2026 Subaru Outback

Subaru eliminated the entry-level trim for the 2026 Outback, causing the new base model's price to rise by about $5,000 compared to last year. Buyers can't get the previous affordable starting option.

Firmware and software updates for the Outback are classified as normal maintenance, so they're not covered under the vehicle's warranty. Owners must pay for these updates themselves despite improving ...

2025 and later Outback models block USB self-updates for firmware, requiring either over-the-air (OTA) updates or dealer visits accessible only via special Dealer Mode. Owners lose the ability to upda...

The 3-year Starlink connected services trial included with new Outbacks applies only to the original buyer and does not transfer to subsequent owners. Later buyers within the trial period must pay ful...

Subaru's privacy notice has contradictory statements about the right to permanently delete accounts and data, leaving buyers uncertain about data deletion options. This opacity makes it hard to unders...

Subaru's privacy notice uses ambiguous legal phrases like 'may' share data and 'legitimate interests' without specifics on data sharing practices. Buyers can't clearly assess risks of data being share...

The Driver Attention Monitoring system uses cameras to track if the driver looks away from the road. Owners report it being overly sensitive, flashing warnings or chiming constantly when turning head ...

Subaru's EyeSight system provides forward collision warnings and automatic braking. Complaints highlight excessive false alarms and phantom braking on highways triggered by shadows, overpasses, or veh...

EyeSight driver assistance can intervene by grabbing the steering wheel or braking without warning. This occurs especially during lane changes or in construction zones with faded lines, and has prompt...

Subaru's safety features including EyeSight and driver monitoring are described as very aggressive. While customizable, they create a nagging experience with frequent interventions.

The Auto Start-Stop system shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel but cannot be permanently disabled. It reactivates every time the car starts, requiring owners to push a button each drive.

A warning-welcome screen displays every time the car starts. Owners want a way to permanently disable it to avoid seeing it on each startup.

Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) prevents rolling on hills but defaults to off every engine start. Owners must manually enable it each time, which is frustrating on hilly terrain.

The infotainment touchscreen takes 1-2 minutes to fully boot and respond after starting the car, delaying access to functions like disabling auto start-stop or adjusting climate controls. Owners repor...

The large infotainment touchscreen is frequently slow and laggy even after boot-up, making interactions frustrating compared to older models. Users note it feels 'dog slow' for navigation and general ...

Basic functions like seat heaters and climate controls rely entirely on the touchscreen with no physical buttons or knobs, making adjustments difficult and unsafe while driving. Owners complain about ...

The 2026 Subaru Outback uses Over-The-Air (OTA) updates via Starlink subscription to automatically install firmware and software changes. Owners complain that after a few deferrals, updates install wi...

Owners fear OTA updates could brick the vehicle, rendering it undrivable due to cyber risks like server hacks. This would require a flatbed tow if the car fails in the driveway during an update. The c...

Past dealer-installed updates have damaged head units in Subaru Outback vehicles. This history makes owners wary of software updates in general. Subaru restricts USB self-updates partly due to these i...

Owners with currently stable software dread future OTA updates destabilizing their vehicles. General apprehension has grown from past experiences. Many now avoid updates altogether.

Subaru's Starlink connected services track and store precise vehicle location history. A published report details hackers accessing a full year of location data without authorization, raising serious ...

The DriverFocus system uses a driver-facing camera to scan facial features for user profiles and detect distraction or drowsiness. It collects biometric-like data that cannot be fully disabled when us...

MySubaru app and Starlink services collect precise GPS location data for features like vehicle locator, boundary alerts, stolen recovery, and ignition events. Data is retained for one year and can be ...

Collected data including personal info, driving behavior, and telematics is shared with affiliates, retailers, SiriusXM, service providers, roadside assistance, emergency responders, and law enforceme...

The vehicle records detailed driving data like speed, steering, braking, accelerator use, odometer, tire pressure, fuel consumption, seatbelt status, and event recorder info for diagnostics and alerts...

The SOS Emergency Assistance feature records dispatcher conversations, potentially capturing identity and health information from you or passengers.

The Subaru Outback's remote control capability allows the manufacturer to remotely access and control vehicle functions. In domestic violence situations, they can disconnect a perpetrator's remote acc...

The Subaru Outback's infotainment system (digital head unit) handles audio, navigation, CarPlay, and Bluetooth. Owners report frequent crashes, especially with CarPlay requiring full vehicle reboots, ...

Subaru's Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates for 2023+ Outback models can only be downloaded with an active Starlink subscription. Owners must pay for the subscription or visit a dealer to receive ess...

Opting out of Subaru's vehicle data collection deactivates connectivity features in the Outback. This can lead to reduced functionality, serious damage, or complete inoperability of advanced systems.

The MySubaru app in the Outback collects vehicle data only while the Connected Services subscription is active. To fully stop all data collection by Subaru, owners must cancel the subscription entirel...