precise delivery, helping ensure confidence on various surfaces. Naturally aspirated variants now benefit from increased minimum ground clearance of 220 mm (up from 213 mm in the previous generation), further enhancing gravel road grappling ability. In Wilderness, capability is elevated again through exclusive suspension tuning, even higher ground clearance and electronically controlled dampers linked with X-Mode.
2026 Subaru Outback: Safety
Every variant is equipped with the latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist system, now featuring a wide-angle monocular camera for greater recognition of cyclists, pedestrians and complex intersections. Driver Monitoring System5 (DMS) is also available as standard, using a camera-based system to help detect signs of fatigue or distraction and prompt the driver to refocus. New functions such as Emergency Driving Stop System6 and Acceleration Override Assist, together with Active Lane Change Assist on higher spec variants build on existing technologies including Front Pre-Collision Braking, Front and Side Alert Assist and Emergency Lane Keep Assist.
Vision Assist is also enhanced, with Front Side Radar available across the range. For the first time on Outback, selected variants add a new Panoramic 360° View Monitor with Side View Monitor (SVM), delivering extra visibility with more camera angles and improved low-light performance.
Underneath, a stronger body structure with increased use of high-tensile steel, together with nine SRS airbags including a new far-side airbag, provides improved passive protection for everyone on board. Together, these advances support Subaru’s long-term vision to achieve zero fatal accidents in a Subaru vehicle by 2030.
Refinement and quietness complete the experience. More sound-insulating materials, improved aerodynamics and strategic structural enhancements reduce wind, road and vibration noise, supporting easier conversations and reducing fatigue over long journeys.
After 30 years helping Kiwis explore Subaru country, the all-new Subaru Outback returns with more purpose, more capability and more everyday usability. With the debut of Outback Wilderness, Subaru enters a new era, introducing a new hero – one designed for customers who want genuine, ready-for-anything adventures straight from the showroom.
General Manger of Inchcape New Zealand, distributor of Subaru in New Zealand, Jerry Delaney said: “Outback has been a Kiwi favourite for more than 30 years, earning it the top spot as Subaru NZ’s number one selling model.
“As a SUV built for New Zealand and its four seasons in one day weather, Outback has taken its drivers safely from city to surf, and now the new Wilderness model takes all this core capability and cranks it up a notch.”
“It is truly the perfect fit for New Zealand’s roads, with our highways giving way to 40% unsealed gravel byways. Outback and Wilderness provide the best of both ready-for-adventure worlds, as a station wagon and a large SUV.”
The next-generation Subaru Outback, including Wilderness, is available to order now. Test drives will be offered at all Subaru Authorised Centres from May for Outback and Wilderness will follow two months later in July. For more information visit: https://www.subaru.co.nz/all-new-outback-wilderness.
