Subaru has always marched to the beat of its own boxer engine, carving out a uniquely loyal following in New Zealand. While much of the automotive landscape has chased soccer-mom SUV aesthetics, Subaru double-downed on rugged utility paired with genuine road car driving dynamics. Ever since the original Legacy Outback arrived in 1995, it established the quintessential Kiwi formula: high ground clearance, permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), and bulletproof wagon practicalities designed for everything from the daily commute to adventure holidays.
With the release of the 2026 Outback range, Subaru continues to refine this high-riding crossover blueprint rather than abandoning its wagon roots. The major updates for 2026 introduce bolder exterior styling featuring revised front cladding, an updated 12.1-inch touch screen infotainment system running wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upgraded chassis rigidity, and the latest iteration of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance technology. In top-tier Touring trim, it leans heavily into luxury territory, featuring supple Nappa leather accented trim, ventilated and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a 360-degree surround camera system.
What We Like and Dislike About The 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Supreme long-distance comfort Plush leather interior Generous passenger space Sure footed confidence Excellent Eye Sight safety suite Generous load space and roof rails | No hybrid options Fuel consumption Underwhelming acceleration Wheel arch moulding details |
What’s In The 2026 Subaru Outback Range?
The 2026 Subaru Outback lineup in New Zealand spans five variants, catering to everything from everyday family touring to hardcore off-road adventures. Outbacks come in two variants, a regular and a Wilderness range. While all share the same symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD), there are two engine options available, and various trim/specification levels to choose from.
Essentially, with price, off-road capability increases, the performance jumps, and interior specification and finishes become more premium. In the Wilderness range, there are enhancements to engine performance, ground clearance, and slight improvements in the braked trailer towing capacity and tow-bar tongue load.
| Variant | Engine | Ground clearance | Price |
| Outback AWD | 2.5-litre 4-cylinder | 220 mm | $54,990 |
| Outback AWD Premium | 2.5-litre 4-cylinder | 220 mm | $59,990 |
| Outback AWD Touring* | 2.5-litre 4-cylinder | 220 mm | $64,990 |
| Outback AWD Wilderness | 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder | 240 mm | $69,990 |
| Outback AWD Wilderness Apex | 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder | 240 mm | $74,990 |
*Our test car
2026 Subaru Outback Colour Range
| Outback AWD | Outback AWD Premium | Outback AWD Touring | Outback AWD Wilderness | Outback AWD Wilderness Apex | |
| Chrystal White Pearl | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ice Silver Metallic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| River Rock Pearl | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Brilliant Bronze Metallic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Magnetite Grey Metallic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Deep Emerald Pearl | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Crimson Red Pearl | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Geyser Blue Pearl | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Sapphire Blue Pearl | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Crystal Black Silica | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
- All colours are no cost options
For a full list of specs and options available for the Subaru Outback AWD head on over to Subaru New Zealand’s website.
How Does The 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring Compare To Its Competition?
In a New Zealand market dominated by conventional monocoque medium-to-large SUVs, the 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring occupies a wonderfully distinct position. It sits squarely alongside upper-tier models like the Toyota RAV4 Adventure, Nissan X-Trail Ti-L and Honda CR-V Hybrid X.
While many competitors rely on hybrid powertrains to deliver superior urban fuel economy, none can match the Outback’s low-slung wagon poise, class-leading ground clearance, and permanent Symmetrical AWD confidence. It bridges the gap between an estate car and a rugged off-roader, offering interior luxury and high-speed unpaved stability that rivals European wagons costing significantly more.
| Make/ Model | Engine | Power/ Torque | Seats | Fuel L/100km | Towing Capacity | Boot Space, litres | Price |
| Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line AWD | 2.0L Turbo Petrol 4-Cyl | 195 kW / 400 Nm | 5 | 8.6 | 750 / 2,300 | 652 | $84,990 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Active AWD | 1.6L Turbo Petrol 4-Cyl Hybrid | 172 kW / 367 Nm | 7 | 6.2 | 750 / 1,650 | 992 | $74,990 |
| Kia Sorento HEV Earth AWD | 1.6L Turbo Petrol 4-Cyl Hybrid | 158 kW / 367 Nm | 7 | 5.6 | 750 / 1,650 | 608 | $66,530 |
| Subaru Outback AWD Touring | 2.5L Petrol 4-Cyl Boxer | 137kW / 254 Nm | 5 | 8.1 | 750 / 2,000 | 530 | $64,990 |
| Toyota RAV4 Adventure AWD | 2.5L Petrol 4-Cyl Hybrid | 143 kW / 221 Nm | 5 | 5.1 | 750 / 1,500 | 481 | $62,990 |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid X AWD | 2.0L Petrol 4-Cyl Hybrid | 135 kW / 335 Nm | 5 | 5.5 | 600 / 750 | 581 | $62,000 |
| Mazda CX-5 Takami AWD | 2.5L Petrol 4-Cyl | 132 kW / 242 Nm | 5 | 7.9 | 750 / 1,800 | 466 | $61,990 |
| Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power AWD | 1.5L Turbo Petrol 3-Cyl Hybrid | 150 kW / 330 Nm | 5 | 6.1 | 750 / 1,650 | 575 | $58,990 |
Please note that DriveLife does its best to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publication, however, prices, specifications and models can change over time. Please bear that in mind when comparing models in the comparison table.
First Impressions Of The 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring
The new 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring makes a much bolder first impression than any Outback before it. Subaru has clearly decided to lean further into the SUV side of the equation, giving the latest model a boxier, more upright shape that immediately looks tougher and more purposeful. Slim LED lighting elements sit above larger headlamp units, while the more prominent grille and heavily sculpted front bumper give the Outback a stronger road presence than the softer-looking model it replaces. Despite the visual shift, it still retains enough of the familiar Outback silhouette to remain recognisable, especially through its long roofline and practical wagon-like proportions.
Walking around the Touring model, it’s the details that lift it beyond a purely utilitarian family wagon. Satin-finished trim pieces, smart alloy wheels, and the integrated roof rail system add a premium touch, while the generous ground clearance continues to hint at the vehicle’s adventurous intentions. Subaru has struck an appealing balance between urban sophistication and back-country toughness. Parked in the city, it looks every bit the polished family flagship, yet it still tells everyone you’re the sort who likes to escape to the gravel roads on weekends.
If we’re being picky, the top wheel arch moulding feels slightly less integrated than the rest of the design — it matches the overall theme but doesn’t quite blend as seamlessly as it could. Otherwise, panel fit is tight, shut lines are clean, and there’s a reassuring solidity to the doors that suggests the Outback has been engineered to handle years of Kiwi family life.
What’s The Interior Like In The 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring?
Open the door of the 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring and you’re immediately greeted by a cabin that feels significantly more modern and premium than previous generations. Subaru has clearly listened to customer feedback, combining contemporary technology with sensible ergonomics.
The overall dashboard design is cleaner than before, with a central 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen dominating the dashboard, and together with the 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, it creates a much more contemporary and upmarket atmosphere than older Outbacks.
The new infotainment system is considerably more responsive than Subaru’s previous efforts and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Positioning is excellent, sitting close to the driver’s line of sight without feeling intrusive, and menus are easier to navigate than before. Unlike the previous model and many competitors that seem eager to remove every physical control, for this new model, Subaru has wisely returned to dedicated climate-control buttons and rotary dials. It makes everyday operation so much more straightforward than buried within screens.
The steering wheel has logical button sets on the wheel spokes for all the standard functions of phone, audio, cruise control, and to change dash display options. Behind the spokes are paddles to manually change gears, be it just for some short-term engine braking on the hills or for complete manual control of the gearbox. There is also a handy steering wheel heater button located conveniently on the wheel – great placement, Subaru.
Storage throughout the cabin is practical and well thought out. The glovebox is reasonable although it is largely filled with the manual. It did however house a convenient 12-Volt power outlet, perfect for the dash camera, and included a cleverly located labyrinth clip to retain the otherwise dangling power cable – smart.
Two further sets of power outlets are provided, one for those in the front located in the lower centre dash, and a second in the back of the centre console for those in the rear. Each comprises a single USB-C rated at 3A, and a USB A rated at 2.4A,
Ahead of the gear selector is a Qi wireless charging pad. Importantly, especially given the capability of this car, the charging tray features a grippy rubberised surface that helps prevent phones sliding around during cornering or over rough roads. Cupholders are sensibly positioned and there is the usual centre armrest cubby offering useful depth for larger items.
Throughout the cabin, there are numerous small storage pockets throughout the cabin that reinforce the Outback’s practical focus. Door bins capable of carrying bottles and other everyday essentials are wisely lined with felt to stop those annoying rattles. That said, the bottle slots are super-sized, perfect for those oversized sports drink bottles,but less so for anything approaching more regular dimensions.
The Touring’s front seats are among the highlights of the cabin. Finished in Nappa leather, they offer extensive electric adjustment along with lumbar support and memory functions for the driver. The driver’s seat includes an extending thigh support, which is particularly welcome on longer journeys for taller people. The seating position strikes a sweet spot between SUV and passenger car. You sit slightly higher than in a traditional wagon, but without feeling perched awkwardly on top of the vehicle. Both front seats have heating and ventilation functions.
Rear seat accommodation is impressive. Legroom is generous, while the taller roofline introduced for this generation delivers excellent headroom. Adult passengers can comfortably occupy the second row for extended trips without feeling cramped. The large side windows provide a bright and open environment, preventing the rear compartment from feeling dark or enclosed. Sight lines out of the side windows are excellent and the cabin overall benefits from the Outback’s relatively upright proportions. Rear occupants also enjoy outer seat heating, those dual USB charge ports, directional air vents, and a fold-down centre armrest complete with cup holders.
Light and airiness in the cabin is further improved with the inclusion of a more traditional style sunroof. It has an integral blind that can be closed completely, opened just for the light, and the glass can either be slid open, or simply tilted at the rear providing outside air without any buffeting.
The boot remains one of the Outback’s strongest selling points. With approximately 530 litres available behind the second row, it offers ample space for luggage, sports gear or a week’s worth of family holiday equipment. Folding the rear seats expands cargo capacity substantially and produces a long, flat and useful load area. The cargo floor is low enough to make loading heavy items relatively easy, while the square opening maximises usable space. Under-floor there is an increasingly rare full-size spare wheel rather than relying solely on a tyre repair kit. This will be particularly appreciated by owners who regularly venture beyond urban areas.
Uniquely, a stretch fabric tonneau with hook, zip and magnetic fasteners offers a multi-configurable cover to keep luggage both secure and hidden from view. And should you not need it, it folds down and can conveniently be stored in one of the side pockets in the boot. It is definitely ingenious, and worked fine for us when used as a regular load cover, at times, it felt like it needed a little more input from the user than say a regular pull-out screen.
An additional 12-volt power outlet and multiple tie-down points help make the luggage compartment even more versatile.
Fit and finish throughout the Touring is generally excellent. Soft-touch materials cover many of the primary contact points, stitching details are neatly executed, and the major interior panels fit together with tight, consistent gaps. While there are still a few harder plastics lower down the cabin, overall quality has taken a noticeable step forward. Nothing rattled or felt loose during our inspection, and the cabin exudes the sort of durability that Outback buyers have come to expect. Rather than chasing luxury for luxury’s sake, Subaru has focused on creating an environment that feels robust, comfortable and likely to age gracefully over years of ownership.
What’s The 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring Like To Drive?
The first thing that strikes you from behind the wheel is how effortless the Outback feels. Visibility is excellent, controls are intuitive, and the elevated seating position gives a reassuring sense of command without feeling like you’re driving a large SUV.
Under the bonnet lies Subaru’s tried-and-true 2.5-litre direct-injection 4-cylinder Boxer engine producing 137 kW of power and 254 Nm of torque, paired with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission. Around town it delivers smooth, predictable performance, while the CVT transmission does an admirable job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot for most of the time.
However, the power is rather underwhelming, and some buyers might find the more powerful turbo model a better option. Under heavy acceleration or climbing steep grades, the CVT flares engine revs to hold the powerband, which can sound a bit noisy. That said, the power delivery feels linear and measured, making the car exceptionally easy to place and drive smoothly. Steering-column paddle shifters are also there to let you manually step through 8 pre-set ratios when you want tighter control.
In general, engine and road noise levels inside the cabin are well-insulated, thanks to acoustic windscreen glass and thick sound-deadening throughout.
On New Zealand’s diverse road network, the Outback’s greatest strength is how relaxed it makes every journey feel. Whether navigating tight suburban streets, merging onto motorways or traversing badly maintained rural roads, it simply gets on with the job without demanding much effort from the driver. Subaru has always excelled at making drivers feel secure, and the 2026 Outback continues that tradition.
As part of this review, we embarked on a road trip. The plan was Wellington, via Stratford to SH43, the Forgotten World Highway, with an overnight stop in Whangamomona, and returning via a second night in Ohakune for some snow on the mountain road, then home. The best laid plans….you know the rest. Overnight in Whangamomona, our weekend plans were altered for us by extreme weather and a significant magnitude 5.9 earthquake near Taumaranui. This brought atrocious driving conditions, slips and road closures – perfect Outback conditions.
The combination of all-wheel drive, generous tyre sidewalls, and a well-calibrated chassis gave us tremendous confidence. On the extremely wet and now muddy roads, the Outback remained planted and reassuringly secure. While the heavy rains and earthquake had brought down numerous slips closing the northern end of SH43 near Taumaranui, the road around us was sufficiently passable to explore some of the local features. The tunnel and saddle remaining open, we travelled over some of the central portion of SH43 as far as we could. After all, we were driving an AWD Subaru Outback, and there were sights to be seen.
Our exploring took us down marginal gravel roads and on these, the confidence just increases further. Many modern SUVs feel nervous once the bitumen ends, but the Outback seems to settle into its natural environment. The AWD system quietly manages available traction while the suspension remains composed over corrugations and loose surfaces.
Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give is that the Outback never once encourages you to worry about road conditions. It simply adapts and gets on with the task.
Visibility has long been an Outback strength and this continues to be excellent in this model. The large glasshouse, relatively upright seating position and generous side windows provide an expansive view of the surrounding environment. Great for negotiating heavy traffic, or maneuvering in tight shopping carparks, or simply sightseeing. Forward visibility is superb, aided by a relatively low dashboard and slim A-pillars that minimise blind spots.
Rearward visibility is equally impressive thanks to the large rear window and well-positioned mirrors. And when it gets really tight there is the comprehensive set of camera views and sensors.
The ride quality and handling is surprisingly accomplished. It is designed to cover large distances efficiently rather than attack corners aggressively, and it succeeds admirably in that role. The suspension delivers an impressively controlled yet supple ride that seems perfectly judged for New Zealand roads. Large potholes and coarse chip surfaces are absorbed with remarkable composure. There is enough compliance to isolate occupants from harsh impacts, yet enough body control to avoid the floaty sensation that often accompanies softer suspension setups.
Body control is well managed and there is a reassuring predictability to the way the vehicle responds to steering inputs. The AWD system contributes significantly to cornering confidence, particularly when road conditions deteriorate.
Much of SH43 is little more than one lane wide, and when you meet an oncoming vehicle, it’s reassuring to know the Subaru has an excellent braking setup. The brake pedal has a reassuring firmness that inspires confidence from the first application. Initial bite is progressive rather than overly aggressive, making smooth driving easy in everyday situations. When called upon in emergency-style stops, braking performance is strong and consistent, with the stability technologies keeping everything aligned even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
At night, the self-levelling LED headlights provide a bright, crisp beam pattern with excellent reach, while Subaru’s Steering Responsive Headlights turn into corners as you steer, helping illuminate the road ahead before you reach the apex.
Inside, the overall layout feels logical and uncluttered. The digital instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, while the infotainment screen sits high enough to minimise the amount of time your eyes are away from the road. Everything feels thoughtfully positioned and designed with usability rather than showroom theatrics in mind.
The dual-zone system responds quickly and maintains cabin temperature well regardless of external conditions. During cold Wellington mornings, the cabin warms rapidly, while on warmer days the air conditioning is powerful enough to keep occupants comfortable without excessive fan noise. I’m always a fan of heated seats and steering wheel, these worked really very well, and while temperatures were not really conducive to using the seat cooling function, that worked well too.
The review car was fitted with the up-spec 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and on those longer journeys the improved sound quality was very much apparent and appreciated. The depth of the sound spectrum enabled us to hear subtleties in the music that are often missed when they are competing with general road and wind noise levels.
Another feature of the Touring is auto power-folding door mirrors. While it might sound trivial, it’s a detail I like for both minimising the chances of them being damaged when parked, but also as a clear visual sign the car is locked.
On our weekend road trip, the boot swallowed our luggage. The all new cargo cover, a stretch fabric item complete with hooks, a zip and a couple of magnetic attachment points to allow multiple configurations. And should you not need it, it folds down and can conveniently be stored in one of the side pockets in the boot. It is definitely ingenious, and worked fine for us when used as a regular load cover, at times, it felt like it needed a little more input from the user than say a regular pull-out screen.
Over our time with the new Subaru Outback, we included a normal commuting cycle with a mix of urban and motorway driving, along with a weekend trip to the Forgotten Highway. In total, we covered 1,239 km, and the car recorded an overall average of 8.7 L/100 km, not vastly different to Subaru’s claimed combined fuel consumption of 8.1 l/100km.
READ ON TO CHECK OUT OUR SUMMARY OF THE 2026 SUBARU OUTBACK AWD TOURING.
2026 Subaru Outback AWD Touring – Specifications
| Vehicle Type | Mid-sized Crossover SUV |
| Starting Price | $64,990 |
| Price as Tested | $64,990 |
| Engine | 2.5-Litre Horizontally-opposed 4-Cylinder Petrol |
| Power, Torque kW/Nm | 137 / 254 |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT Automatic (with 8-speed manual mode) |
| Spare Wheel | Full-Size Matching Alloy Spare Wheel |
| Kerb Weight, Kg | 1,733 |
| Length x Width x Height mm | 4,880 x 1,880 x 1,715 |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity, Litres (seats up/seats down) | 530/ 1,810 |
| Fuel tank capacity, litres | 63 |
| Fuel Economy, L/100km | Advertised Spec – Combined – 8.1 Real-World Test – Combined – 8.7 Low Usage: 0-6 / Medium Usage 6-12 / High Usage 12+ |
| Towing Capacity Kg, unbraked/braked | 750 / 2,000 |
| Turning circle metres | 11.1 Small: 6-10m / Medium 10-12m / Large 12m+ |
| Warranty | 3 Years / 100,000 km |
| Safety information | ANCAP Rating – 5 stars – 2021 model onwards Rightcar.govt.nz – 5 Stars – RTK485 |
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