Subaru debuts next-generation technology on all-new 2026 Outback

Subaru of America, Inc. today detailed the most comprehensive technological upgrade to its flagship SUV, the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback. Its key technology improvements include a new 12.1-inch Multimedia system, upgraded DriverFocus®, and new advanced EyeSight® driver assist technologies. Together, the system enhancements make the 2026 Subaru Outback the most connected and capable Subaru yet.

All-new 12.1-inch Multimedia System

The 2026 Subaru Outback introduces a next-generation infotainment package built around a new, Subaru-exclusive 12.1-inch Multimedia System. The display offers higher resolution, improved brightness, and anti-glare enhancements for clear visibility in all lighting conditions, reducing external light reflection by approximately 80% compared to the previous generation’s 11.6-inch center display.

Powering the system is a Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Automotive processor. It features octa-core architecture for power and efficiency, Adreno GPU for smoother graphics, and supports advanced tasks such as voice recognition and image processing. Using external modules, the system is compatible with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2, while a Spectra ISP enhances camera functions with HDR and low-light performance.

The new platform delivers approximately 2.5 times faster computing performance, with memory doubled from 4 GB to 8 GB and storage expanded from 64 GB to 128 GB. These upgrades result in faster system response, including map swipe performance up to three times faster, audio screen transitions up to six times faster, and scroll response up to twice as fast. These upgrades enable quicker reactions to driver inputs and more natural voice-command interactions for a smoother overall user experience.

The multimedia display supports access to Google Services such as Google Assistant for voice control, entertainment, and select app functionality. Drivers can manage key vehicle functions within the display, including cabin and seating climate control, drive modes, and create personalized profiles for individualized settings, preferences, and saved locations. The system also offers convenient features designed for safety and ease of use, with automatic updates that help keep software current.

The 2026 Subaru Outback includes wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ connectivity, and SiriusXM® 360L audio featuring newly launched artist stations with a 4-month trial. Available on select trim levels, TomTom® hybrid cloud navigation delivers real-time guidance, natural voice assistance, and continuously updated maps. The system can also integrate with Google Maps via Android Auto™. A transparent data interface provides clarity and control over how vehicle information is used.

Also new to the 2026 Subaru Outback is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster providing customizable views and an Adaptive Cruise Control display. Drivers can configure the cluster to highlight navigation, safety alerts, or performance information depending on driving conditions.

EyeSight® and DriverFocus®

The latest version of EyeSight® debuts on the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback, bringing a wider range of safety features and driver-assist functions than ever before. The all-new Outback adds acceleration override assist, front and side alert assist with braking, which actively positions the vehicle to reduce collision risk. For the first time in any Subaru vehicle, Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection is making its debut on the 2026 Subaru Outback.

Supporting these new capabilities is the second-generation DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. The upgraded system features a wider-angle, higher-resolution camera, improved processing, and infrared LEDs that can track eye-gaze through most sunglasses or eyeglasses. These updates allow more precise detection for driver posture, position, and drowsiness, helping EyeSight® deliver more accurate safety alerts. In addition to safety, DriverFocus® offers driver-recognition convenience features, automatic seat adjustments, mirrors, and climate preferences for up to five users.

New Advanced Driving Assist Systems (Touring and Touring XT)

Exclusive to Touring and Touring XT trims, new advanced driving assist systems expand EyeSight® capability by integrating GPS data, 3D high-definition maps, millimeter-wave radar, and a camera-based system. These inputs provide higher accuracy and broader driver support for a more confident and comfortable driving experience.

The system activates on highways with at least two lanes when supporting sensors are active. It provides advanced adaptive cruise control, and limited hands-free assist, along with specific features like highway active lane change assist, highway automatic resume assist, highway pre-curve speed control, and emergency stop assist with safe lane selection. The advanced driving assist system status is shown in the digital gauge cluster, where green icons indicate hands-on assist, and blue icons confirm highway hands-free assist.

Highway Active Lane Change Assist

When driving at 50 mph or faster with lane centering active, signaling a lane change allows Highway Active Lane Change Assist in the 2026 Subaru Outback to automatically steer into the adjacent lane if conditions are safe. Notifications appear in the gauge cluster, confirming availability and displaying an adjacent-lane ghost display to support the driver. Steering automatically adjusts to help with the turn, and the driver must keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.

Automatic Resume Assist

Integrated with advanced adaptive cruise control, automatic resume assist can restart the vehicle after stopping in traffic. The allowable stop time has been extended from 3 seconds to approximately 30 seconds, reducing driver fatigue in congested conditions. This improvement helps the driver stay relaxed in stop-and-go traffic without needing to apply the accelerator.

Highway Hands-Free Assist

On most interstate highways, EyeSight® highway hands-free assist in the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring and Touring XT trim levels can provide limited hands-free operation once advanced adaptive cruise control is active. DriverFocus® monitors the driver to ensure that control can be transferred back to the driver at any time. If DriverFocus® detects that the driver isn’t paying attention, the system will disengage and prompt the driver to place their hands on the wheel and resume control.

Pre-Curve Speed Control

Using map data, pre-curve speed control anticipates upcoming turns and adjusts vehicle speed based on curve sharpness for smoother, more controlled cornering. The gauge cluster confirms when the system is active, displaying either a green or blue indicator; both signify normal operation, while an orange indicator means the function is not active. Once the curve is completed, the vehicle automatically returns to the set speed. The system reduces the frequency of driver-initiated braking and unnecessary acceleration, especially on curved roads for a smoother driving experience.

Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection

If the driver becomes unresponsive while using advanced adaptive cruise control, emergency stop assist with safe lane selection will signal the driver with audio, visual, and haptic alerts combined with pulse braking. If no response is detected, the vehicle automatically slows and, when possible, moves safely to the road shoulder before stopping. Once the vehicle has come to a stop, hazard lights will turn on and automatically notify emergency services while unlocking all doors. Compared to earlier systems that stopped within the lane, this updated function helps protect the driver, passengers, and surrounding traffic by clearing the vehicle from active lanes.   

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow us on Microsoft Start.