MotorTrend likes the new Outback
MotorTrend’s first drive of the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT praises its infotainment and cabin — the review is driving chatter about how Subaru is polishing interiors for this model year MotorTrend X post. It’s an early signal that Subaru is treating infotainment and cabin tech as headline upgrades for 2026 buyers.
MotorTrend’s first‑drive story calls out the new 12.1‑inch horizontal infotainment screen and 12.3‑inch full digital instrument cluster as core interior changes. (motortrend.com) MotorTrend drove the Outback around Sedona, Arizona, in both a Limited (listed at $43,165) and the range‑topping Touring XT (listed at $49,445), and highlighted the contrast in materials between those trims. (motortrend.com) Subaru’s U.S. press release says the 12.1‑inch multimedia unit is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Automotive processor, offers up to 2.5× faster processing, and reduces exterior reflection by about 80% versus the prior 11.6‑inch display. (media.subaru.com) The 2026 Outback ships with Android Automotive and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Subaru also lists a 12.3‑inch digital gauge cluster and SiriusXM 360L among the new connectivity features. (androidauthority.com) On March 4, 2026 Subaru announced a no‑cost dealer update to activate Highway Hands‑Free Assist for Touring and Touring XT models, enabling limited hands‑free driving up to 85 mph and noting nearly 100,000 miles of development testing. (media.subaru.com) Subaru’s official U.S. trim sheet shows the 2026 Outback lineup with a Premium starting MSRP of $34,995 and the Touring XT at $47,995, and the company said the redesigned Outback began arriving in dealers in late 2025. (subaru.com)
