2026 Subaru Outback New Features For Skokie, IL Drivers

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The all-new seventh-generation Outback ditches its wagon body style for a bolder SUV-like look. However, it still retains the qualities that made it a favorite for Skokie drivers who value safety, capability, and versatility. This complete redesign touches everything, from its new squared-off roof to available hands-free driving tech. At McGrath Evanston Subaru, our team created this guide to help you learn about the 2026 Subaru Outback's new features for Skokie, IL drivers to upgrade their driving lifestyle.

A Bold New Look That Stands Out

The 2026 Outback looks nothing like the old one. Subaru ditched the wagon silhouette for an upright, SUV-style body. The front end gets vertical headlights at each corner and a bigger grille.

Size-wise, it's grown. At 192.3 inches long and 75.8 inches wide, it's over an inch longer and more than an inch and a half wider than before. The roof sits 2 inches higher and flatter, giving it a squared-off profile. Ground clearance stays at 8.7 inches for most models, while the 2026 Outback Wilderness trim bumps that to 9.5 inches.

The roof rails can now handle up to 800 pounds when parked, so racks, bikes, or even a rooftop tent are all fair game. Thanks to new measurement markers for accessory mounting, loading for road trips is also easier. And for the first time, you can get 19-inch wheels straight from the factory.

Roomier Interior With Smart Upgrades

The 2026 Subaru Outback's new interior offers a modern, clean, and comfortable space. The redesigned cockpit feels premium thanks to a minimalist dashboard with a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. It also features a larger 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen, an upgrade from the previous 11.6-inch vertical screen. Subaru retained physical knobs for climate controls, which makes adjusting the temperature simple while driving.

The new, flatter roofline directly increases passenger space, especially in the back, where headroom has noticeably increased. Seating remains for five passengers. Premium materials, including leather on the 2026 Subaru Outback Limited and Touring trims and durable StarTex upholstery in the Wilderness model, are available. The cabin also features smarter storage. Redesigned door bottle holders can now fit a 32-ounce water bottle.

Cargo space sees a notable increase, growing to 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Fold the rear seats flat, and this area expands to a class-leading 75.7 cubic feet, offering plenty of room for all your gear. The quieter cabin, thanks to a 10 percent reduction in wind noise, makes drives on I-94 much more pleasant.

Advanced Technology Features for Modern Drivers

The 2026 Outback comes equipped with an advanced infotainment suite. The centerpiece is the new 12.1-inch touchscreen with a vertical menu bar at the top for quick access to navigation, music, and phone functions.

  •           Wireless smartphone integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. You can directly access your favorite apps, music, and maps on the car's large screen.
  •           Cloud-based voice recognition: The available voice recognition system lets you control vehicle functions with natural speech. You can change music or set a destination without taking your hands off the wheel.
  •            Improved processor speed: A new processor powers the infotainment system, delivering faster, more customizable performance, which addresses earlier concerns about lag. This makes the system respond quicker when you move through menus or switch apps.

Subaru is also investing heavily in safety. The latest generation of the EyeSight driver-assist system has three forward-facing cameras and new radar sensors. Standard features include pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and lane departure warnings. The system also introduces new functions like front cross-traffic braking and emergency stop assist, which can safely guide the car to the side of the road.

Higher trims add highway hands-free driving up to 85 mph on designated highways. The system can even detect if you become unresponsive and will pull the vehicle over, turn on hazard lights, and call emergency services. Automatic lane changes and pre-curve speed control are also available on these trims, which is handy for unpredictable Chicago traffic or long road trips through Wisconsin.

Performance and Capability You Can Count On

The 2026 Outback continues to offer two proven powertrain options. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is available for even more power, making 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines pair with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive. This system provides confident traction, whether you're navigating snowy North Shore streets or wet pavement. The standard X-Mode with selectable terrain settings further optimizes performance on challenging surfaces.

The new Outback borrows its dual-pinion electronic power steering rack from the sporty WRX to improve handling. It's specially tuned for better low-speed responsiveness and high-speed stability. The all-wheel-drive system has a faster center differential lockup, which reduces wheelspin and provides better cornering.

For drivers who need to haul gear, the towing capacity for the Limited XT and Wilderness trims has increased to 3,500 pounds, up from 3,000 pounds in the 2025 model. With that kind of power, the Outback makes it easy to haul your boat to Lake Michigan for a weekend on the water. The off-road-focused Wilderness trim adds even more capability with electronically controlled dampers for a smoother ride over rough terrain.

Great Deals and Finance Specials on 2026 Outbacks

McGrath Evanston Subaru makes the all-new 2026 Outback affordable for Skokie drivers. We offer competitive pricing, flexible financing, and special programs for recent graduates, military personnel, and returning Subaru owners. Our finance team works hard to get you favorable rates and terms based on your budget and credit situation. We also offer trade-in valuations that can lower the price of this 2026 Subaru Outback redesigned model. Now's a good time to see what the Outback's transformation is all about.

Schedule a Test Drive at McGrath Evanston Subaru

Reading about the Outback is one thing, but getting behind the wheel gives you first-hand experience of its improved capabilities. Contact us or stop by McGrath Evanston Subaru to schedule a test drive. You'll see how the new design looks in person, mess around with the tech, and try out the seats. Our sales team is ready to walk you through trims, features, and current offers.