Subaru adopts Android Automotive starting in the 2026 Outback

Ben Schoon | Nov 20 2025 - 7:55 am PT

Subaru has announced new details on its revamped in-car software experience, which is based on Google’s Android Automotive OS.

Google’s Android Automotive has been appearing in more and more vehicles in the past few years, but it’s not always clear who is using it and who isn’t. Rivian, for instance, has never really talked about how it bases its software on Android Automotive until we confirmed it last year. Other brands such as Ford, GM, and Volvo have been a little more open about using “Google Built-in,” but it’s pretty hit or miss elsewhere.

The latest carmaker adopting Android Automotive, though, is Subaru.

Subaru first showed off a revamped infotainment experience coming to the 2026 Outback earlier this year, and has this week offered some more details. The new software is built with Google services built in, including Google Assistant, and powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Automotive chipset with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Advertisement - scroll for more content

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 system can also integrate with Google Maps via Android Auto™. A transparent data interface provides clarity and control over how vehicle information is used.

As the Google integration implies, Subaru is indeed building this on top of Android Automotive as was previously confirmed to Edmunds and Cars.com. We’ve reached out to Subaru to see if there are any more details around the adoption of Google’s platform, and will update this article if more details are shared. There are still some unanswered questions, such as if Subaru’s take on the platform will allow for apps from the Play Store.

Subaru’s new Android Automotive-based platform seems like it will be a big upgrade just from a performance aspect alone, and it notably retains some welcome features such as wireless phone-based Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Air conditioning controls are also now buttons again, as opposed to the mostly touchscreen design found in Subaru’s prior console design.

The 2026 Subaru Outback will be available starting at $34,995 in the US with models arriving at dealers before the end of 2025. Presumably, the new Android Automotive-based software will make its way to other new Subaru vehicles in the future.