The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness wins this comparison as the overall recommended choice. While all three crossovers feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and rugged trail hardware, the Outback Wilderness delivers superior turbocharged performance with 260 hp, a significantly larger passenger cabin, and an impressive about 35 cu ft of standard cargo space. For active families and adventure-seekers wanting maximum versatility, long-distance comfort, and towing utility without compromises, the Outback Wilderness provides the ultimate blend of capability and refinement.

The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness best fits active suburban lifestyles by offering the largest cabin volume and standard about 35 cu ft cargo capacity among the three trail-ready models.

For drivers seeking enhanced outdoor capability paired with daily drivability, Subaru’s Wilderness lineup represents the pinnacle of factory-engineered trail readiness. Each model bridges the gap between weekday suburban driving and weekend outdoor adventures, but they do so across three distinct size classes. The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness sits at the top of the range as a midsize adventure crossover with a 3,973 lbs curb weight and seating for 5 passengers. It is purpose-built for buyers who need expansive interior volume alongside serious trail capability.

By comparison, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness provides a traditional compact SUV posture with a 3,675 lbs curb weight, offering about 27.5 cu ft of standard cargo space and 3,500 lbs of towing capacity. It targets drivers who prefer a higher seating position and upright sightlines. Meanwhile, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness CVT serves as the most compact entry with a 3,369 lbs curb weight, about 20 cu ft of standard cargo volume, and a 3,500 lbs towing capacity, ideal for navigating tight parking areas while remaining fully capable on unpaved roads.

When evaluating which crossover best supports local suburban living—such as loading sports equipment for an afternoon at Central Park in Chesterfield—the Outback Wilderness stands out. Its longer wheelbase and generous proportions accommodate growing families and extensive recreational gear far better than its compact siblings. Shoppers can explore our new Subaru inventory to see these models side by side, or browse our pre-owned vehicle selection for additional lifestyle options.

Capacity and dimensions by trim

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness CVT carries the lowest entry price at a base MSRP of $33,795, but the 2026 Subaru Outback Outback Wilderness delivers unmatched midsize value at a base MSRP of $44,995.

Understanding price points and standard content helps shoppers align their purchase with long-term household budgeting:

• 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness CVT: Base MSRP of $33,795 plus a $1,450 destination charge. It represents an accessible entry point into the Wilderness family, offering standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, durable StarTex® synthetic leather upholstery, and essential trail hardware.
• 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Base MSRP of $36,995 plus a $1,450 destination charge. It adds compact SUV versatility, elevated ground clearance, and an available package including an 11.6 in navigation touchscreen and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon® sound system.
• 2026 Subaru Outback Outback Wilderness: Base MSRP of $44,995 plus a $1,450 destination charge. While positioned at a higher price point, it includes a powerful turbocharged engine as standard equipment, along with premium interior refinements, a 12.1 in center display screen, and an available package featuring ventilated front seats and Nappa leather upholstery.

The price premium for the Outback Wilderness translates directly into tangible utility: significantly more horsepower, greater interior shoulder and legroom, and enhanced highway cruising comfort. To assist with your purchase decision, our team can help you value your trade-in online and contact us for financing information from home before exploring our new Subaru Outback lineup.

Manufacturer-listed pricing per trim, across compared vehicles.

Pricing (continued)

The 2026 Subaru Outback Outback Wilderness dominates the performance category with a turbocharged 2.4L Subaru BOXER engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Powertrain output directly shapes how these crossovers handle daily highway merges and steep grade ascents. The Outback Wilderness utilizes a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a High-torque Lineartronic CVT. Generating 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm, it delivers responsive, low-end acceleration that makes highway passing effortless, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

In contrast, both the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness CVT are equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5L Subaru BOXER engine paired with a Lineartronic CVT. This engine develops 180 hp at 5,800 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm. While this output provides reliable efficiency for suburban errands, it lacks the effortless acceleration and muscular pull of the Outback’s turbocharged powerplant.

All three vehicles feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, offering confidence in all-weather conditions during wet spring rains or snowy Missouri winters. However, the Outback Wilderness pairs its advanced Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system with elevated ground clearance and 17 in alloy wheels wrapped in 8.9 in wide all-terrain tires, giving it superior poise over rough surfaces. Drivers interested in comparing compact options can check out new Crosstrek models or new Forester crossovers to test drive each powertrain.

Powertrain specs by trim

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness CVT share the top fuel efficiency spot with an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined rating.

Balancing rugged performance with fuel economy is an important consideration for daily commuters. The standard 2.5L engine in the Forester Wilderness achieves an EPA-estimated 24 city / 28 hwy / 26 combined MPG. Equipped with a 16.6 gal fuel tank, it delivers an estimated calculated driving range of 432 mi. Similarly, the Crosstrek Wilderness CVT achieves 24 city / 29 hwy / 26 combined MPG with its 16.6 gal fuel tank, also providing a 432 mi calculated range.

The Outback Outback Wilderness trades a slight amount of fuel economy for its substantial boost in horsepower and acceleration. Its turbocharged 2.4L engine is EPA-rated at 21 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined MPG. However, thanks to a larger 18 gal fuel tank capacity, the Outback Wilderness still achieves an impressive calculated driving range of 414 mi on a single fill-up of 87-octane regular unleaded fuel. This extended range ensures long-distance highway travel remains convenient without frequent fuel stops.

Fuel economy and range by trim

The 2026 Subaru Outback Outback Wilderness offers the most horsepower in the Wilderness lineup. Powered by a 2.4L turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine, it produces 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, both the Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness CVT utilize a naturally aspirated 2.5L engine generating 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

The 2026 Subaru Outback Outback Wilderness features the largest cargo area, providing about 35 cu ft of space behind the rear seats and about 80.5 cu ft with the rear seats folded flat. The Forester Wilderness offers about 27.5 cu ft standard ( about 69 cu ft max), while the Crosstrek Wilderness CVT provides about 20 cu ft standard ( about 55 cu ft max).

Yes, all three 2026 Subaru Wilderness models come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. They also feature dual-function X-MODE® terrain management, providing optimized traction settings for snow, dirt, and deep mud or rutted conditions.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness CVT starts at a base MSRP of $33,795. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness starts at a base MSRP of $36,995. The 2026 Subaru Outback Outback Wilderness starts at a base MSRP of $44,995. Each model carries an additional $1,450 destination charge.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness CVT delivers the highest highway fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 29 MPG highway rating ( 26 MPG combined). The Forester Wilderness achieves 28 MPG highway ( 26 MPG combined), while the turbocharged Outback Wilderness yields 27 MPG highway ( 23 MPG combined).