Over-the-air updates let automakers improve their vehicles to add functionality that's not available from the factory. Subaru is now improving the new 2026 Outback by incorporating the previously announced hands-free driving functionality into the vehicle's top trim levels. Examples sold after January 19, 2026, already have this software.Owners of the 2026 Outback Touring and Touring XT trims will receive a no-cost update that will activate the Highway Hands-Free Assist Driving system. The technology marks the first time a Subaru is available with hands-free motoring. It works at speeds up to 85 miles per hour on most highways in the United States. Better Tech On The Inside And Outside SubaruSubaru touted the hands-free system as being among the standard features on the Touring and Touring XT trim levels when it announced the 2026 Outback. When the system is active, a blue icon appears on the instrument cluster. The company's DriverFocus monitor ensures that the person behind the wheel is paying attention, and if not, the system forces the driver to take back control.SubaruHands-free driving is just one of several new features for the model's advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Highway Active Lane Change Assist can automatically steer into an adjacent lane. Automatic Resume Assist moves the vehicle automatically in stop-and-go traffic. Highway pre-curve speed control slows the Outback when using the cruise control through corners. Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection detects if the driver is unresponsive while using cruise control, and it can automatically maneuver to the shoulder, stop, activate hazard lights, and call emergency services.To make this assistance tech possible, the 2026 Outback XT has an expanded version of Subaru's EyeSight ADAS that combines GPS data, 3D high-definition maps, millimeter-wave radar, and a camera-based system. Inside, the driver monitor has better detection capability due to a wider-angle, higher-resolution camera and infrared LEDs that can track eyes through most sunglasses or eyeglasses. There's also an improved processor. The tech saves preferences for up to five people and automatically adjusts the seats, mirrors, and climate settings when it detects one of them.Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/ValnetAmong the tech changes to the 2026 Outback is a new 12.1-inch infotainment screen that replaces the previous generation's 11.6-inch center screen. The display has a higher resolution, improved brightness, and anti-glare enhancements, too. According to Subaru, the system has a new processor and other hardware upgrades that make the software respond more quickly to user input.The 2026 Outback is on sale now with a starting price of $34,995 (before a $1,450 destination charge). The Touring grade costs $45,395, and the turbocharged Touring XT is $47,995.Source: Subaru
