Not that the new Outback Wilderness costs that much, it’s just that it’d be all I’d want…leaving me money for a Ferrari and a new truck. The Wilderness, tho’, would check just about every other box of mine.
One thing on my bucket list is an old-fashioned “See America” two-month road trip…including some pretty swampy sections of Louisiana…rolling through Colorado in the face of their summer snow and sleet storms…exploring barely-paved two-lanes and dirt roads throughout the West…and probably winding up later than expected in New England….missing the leaves and being surprised by their first early snowfall.
Subaru’s completely re-styled ’26 Outback Wilderness is the kind of vehicle that I could count on to make it a drama-free trip…while getting decent gas mileage and looking darned good along the way.
And upon returning to “the real world”, Suabru’s Outback Wilderness will be right at home running to the grocery store…that gym that I’ve been promising to visit….and in the parking lot of any of our trendy restaurants.
But let’s talk about that re-style job for a minute. I usually don’t like talking about looks, as they’re so subjective. So while I personally think that Subaru hit a home run with their new Outback, I’ve gotta say that just about everyone agreed with me. More than the usual number of folks looked twice when they saw the Wilderness. I call it a classic look with just a touch of pugnaciousness. Except for Subaru’s WRX, this is the first time I remember Subaru sending a challenging “Oh yeah……..” assertive styling message.
And there’s actual real beef beneath the Wilderness’ sheet metal.
For starters you’re got those 9.5” of ground clearance…around 3 more than the regular Outback. A 260 HP turbo 2.5 four provides all the “go” that you’re likely to need. And while that power runs through a CVT transmission…as it does on more and more new vehicles these days…Subaru’s transmission has genuine “feel”…making driving a whole lot more rewarding.
And back to the content for a moment, the Wilderness gives you creature comforts like heated front and outboard rear seats in a water-resistant, textured-but-tough imitation leather, heated steering, Harman Kardon audio, and road-trip-ready reclining 60/40 rear seating.
As for the “bones”, in addition to the Wilderness’s extra ground clearance, you get underbody protection, 17” black alloys, 4-wheel independent suspension with electric dampers, raised roof rails with copper accents, and, true to its off-road capability…a full-sized spare.
With Subaru, “Wilderness” is not just a marketing ploy; Subaru’s Wilderness will get you far off-road…and get you back…and have you looking good the whole way.
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Bob Jackson
