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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $32,748–$43,539 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2026 Subaru Outback is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.6/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.2/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $32,748–$43,539, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Outback sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2026 Subaru Outback will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Subaru Outback ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $32,748 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 9%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Across the Outback model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $32,748 | |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $32,748 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $31,795 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $30,841 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $29,887 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $28,933 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $27,979 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $27,025 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $26,071 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $25,118 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $24,164 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $23,210 | Read review → |
We rate the 2026 Subaru Outback's reliability 8.2/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2026 Subaru Outback starts at $32,748 and ranges up to $43,539 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.