A new look, a wild streak: Subaru’s next Outback is on its way

Subaru’s all-new Outback will arrive in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2026, bringing a bold new design, a thoroughly revised interior and a turbocharged Wilderness derivative to the local range.

The Outback has long appealed to motorists who want the comfort of a family car without having to think twice when a journey takes them onto gravel. That combination of everyday practicality and all-wheel-drive capability remains an essential part of the new model, although its appearance marks a clear departure from its predecessor.

A more upright profile and prominent new grille give the Outback a stronger SUV presence. The Wilderness takes this a step further, with protective cladding and distinctive exterior detailing offering an early indication of what buyers can expect.

South African buyers will have a choice of two derivatives: the 2.5 Premium and 2.4 Wilderness. The Premium will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 137 kW and 254 N.m of torque, while the Wilderness steps up to a turbocharged 2.4-litre Boxer developing 194 kW and 382 N.m. Both engines are paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on both trims.

The Wilderness also features dual-function X-Mode for additional assistance on challenging surfaces, making it a particularly appealing prospect for owners whose travel plans regularly extend beyond tarred roads.

Nteo Nkoli, National Marketing Manager at Subaru Southern Africa, believes the new Outback will appeal to longstanding Subaru owners while giving other buyers a reason to get to know the brand.

“People choose an Outback because they ask a lot of one car. They want to travel comfortably, have space for their family and feel confident when the road or weather takes a turn,” says Nkoli. “Those qualities still matter enormously to us. With the new model, we have the opportunity to offer them in a very different-looking package, and the Wilderness is something we’re particularly looking forward to sharing with South African customers.”

The cabin receives a substantial update, with a new 12.1-inch touchscreen complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow occupants to access familiar navigation, music and communication functions, while the five-seat layout and split-folding rear seats retain the flexibility that makes the Outback well-suited to family travel.

The seventh-generation Outback has already earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), adding further weight to its safety credentials ahead of its local arrival. South African models will feature Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, with systems such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking supporting the driver on daily journeys and longer trips.

“The Outback is an important car for Subaru in South Africa, and its arrival gives our customers something to look forward to as we approach the end of the year,” adds Nkoli.

The new Outback will also come standard with Subaru Southern Africa’s recently introduced five-year/105 000 km maintenance plan, alongside a five-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty. Customers wanting longer-term cover can extend the maintenance plan to seven years/150 000 km.

Local pricing and detailed specifications for each derivative will be announced closer to the South African introduction in Q4 2026.