Subaru Outback vs Subaru WRX
What's the difference?

Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

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Subaru WRX

$48,190 - $63,990

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Subaru Outback

2026 Subaru WRX

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Flat 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Drive modes
Performance car you can live with
Manual gearbox

Dislikes

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

Thirsty engine
No extra power over rest of range
No rear parking sensors

2026 Subaru Outback Summary

It’s 2026 and over 30 years and through six generations the Subaru Outback as we knew it… is gone.

Gone is the defiantly wagon-esque crossover style that was one of the first, as well as likely the most-successful, for the boxy beast you see here.

RIP, original Subaru Outback.

But, don’t worry, folks, because, except for a couple of issues, things only get better by and large, with the big new seventh-gen model.

And, in the most important ways, the 2026 Outback is a true Subaru at heart, so let’s dive straight in!

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2026 Subaru WRX Summary

The Subaru WRX – do we even need to introduce this iconic beastie at all? With its rally winning roots to being a legend in its own suburb, the ‘Rex’ is a sports car that’s affordable and fun – although the one we’re testing here is one of the pricier versions: the WRX tS Spec B.

So what is a tS Spec B? Well, the old king of the WRX world – the STI – was retired at the end of the previous generation. Now this new grade – the tS Spec B – is the new WRX monarch.

So does this mean the tS Spec B has more superpower than the rest of the line-up? Does it have a bigger engine? How much more does it cost? Does it have a manual gearbox? So many questions – the answers are below.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Outback 2026 Subaru WRX

Verdict

Over 30 years and seven generations of Outback in Australia, the latest might just be the best.

It's great to drive, even better to sit in, very easy to live and willing to go further than most equivalent large SUVs at its price point.

The styling is definitely divisive, with purists unhappy that the long, crossover wagon silhouette is now gone, but what we have instead is a family-friendly vehicle that pleases on so many fronts.

We’d go as far as saying the latest Outback might be the most-rounded Subaru currently available, and great value to boot. And the base AWD is all the SUV most people will ever need.

That’s not bad for something this square!

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

Possibly one of the most perfect performance cars you can drive daily for the price. Dynamic and fun to drive, but also easy to live with thanks to the drive modes for extra comfort, the high ground clearance and the practicality that comes with four doors, lots of storage and a big boot.

The tS Spec B is the priciest WRX in the range, but compared to rivals it's also great value. A car I would buy with my own money for sure.

Subaru Outback vs Subaru WRX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Outback vs Subaru WRX
What's the difference?