2026 Subaru Outback Touring Models Win Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Award

The 2026 Subaru Outback Touring and Touring XT have been included in the 2026 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX list. This marks the seventh-generation Outback's first year on sale, with judges commending its updated interior styling, improved infotainment, and advanced driver-assist systems as part of a comprehensive redesign.

Interior Design and Technology Enhancements

The 2026 Subaru Outback features a new interior design that emphasizes a cleaner aesthetic. The cabin incorporates thoughtfully positioned technology and materials, including a headliner manufactured from recycled plastic bottles. Judges specifically noted the luxurious feel of the Outback Touring, highlighting its rich brown and black surfaces with textured finishes and premium features such as ventilated front seats.

The vehicle integrates a 12.1-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, both aligned for user convenience and accessibility. The upper dashboard and overall interior layout are designed for continuity and daily usability. Practical elements include dedicated hard-button and knob controls for climate functions, padded bottle holders in each door capable of accommodating 32-ounce water bottles, and a new clip near the front passenger seat to manage charging cords for smartphones.

Enhanced Infotainment and Practicality

The all-new 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen is powered by an updated processor, offering increased responsiveness and customization options. Wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility are standard, allowing users to switch between full-screen and embedded views. The system also features a hybrid navigation system that combines cloud-based and onboard information to facilitate map downloads for upcoming journeys.

The 2026 Outback provides increased passenger and cargo space compared to previous models. It features a 2-inch taller roofline and a redesigned structure, resulting in 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, an increase of 2 cubic feet. The cargo area is also 2 inches taller, and the load floor width extends to 43.3 inches, which is wider than many competitors.

Pricing and Trim Details

The 2026 Subaru Outback Touring is available with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $45,395. This trim level offers Java Brown or Slate Black Nappa leather-trimmed perforated upholstery with matching stitching. It includes ventilated front seats in addition to heated front and rear seats. Exclusive features for the Touring trim also encompass a surround-view monitor, a high-grade leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and adjustable thigh support, and an auto-dimming smart rearview mirror with HomeLink®.

The 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT starts at an MSRP of $47,995. This variant includes the features found in the Outback Touring and adds a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine, along with black 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The broader 2026 Subaru Outback lineup begins at $34,995 MSRP and includes Premium, Limited, Limited XT, and Wilderness trim levels. All 2026 Outback models are assembled in Gunma, Japan.

The recognition of the 2026 Subaru Outback interior by WardsAuto underscores Subaru's focus on refining the vehicle's cabin experience. This award highlights the blend of updated design, advanced technology, and practical features available to consumers considering the latest generation of the Outback.