Subaru of America announced that existing owners of the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring and Touring XT can receive a no-cost software update to activate the Highway Hands-Free Assist driving system. The feature provides hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on most U.S. highways. Vehicles sold after Jan. 19, 2026 already include the feature activated.
Highway Hands-Free Assist System
EyeSight Highway Hands-Free Assist is standard on 2026 Outback Touring and Touring XT trim levels and provides limited hands-free operation when advanced adaptive cruise control is active. Subaru’s DriverFocus system monitors driver attention to ensure the driver can retake control when needed.
If DriverFocus detects the driver is not attentive, the system disengages and prompts the driver to place their hands on the steering wheel.
The driver-assist system expands EyeSight functionality by integrating GPS data, 3D high-definition maps, millimeter-wave radar and camera-based sensing. During development, Subaru engineers logged nearly 100,000 miles of hands-free driving to refine system performance, driver attention monitoring and driver handoff.
When adaptive cruise control is active, Highway Hands-Free Assist automatically engages on highways with at least two lanes. The system includes adaptive cruise control with limited hands-free operation and features such as highway active lane-change assist, highway automatic resume assist, highway pre-curve speed control and emergency stop assist with safe lane selection.
System status appears in the digital gauge cluster. Green icons indicate hands-on driver assist, while blue icons confirm Highway Hands-Free Assist activation.
Driver Monitoring and Recognition
The Outback Touring and Touring XT models also include the second-generation DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.
The updated system uses a wider-angle, higher-resolution camera, improved processing and infrared LEDs that can track eye gaze through most sunglasses or eyeglasses. These updates allow more precise detection of driver posture, position and potential drowsiness.
DriverFocus also includes driver-recognition convenience features, allowing automatic seat, mirror and climate control settings for up to five drivers.
