2026 Subaru Outback Trim Guide: Touring vs. XT Limited vs. Wilderness vs. XT Premier
October 22 2025,
The 2026 Subaru Outback lineup arrives in early 2026 with four distinct trims engineered for different driving priorities. Ontario drivers can choose between efficient daily capability, turbocharged highway performance, or serious backcountry readiness. Understanding each trim's strengths helps you select the Outback that fits your specific needs.
Subaru has redesigned the Outback with updated styling, enhanced technology, and improved driving dynamics. All four trims share Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive, the new 12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia system, and a dual-pinion electronic power steering rack borrowed from the WRX for sharper response. Here's how each trim serves different Ontario drivers.
Touring: Balanced Efficiency for Daily Driving
The 2026 Outback Touring uses a revised 2.5 L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine delivers steady power for highway commutes, city errands, and light cottage trips.
Paired with a Lineartronic CVT featuring an 8-speed manual shift mode, the Touring trim prioritizes fuel efficiency without sacrificing capability. Standard Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive and 220 millimetres of ground clearance handle Ontario's winter conditions and unpaved cottage roads with confidence.
The Touring trim suits drivers who:
- Commute regularly between Vaughan and Toronto
- Need reliable all-season capability without turbocharged power
- Value fuel efficiency over maximum performance
- Drive primarily on paved roads with occasional gravel or dirt access
Touring Key Features:
- 2.5 L engine: 180 hp, 178 lb-ft torque
- Ground clearance: 220 mm
- Lineartronic CVT with 8-speed manual mode
- 12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster
- Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
- X-MODE with Hill Descent Control
XT Limited: Turbocharged Power for Highway Performance
The XT Limited trim upgrades to a turbocharged 2.4 L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine provides strong acceleration for highway merging, passing, and confident cruising at speed.
The turbocharged engine uses a Lineartronic CVT with an 8-speed manual shift mode and steering wheel paddle shift control switches. Torque delivery peaks between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm, giving drivers usable power across a wide range of driving conditions.
XT Limited suits drivers who:
- Frequently drive Highway 400 or Highway 404 with long distances
- Prioritize highway passing power and acceleration
- Want premium interior features with turbocharged performance
- Need confident power for loaded cargo or passengers
XT Limited Key Features:
- Turbocharged 2.4 L engine: 260 hp, 277 lb-ft torque
- Ground clearance: 220 mm
- Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Emergency Automatic Steering
- Leather seating surfaces
- Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory (12-way including 4-way lumbar)
- GPS navigation with what3words functionality
- Harman Kardon premium audio system
Wilderness: Maximum Off-Road Capability
The Outback Wilderness pairs the turbocharged 2.4 L engine with 241 millimetres of ground clearance, all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte black wheels, and electronically controlled dampers. This trim targets Ontario drivers who regularly explore backcountry trails, logging roads, and remote cottage properties.
The electronically controlled dampers use acceleration sensors to detect road and vehicle conditions, adjusting damping forces in real time. Off-road, the system works with X-MODE Dual Mode to provide security on uneven ground. On paved roads, the dampers maintain comfort and handling.
A revised Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive system offers faster centre differential lockup and reduced wheelspin when off-roading. The system incorporates steering angle data for better stability during cornering on higher-speed roads.
Wilderness suits drivers who:
- Access remote cottage properties via rough roads
- Explore Ontario's backcountry trails and Crown land
- Need maximum ground clearance for deep snow, mud, or ruts
- Want rugged styling with adventure-ready features
Wilderness Key Features:
- Turbocharged 2.4 L engine: 260 hp, 277 lb-ft torque
- Ground clearance: 241 mm
- Electronically controlled dampers with off-road mode
- All-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires on 17-inch matte black wheels
- X-MODE Dual Mode: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings
- Water-resistant all-weather soft-touch upholstery
- Anodized copper-finish exterior and interior accents
- Ladder roof rails with 363 kg static load capacity (100 kg dynamic)
XT Premier: Top-Tier Comfort and Technology
The XT Premier uses the same turbocharged 2.4 L engine as the XT Limited and Wilderness but focuses on luxury features and advanced technology. This trim includes ventilated front seats with genuine Nappa leather seating surfaces, adding cooling for summer driving.
Standard features include EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Emergency Automatic Steering, Lane Centring Assist, and Reverse Automatic Braking. The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System monitors the driver for signs of distraction or drowsiness.
XT Premier suits drivers who:
- Want top-tier comfort for long highway trips
- Prioritize luxury features over off-road capability
- Need advanced driver assistance technology
- Value premium materials and refined interior details
XT Premier Key Features:
- Turbocharged 2.4 L engine: 260 hp, 277 lb-ft torque
- Ground clearance: 220 mm
- Ventilated front seats with genuine Nappa leather
- DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
- GPS navigation with what3words functionality
- Harman Kardon premium audio system
- EyeSight with Emergency Automatic Steering
- 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory
At a Glance: 2026 Outback Trim Comparison
|
Feature |
Touring |
XT Limited |
Wilderness |
XT Premier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.5 L |
Turbo 2.4 L |
Turbo 2.4 L |
Turbo 2.4 L |
|
Horsepower |
180 hp |
260 hp |
260 hp |
260 hp |
|
Torque |
178 lb-ft |
277 lb-ft |
277 lb-ft |
277 lb-ft |
|
Ground Clearance |
220 mm |
220 mm |
241 mm |
220 mm |
|
Wheels/Tires |
Standard Alloy |
Standard Alloy |
17" All-Terrain |
Available 19" Alloy |
|
Upholstery |
Cloth |
Leather |
All-Weather Soft-Touch |
Nappa Leather |
|
Dampers |
Standard |
Standard |
Electronically Controlled |
Standard |
|
X-MODE |
Standard |
Standard |
Dual Mode |
Standard |
|
Best For |
Efficiency |
Highway Power |
Off-Road |
Luxury Comfort |
Technology and Safety Shared Across All Trims
Every 2026 Outback trim includes the new 12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster displays vehicle information clearly.
The dual-pinion electronic power steering rack provides direct steering feel with greater responsiveness. The variable gear ratio improves low-speed handling while maintaining stability at highway speeds.
All trims feature:
- Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive with revised centre differential for faster lockup
- X-MODE with steering wheel-mounted controls
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (features vary by trim)
- 220 mm ground clearance minimum (241 mm on Wilderness)
- Ladder roof rails with 363 kg static load capacity
Choosing Your 2026 Outback
Select your trim based on how you drive:
Choose Touring if you prioritize efficiency, drive mostly paved roads, and want reliable all-season capability without turbocharged power.
Choose XT Limited if you drive long highway distances, need strong acceleration, and want leather seating with premium audio.
Choose Wilderness if you regularly explore backcountry trails, need maximum ground clearance, and want all-terrain capability with rugged styling.
Choose XT Premier if you want the highest comfort level, ventilated seats, and advanced driver assistance systems with luxury materials.
Experience the 2026 Outback at Subaru of Maple
The 2026 Subaru Outback lineup offers clear choices for Ontario drivers with different priorities. Visit our team at Subaru of Maple in Vaughan to compare all four trims in person. We can walk you through the specific features of each model and help you identify the Outback that matches your driving needs.
Schedule your appointment today and be among the first to experience the redesigned 2026 Outback when it arrives in early 2026.
