2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Interior ReviewJessica Lynn Walker - MotorTrendWe've been living with our long-term 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness for about five months now, and nearly everyone who's spent time behind the wheel has come away with the same impression: It's incredibly comfortable. The cabin feels spacious and inviting, while the generous cargo area makes it easy to load up gear, groceries, or luggage. Whether it's running errands around town or heading out on a road trip with friends and family, the Outback Wilderness has consistently proven to be a practical and accommodating companion.That versatility became apparent almost immediately after we got the keys. A road trip to the Bay Area to visit friends proved comfortable for all five occupants, with plenty of room for both passengers and their belongings. More recently, features editor Christian Seabaugh loaded up the Outback Wilderness with his family and a substantial amount of cargo for a trip to a wedding in Temecula, California, about two hours southeast of Los Angeles. In both cases, the Subaru handled the travel with ease, reinforcing its reputation as a practical road-trip vehicle.In our time with it, the Outback Wilderness has proven itself to be a comfortable, spacious, and capable SUV. But how well does the rest of the interior hold up after months of daily use? Are the materials worthy of a vehicle that's $50,000? Has Subaru's latest cabin design improved the experience? And does the technology feel modern enough to compete in today's market? We'll answer those questions and more in this deep dive into the Outback Wilderness' interior.Jessica Lynn Walker - MotorTrendPraise the Hard ButtonsMany new vehicles entering the market have embraced Tesla's philosophy of replacing physical controls with touchscreen-based menus. The latest Mazda CX-5 and Audi Q3 have moved further in that direction, and even the Subaru Uncharted, which is essentially a rebadged Toyota C-HR, has reduced the number of dedicated buttons for key functions.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's a trend that continues to divide buyers. While touchscreen controls can create a cleaner, more modern-looking interior, they often make simple tasks harder and more distracting than they need to be, forcing drivers to take their eyes off the road to adjust basic settings.When we attended the launch of the 2026 Subaru Outback, company representatives repeatedly emphasized that they had listened to customer feedback. One of the biggest requests? Bring back physical buttons.That feedback is evident the moment you step into our long-term Outback Wilderness. Instead of burying everything inside the touchscreen, Subaru has retained a dedicated row of physical controls for the climate system, along with buttons for the heated and ventilated seats. After living with the vehicle for several months, it's a decision we've come to appreciate more and more.Jessica Lynn Walker - MotorTrendThe benefits are immediate. On a hot day, you can crank up the air conditioning the moment you start the vehicle without waiting for the infotainment system to fully boot up. Adjusting the temperature is equally straightforward—just reach down and turn a knob. It's faster, more intuitive, and ultimately safer than digging through menus while driving.AdvertisementAdvertisementSubaru also struck a nice balance with the rest of the physical controls throughout the cabin. Just behind the shifter are dedicated buttons for the auto start-stop system, auto hold, traction control, and the 360-degree camera system. To the left of the steering column, additional controls allow you to adjust screen brightness and operate the power liftgate.While these aren't features most owners will use every day, having dedicated buttons for them makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day usability. Rather than hunting through menus, the functions are available with a single press.Jessica Lynn Walker - MotorTrendThe New TechSubaru has never been known as the most technology-focused automaker, but the Outback Wilderness might mark a change for the manufacturer. We'll take a deeper dive into the new infotainment system in a future update, but after several months of use, our initial impressions have been positive.The 12.3-inch touchscreen feels appropriately sized for the cabin, offering plenty of screen real estate without overwhelming the dashboard. One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to display Apple CarPlay in full-screen mode, which is especially useful when using navigation. The larger map view makes directions easier to follow at a glance, whether you're commuting through traffic or exploring unfamiliar roads.Jessica Lynn Walker - MotorTrendAnother pleasant surprise has been how quickly the system connects to a phone after startup. Within moments of pressing the start button, CarPlay is typically up and running, something you don't always get in today's vehicles.AdvertisementAdvertisementOur Outback Wilderness is also equipped with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which offers sharper graphics and a variety of customization options. The display can also project Apple Maps directions directly in front of the driver when paired with an iPhone. It's a feature we've come to appreciate, as it makes it easy to see upcoming turns without having to glance over at the center screen.Subaru also deserves some credit for making the display visually interesting. Alongside the usual gauges and vehicle data, the digital cluster can display scenic desert landscapes that fit the Wilderness trim's outdoorsy personality. It's a minor detail but one that makes the cabin feel a little more special every time you get behind the wheel.Jessica Lynn Walker - MotorTrendMaterial QualityBecause the Outback Wilderness is designed for buyers who are more likely to spend weekends on trails than at valet stands, Subaru says it prioritized durability over outright luxury. Instead of covering the cabin in premium leather, the Wilderness uses water-resistant StarTex upholstery that's designed to be easier to clean after outdoor adventures.After several months of living with the vehicle, that decision makes a lot of sense. Dust, dirt, and the occasional spill wipe away with little effort, making the interior easier to maintain than many traditional leather cabins. The material also feels reasonably nice to the touch, though it lacks the supple softness and upscale feel found in other interiors, even within the Outback lineup. Still, for a vehicle intended to get dirty from time to time, the trade-off feels appropriate and well aligned with the Wilderness trim's mission.Jessica Lynn Walker - MotorTrendSubaru carried the Wilderness theme throughout the cabin with leatherette-covered surfaces, embossed Subaru star patterns, and copper-colored stitching and accents. Standard all-weather floormats and a cargo tray add to the Outback's practical nature, and both have held up well during our time with the vehicle.More Fun AheadWe're heading into a summer that should bring plenty of adventures for both us and the Subaru. The Outback Wilderness will likely remain a favorite among staffers thanks to its comfortable, spacious, and practical interior, but the next few months will also give us an opportunity to explore the other side of its personality. With more trail time on the calendar, we'll soon find out whether its off-road hardware is as impressive as its everyday usability.Jessica Lynn Walker - MotorTrendMore On Our Long-Term 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness:Our New Yearlong Subaru Outback Wilderness Is Ready for Dirt—and DebateOur Yearlong Subaru Outback Wilderness Just Passed the Road-Trip Test