By Malusi Msomi

Subaru has confirmed that its all-new Outback will arrive in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2026, bringing a more rugged design, an updated interior and, for the first time in the local range, the adventure-focused Wilderness derivative.

The new Outback continues to target buyers looking for the practicality of a family vehicle with the added ability to tackle gravel roads and more challenging terrain. While the overall formula remains familiar, the seventh-generation model introduces a noticeably more upright design, a larger grille and a stronger SUV-inspired appearance.

Wilderness joins the local range

South African buyers will have two derivatives to choose from at launch: the 2.5 Premium and 2.4 Wilderness.

The 2.5 Premium uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 137 kW and 254 Nm, while the Wilderness gets a turbocharged 2.4-litre Boxer engine developing 194 kW and 382 Nm.

Both models are paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT and come standard with the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

The Wilderness adds a more rugged look with protective cladding and distinctive exterior detailing. It also gets dual-function X-Mode, designed to provide additional assistance when driving on challenging surfaces.

Subaru Southern Africa says the Wilderness will be particularly suited to owners who regularly venture beyond paved roads.

A more modern interior

The cabin has also received a substantial update, with a 12.1-inch touchscreen joined by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, while the five-seat layout and split-folding rear seats retain the versatility expected from the Outback.

Safety remains a key focus, with South African models set to feature Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The system includes features such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking.

The seventh-generation Outback has also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Five-year maintenance plan included

Subaru Southern Africa will offer the new Outback with a five-year/105,000 km maintenance plan and a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty.

Customers who want additional coverage will also have the option of extending the maintenance plan to seven years/150,000 km.

According to Nteo Nkoli, National Marketing Manager at Subaru Southern Africa, the new Outback retains the qualities that have made the model popular while introducing a different design and the new Wilderness derivative.

“The Outback is an important car for Subaru in South Africa, and its arrival gives our customers something to look forward to as we approach the end of the year,” says Nkoli.

The new Subaru Outback is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in Q4 2026, with local pricing and detailed specifications to be announced closer to its introduction.