If the competition found the previous-generation Subaru Outback formidable, wait until they face-off against this year's fully redesigned model. The 2026 Subaru Outback welcomes new exterior styling, an all-new Subaru Multimedia System, and the adventurous Wilderness trim. Add these to its many other assets, and it's an easy choice for Subaru of Sterling customers who might be considering rivals such as the Kia Sportage, Honda Passport, and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Durability
When it comes to durability, this new Subaru SUV is the champion. Incredibly, 96 percent of Subaru Outback models sold in the last decade are still on the road-a percentage that surpasses many rivals, including the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Subaru Outback also offers better long-term value than a majority of its competitors, retaining a phenomenal 57 percent of its value after five years of ownership according to CarEdge.
Safety
This is the sixth year in a row that Subaru vehicles have been rated #1 in safety according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index-which leaves rival models playing perpetual catch-up. The standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology suite has been upgraded for the 2026 Subaru Outback, bringing enhanced sensors and newly available driver assistance systems such as Hands-Free Assist and Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection.
Capability
Of all its assets, the 2026 Subaru Outback is perhaps best known for its incredible capability. For starters, every trim comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive®. Of the three rival SUVs discussed here, only the Honda Passport offers a standard all-wheel drive system.
But this fact alone isn't what makes the Subaru Outback so popular at our Sterling, VA, Subaru dealership. This dynamo also boasts 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, which exceeds the 8.3 inches offered by the Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sportage. The Wilderness trim, with its remarkable 9.5 inches of ground clearance and numerous off-road-focused upgrades, further widens the gulf in capability between the Subaru Outback and its rivals.
Explore the 2026 Subaru Outback in Sterling, VA
Enhanced tech, dynamic new styling, and the new Wilderness trim make the 2026 Subaru Outback the clear choice over its rival midsize SUVs. And with our personalized finance and Subaru lease programs, Subaru of Sterling will ensure you get a great price on your favorite trim. Visit us to experience the difference firsthand!
