Subaru’s long-running favorite, the Outback, has entered a brand-new chapter for 2026. But this time, the big story isn’t just about fresh styling or updated features—it’s also about pricing. Yes, the Outback is now more SUV-like than ever before, and that move comes with a noticeable increase in cost.
A Shift From Wagon to True SUV
The Subaru Outback has been on the market since 1995, with more than 3 million sold over the years. Originally known as a rugged, lifted version of the Legacy wagon, the Outback has always walked the line between a wagon and an SUV.
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For 2026, Subaru has gone all in on the SUV identity. The new model wears a boxier, more upright body style, with proportions that look far more like a traditional sport-utility vehicle than the “wagonoid” profile fans are used to. Standard all-wheel drive remains part of the package, keeping its reputation for capability intact.
Why the Price Jump?
The headline-grabber is the pricing shift. The starting figure for the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium trim is $36,445, which is $5,030 more than last year’s entry-level Outback. That number sounds dramatic, but there’s an important detail: Subaru has eliminated the old base trim. When comparing trim for trim, the new Premium costs $1,965 more than the 2025 Premium.
Across the lineup, price bumps vary:
- Premium: $36,445 (+$1,965)
- Limited: $43,165 (+$2,025)
- Touring: $46,845 (+$3,145)
- Wilderness: $46,445 (+$3,315)
- Limited XT: $45,815 (+$2,335)
- Touring XT: $49,445 (+$3,295)
The biggest year-over-year increase is seen in the off-road-focused Wilderness trim, while the Premium trim remains the most affordable gateway into the 2026 lineup.
Still Cheaper Than Competitors
Even with these increases, the Outback remains a strong value against its main midsize SUV competitors.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: The AWD Laredo model starts at $40,830—nearly $4,400 more than the Outback Premium. The high-end Summit Reserve costs $64,835, which is a massive $15,390 more than Subaru’s top Touring XT trim.
- Honda Passport: The 2026 Passport RTL starts at $46,200, nearly $9,800 higher than the Outback Premium. The Passport TrailSport Elite Blackout climbs to $55,100, still $5,655 pricier than the Touring XT.
So yes, Subaru raised prices—but compared to Jeep and Honda, it still looks like a bargain in this segment.
Engines and Power
Here’s where things get interesting. Both Jeep and Honda come standard with six-cylinder engines, while Subaru’s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
For buyers wanting more punch, Subaru offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That brings the Outback closer to its rivals’ six-cylinder output, though still shy on sheer horsepower.
By comparison:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee’s V-6: 293 hp, 260 lb-ft
- Honda Passport’s V-6: 285 hp, 262 lb-ft
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Cargo and Towing
Subaru’s new boxy shape translates into useful cargo space. With the second-row seats up, the Outback offers 34.6 cubic feet—less than both Jeep (37.7 cubic feet) and Honda (44 cubic feet).
Fold those rear seats down, however, and the Outback jumps ahead of the Jeep with 80.5 cubic feet of storage, compared to the Grand Cherokee’s 70.8 cubic feet. The Honda Passport still leads the group with 83.8 cubic feet.
Towing is the Outback’s weak point. It maxes out at 3,500 pounds, while the Jeep can tow up to 6,200 pounds and the Honda up to 5,000 pounds.
Positioning in the Market
Subaru has clearly designed the 2026 Outback to look and feel more like a modern SUV—boxier styling, tougher proportions, and trims like the Wilderness to appeal to adventurous buyers. While the higher prices may turn a few heads, the Outback still undercuts its rivals by thousands of dollars while offering standard AWD and impressive cargo versatility.
If towing heavy loads is your main concern, Jeep and Honda still have the edge. But for buyers looking for an affordable, capable two-row SUV with solid off-road credentials and everyday practicality, the new Subaru Outback remains one of the strongest options on the market.
FAQs
How much does the 2026 Subaru Outback cost?
The 2026 Subaru Outback starts at $36,445 for the Premium trim. This is about $5,030 more than last year’s entry price, mostly because Subaru dropped the base trim and added new features.
Why is new Outback more expensive than 2025?
The big price jump comes from Subaru removing the old base trim, making Premium the new starting model, plus a redesign, new safety tech, and rugged SUV styling.
What trims are available on the 2026 Outback?
For 2026, you can choose from Premium, Limited, Limited XT, Wilderness, Touring, and Touring XT trims—each with different features, power options, and prices.
How does 2026 Outback compare to Jeep Grand Cherokee price?
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts around $40,830 for AWD, making it about $4,400 more than the Outback Premium—a noticeable cost difference.
What engine options does the 2026 Outback have?
The new Outback comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder as standard (180 hp), plus an optional 2.4-liter turbo delivering 260 hp—close but still lower in horsepower than Jeep’s V6.
How much cargo space does new Outback offer?
The 2026 Outback gives 34.6 cu-ft with seats up and expands to 80.5 cu-ft with seats down—more than Jeep’s 70.8 cu-ft when folded.
What is towing capacity of the 2026 Outback?
The Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 lb, which is less compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee (about 6,200 lb) and Honda Passport (about 5,000 lb).
What makes Outback look more like an SUV now?
The 2026 Outback is boxier and more upright—marking its shift from a lifted wagon to a true SUV shape—keeping AWD but gaining a rugged SUV feel.
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