The all-new, seventh-generation Subaru Outback has arrived in New Zealand and with it, the debut of the most capable Outback ever built: the Outback Wilderness.
Redesigned from the ground up as a purpose-built SUV, the 2026 Subaru Outback blends everyday comfort with serious off-road capability, making it perfectly suited to New Zealand highways, gravel roads and backcountry adventures.
The Subaru Outback Wilderness makes its New Zealand debut as the most adventure-ready Subaru engineered to date.
Built for Kiwi drivers who venture beyond the tar-seal, Wilderness features:
Exclusive 2.4-litre turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine
240mm ground clearance
Improved approach and departure angles
Electronically controlled dampers
Rugged exterior styling with Wilderness-exclusive finishes
Delivering 194kW and 382Nm, the turbocharged Boxer engine provides strong, effortless performance whether climbing steep gravel tracks or cruising open highways. Enhanced suspension tuning and advanced X-Mode ensure confident handling when conditions become challenging.
If you’re searching for a large AWD SUV for gravel roads in NZ, the Outback Wilderness stands in a class of its own.Bold New SUV Design – Tougher, Taller, More Confident
The seventh-generation Subaru Outback adopts a more traditional SUV stance while retaining its iconic rugged character.
Key design enhancements include:
Increased height and width
More upright, commanding front-end styling
Redesigned LED headlights and tail lamps
Expanded colour palette, including exclusive Wilderness options
This is an Outback that looks as capable as it feels — built for New Zealand’s changing terrain and unpredictable weather.
Next-Generation Technology & Connectivity
Inside, the new Outback introduces Subaru’s most advanced cabin yet.
Standard Across the Range:
12.1-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
Faster processing (up to 2.5x quicker than previous generation)
Tactile hardware controls for climate and key vehicle functions
Higher grade models offer a Harman Kardon® 12-speaker premium audio system for an immersive in-car experience.
Multiple display modes – Classic, Calm and EyeSight® – allow drivers to tailor their digital cockpit to suit their driving style.
Spacious, Refined & Adventure-Ready Interior
Designed for long Kiwi road trips, the new Outback interior feels open, calm and durable.
Enhancements include:
Redesigned seats with improved lumbar and pelvic support
Increased headroom in both rows
Cargo opening now 50mm taller for easier loading
8 litres of additional cargo capacity
Heavy-duty ladder-style roof rails (up to 363kg static load capacity)
Wilderness variants feature durable, hydrophobic synthetic leather with anti-slip embossing — ideal for outdoor gear, muddy boots and active lifestyles.
Powerful Boxer Engines & Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
The 2026 Outback is available with two direct-injection Subaru Boxer engines:
2.5-Litre Naturally Aspirated
Smoother performance
Reduced noise
Increased usable torque
220mm ground clearance (up from 213mm)
2.4-Litre Turbocharged (Wilderness Exclusive)
194kW and 382Nm
Enhanced low-rev performance
Off-road calibrated Lineartronic® CVT
Both engines are paired with an enhanced Lineartronic® CVT with 8-speed manual mode and Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, now featuring improved Active Torque Split for enhanced traction across gravel, mud and wet roads.
For drivers comparing Subaru Outback vs large SUVs in NZ, the combination of AWD capability, ground clearance and everyday comfort sets it apart.
Advanced Subaru Safety – EyeSight® Driver Assist
Safety remains at the core of every Subaru.
All variants include the latest EyeSight® Driver Assist system, now featuring:
Wide-angle monocular camera
Enhanced cyclist and pedestrian detection
Emergency Driving Stop System
Acceleration Override Assist
Active Lane Change Assist (selected variants)
Driver Monitoring System (DMS)
Vision Assist is also upgraded, with Front Side Radar and – for the first time on Outback – a Panoramic 360° View Monitor on selected models.
A strengthened body structure with nine SRS airbags, including a new far-side airbag, delivers enhanced passive protection.
Built for New Zealand Roads
For over 30 years, the Subaru Outback has helped Kiwis explore everything from city streets to remote beaches and alpine passes.
With New Zealand roads made up of approximately 40% unsealed gravel, the all-new Outback and Outback Wilderness offer the ideal balance between:
Large SUV practicality
Station wagon versatility
Genuine off-road confidence
Everyday comfort and refinement
Order the New Subaru Outback at Armstrong’s Subaru in Wellington & Christchurch.