For drivers looking for a vehicle built to handle off-road journeys while delivering a smooth ride to work, the grocery store, or kids’ drop-off, check out the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Styled more like an SUV versus the station wagon design of the past, it checks all the boxes.
"In general, our buyers are more outdoorsy," says Kao Saechao, general manager of Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek. "They're more inclined to take their cars off-road. But the nice thing about Subaru is it's just as comfortable driving in the city. The Wilderness is very comfortable to drive, especially the new redesigned model I'm driving right now."
What makes the Wilderness unique from the other Outback models? Along with its upgraded design, safety, and technology features, it also has 9.5 inches of ground clearance, 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Add in its 260-horsepower turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine, X-MODE Dual Mode System with Hill Descent Control, electronically controlled dampers, and all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires, this SUV can face any challenge.
The vehicle has a rugged adventure style thanks to its aggressive new grille and striking headlights. Heavy-duty roof rails can support 800 pounds of static load, including a roof tent, and a matte black hood decal helps reduce glare. Anodized copper-finish accents make the overall look stand out from other SUVs on the road.
Inside the Wilderness is a 12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, paired with a 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster. For comfort, drivers will find heated front and rear seats, plus all-weather floor mats. Option packages can add a moonroof, the Subaru Multimedia Navigation system, Nappa leather-appointed seats with copper stitching, ventilated front seats, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat.
What stands out for the Saechao is its drivability — how comfortable the Wilderness drives and how easy it is to turn.
“I also like the redesigned model's technological features because they really bring out the best available technology,” said Saechao. “For example, if you look down for more than three seconds, you will get an alert to keep your eyes on the road. In the instrument cluster, a coffee cup symbol will come up and say, 'Please take a coffee break.' It also has a 360-degree view camera, which is nice for when you're trying to park the car."
The Wilderness gets 27 MPG on the highway and 21 MPG in the city, with an 18-gallon fuel capacity.
"Surprisingly, with its turbocharged engine, I'm getting really good gas mileage. I feel like I'm getting more like 30 miles a gallon, so I would say I've been pretty happy with the fuel consumption,” Saechao notes.
The Outback Wilderness starts at around $47,000 and goes up to roughly $52,000. Saechao says the dealership is now offering special financing of 1.9 percent for up to 60 months and 0.9 percent for up to 48 months. As the 2027 model year approaches, those rates may go even closer to 0 percent.
"I think overall, if you're looking for an all-wheel or four-wheel drive car, the Subaru Outback Wilderness is a great-sized car,” he said. “It's not too cramped for the family, and it's good for people accustomed to driving really big cars. It's a good in-between car and it's very practical in all scenarios."
Take a test drive at Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek at 2646 North Main Street, or call/text 925-694-0039. Visit diablosubaru.com