• Subaru has launched their hands-free driving system in America.
  • It debuts on range-topping versions of the 2026 Outback.
  • System allows for hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph.

Subaru is battling Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise with their new Highway Hands-Free Assist system. It’s being launched on the 2026 Outback Touring and Touring XT, and will be available to existing owners as part of a no-cost update.

As the name suggests, the system enables owners to go hands-free on “most” highways at speeds up to 85 mph (137 km/h). Subaru says Highway Hands-Free Assist will automatically engage on compatible roads– with at least two lanes – when adaptive cruise control is activated.

More: The 2026 Outback Morphs Into An SUV And Brings Sticker Shock With It

The company didn’t say much about their semi-autonomous driving technology, but noted it provides “limited hands-free assist” as well as highway active lane change assist, highway pre-curve speed control, highway automatic resume assist, and emergency stop assist with safe lane selection. Drivers will also be informed about what’s going on by an icon that switches from green to blue when Highway Hands-Free Assist is activated.

To keep things safe, a camera will monitor the driver to ensure they’re paying attention. If they become distracted, the system will disengage and instruct drivers to place their hands on the steering wheel and resume control.

Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before

Subaru’s Highway Hands-Free Assist combines GPS data with 3D high-definition maps as well as information from a camera and millimeter-wave radar. During testing, engineers drove over 100,000 miles (160,934 km) hands-free to perfect “system performance, driver attention, and handoff behavior in real-world conditions.”

As a refresher, the Outback Touring starts at $45,395 while the Touring XT begins at $47,995. Besides hands-free driving technology, they come nicely equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.1-inch infotainment system, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other highlights include heated and ventilated Nappa leather front seats, heated rear seats, a wireless smartphone charger, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 hp (134 kW / 183 PS) and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) of torque. Outback XTs, on the other hand, have a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder pumping out 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS) and 277 lb-ft (375 Nm).

Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before
Subaru Lets The New Outback Do Something It Never Could Before