One of my favorite cars from the late 1980s/90s is the Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon, a car once compared in advertising to a Lamborghini Countach hitching a trailer. For the time, it was fast, luxurious, and innately practical. It was understated and durable. Which, brings me to the car I’m driving this week: The redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback Limited XT.
That XT is the important part as this Outback turbo has nearly a hundred horsepower over the old brick-square Volvo and can run 0-60 mph in about 2 seconds less – not quite as fast as the V-12-powered Countach, but nipping the bumpers of late-80s Corvettes. Imagine an all-road WRX rally car with a cavernous trunk and penchant for off-grid camping.
By the numbers, the Outback’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine conjures 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque – all routed to the standard all-wheel-drive system through a continuously variable transmission. I don’t love CVTs, which are pretty revvy in non-turbo models, but are more subdued under a turbo’s torque. Shift through eight pre-set gear ratios with paddles for a more natural feel. Fuel economy is pretty frugal for a tall turbo wagon at 21/29-MPG city/highway.
I suspect nobody will complain about the Outback XT’s performance on- or off-road, but the new fit is certainly gaining controversy. As Subaru discontinued the similar Legacy sedan, it had the opportunity to endow the Outback with more SUV style. That means a taller grille, squared body that would make a classic Volvo jealous, and liberal application of black plastic. Our Limited includes 19-inch black wheels, 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a roof rack rated for 800 lbs. of static load – enough to loft a pop-up tent sheltering a couple of campers.
Far less controversial is the new interior fronting a 12.1-inch infotainment screen with crisp graphics, quick start-up, and intuitive controls. Drivers get a fully digital instrument cluster. Harman Kardon audio provides sound the Outback deserves – as do wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and console phone charging. Heated seats and steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and sweet bovine leather upped the luxury. Enjoy the power moonroof on spring days and summer nights.
Much of the new Outback’s underlying architecture is shared with the previous generation. Passengers slide in slightly higher, but the view over the hood and windshield rake are more wagon than SUV. Outback fans can stand down; it’s still a wagon whether its sleek or looks like a Volvo had relations with a Land Rover.
Being a Subaru, safety is still paramount. Beyond its body structure that’s expected to ace crash tests, active tech includes the automaker’s three-camera EyeSight system to enable adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane-centering steering. It also employs blind spot warning, rear auto brake, and emergency evasive steering assist. I’d like it even better with a head-up display and hands-off cruising.
I’ve owned two previous-generation Outbacks, including our current 2022 Outback Wilderness with the turbo. There’s also a 1989 Corvette in my garage. The Corvette will out-run the Outback at top end, but will not get away from it 0-60 mph. The Outback XT is a seriously quick car that just happens to be an excellent family wagon no matter the trails you roam.
The Outback’s price has been steadily rising, now starting at just under $35,000. Our Limited with turbo and trimmings comes to $45,815. Inflation adjusted, the old Volvo started at $70,079 – or about a $25,000 discount with an extra hundred horsepower, fortified all-road capability and famous durability. Today’s competitors include the Ford Bronco Sport, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Volvo XC60.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.