- A camouflaged prototype of the next Subaru Outback was spotted testing on public roads.
- The popular estate looks more like an SUV than a raised wagon, due to the boxier styling.
- The new Outback is expected to debut for the 2026 MY, with a self-charging hybrid option.
The Outback may be one of Subaru’s most popular models in North America—a household name, even—but don’t assume the automaker is coasting on that reputation. Our spy photographers caught sight of a camouflaged prototype for the seventh-generation Outback, which is expected to break cover next year, and it’s clear Subaru has some pretty major and potentially disruptive changes in store.
This time around, no thanks to the demise of the Legacy sedan, the 2026 Outback appears to abandon its high-riding wagon identity as it leans more heavily into SUV territory, edging closer to Subaru’s own Forester and Ascent in stance and proportions. Beneath the camo, it’s obvious we’re looking at a complete redesign—Subaru isn’t simply sticking a new grille on an old body.
More: Subaru Forester Hybrid Goes To The Dark Side, Finds Toyota Tech
Up front, the new Outback features a split LED headlight setup flanking a rectangular grille, all perched above a taller hood that emphasizes its newfound SUV attitude. The side profile is dominated by squared-off wheel arches lined with thick plastic cladding, giving it a bulkier look.
The roof rails—still as chunky as ever—remain, but Subaru has ditched the swooping lines of the current model. The tail now looks flatter and more squared-off, with an extended overhang that hints at increased cargo capacity.
See: Should The Subaru Legacy Sedan And Wagon Get Another Chance?
We haven’t caught a glimpse of the interior yet, but expect a redesigned dashboard likely featuring a larger, more prominent infotainment display to bring the cabin up to speed.
Besides the important exterior and interior updates, the new generation of the Outback is said to inherit Subaru’s new self-charging hybrid powertrain from the Crosstrek, which will also be used by the Forester. This drivetrain combines a 2.5-liter boxer engine with dual electric motors, a small battery, a CVT, and Subaru’s hallmark mechanical AWD system. Fuel economy should see a notable bump, thanks to some Toyota-sourced hybrid wizardry.
More: Subaru Bids Farewell To Legacy Outback With STI Bits In Japan
For traditionalists, Subaru isn’t abandoning pure combustion just yet. Alongside the hybrid, expect mildly updated versions of the current 2.4-liter turbocharged and naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engines that produce 260 hp and 182 hp respectively to remain on the options list.
The official debut for the new Subaru Outback is pegged for sometime in 2025, perfectly timed for the 2026 model year. This overhaul will follow the 2020 model’s introduction and its subsequent 2023 refresh, setting the stage for Subaru’s latest take on the ever-popular Outback.
