What’s Changed Inside the New Subaru Outback?
Step into the latest Subaru Outback and you’ll notice the difference right away. The interior has taken a big leap forward, ditching the utilitarian vibe for something that feels genuinely refined. Soft-touch materials now cover most surfaces, and there’s a new attention to detail in the stitching and trim that wasn’t there before. Even the base model feels a notch above what you’d expect in this price range.
Subaru listened to years of feedback about the cabin feeling a little too rugged. Now, you’ll find a more streamlined dashboard, a larger touchscreen, and a layout that makes everything easy to reach. The seats are more supportive, and there’s extra sound insulation, so road noise is less of a bother on long drives. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about making every trip more comfortable.
What Standard Features Are Included Now?
One of the biggest shifts with the redesigned Outback is how much you get right out of the gate. Subaru has packed in a suite of features that used to be reserved for higher trims. Expect a big, crisp infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full set of USB-C ports for charging. Dual-zone climate control is now standard, so no more squabbling over the temperature.
Safety hasn’t been left behind, either. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system is included on every Outback, bringing adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and pre-collision braking. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, vehicles with these features see a significant reduction in rear-end crashes—up to 50% in some studies. That’s real peace of mind for families and commuters alike.
How Does the Cabin Compare to Other Crossovers?
The Outback has always had a reputation for being practical, but now it’s giving rivals a run for their money in comfort and tech. Compared to something like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, the Outback’s new interior feels more upscale, especially in the way it handles noise and ride quality. There’s a sense of space that’s hard to match, thanks to the Outback’s wagon-like design.
Cargo space is another strong point. With the rear seats folded, you get over 75 cubic feet of room—enough for camping gear, bikes, or a week’s worth of groceries. Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive and raised ground clearance are still here, so you’re not sacrificing capability for comfort.
Is the Price Hike Justified?
It’s true—the new Outback starts at over $36,000, which is about $6,000 more than the outgoing model. That’s a big jump, and it’s fair to wonder if it’s worth it. But when you factor in the upgraded interior, expanded feature list, and improved safety tech, the value starts to make sense. Subaru’s reliability record and strong resale values also help soften the blow.
If you’re cross-shopping, consider what you’d pay to add similar features to a competitor. In many cases, you’d end up in the same ballpark—or even higher. And with the Outback, you’re getting standard all-wheel drive, which is often an expensive option elsewhere.
What’s the Real-World Experience Like?
Owners who’ve made the switch to the new Outback are noticing the difference. One longtime Subaru driver shared that the quieter cabin made her daily commute feel less draining, while another praised the upgraded seats for keeping back pain at bay on road trips. The tech is intuitive, with fewer menus to wade through and a faster response time on the touchscreen.
There are still a few quirks—some folks wish the physical buttons for climate control hadn’t disappeared, and the learning curve for the new infotainment system is real. But overall, the consensus is that the Outback feels like a more premium vehicle without losing its adventurous spirit.
The Big Takeaway
The redesigned Outback isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re after comfort, tech, or just a more enjoyable drive, this Outback proves that thoughtful upgrades can make a familiar favorite feel brand new.
