2026 subaru outback news?!

[JRodrigues]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Which comes back to his point. The Ascent sold more in its first year of sales than the Tribeca did in ALL of it's NINE years.

Correct, I was just pointing out data to confirm.

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[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Outback offering a 3rd row, that folded flat to leave the large cargo area, for one-off needs, wouldn't hurt its sales.

I think we can agree that there's room for another 3-row in the line up. The 4Runner comes in a 3-row and it is 191". That's a similar demographic as Outback.

Ascent is a people mover. Not a quasi-off roader for the Mall. Outback people don't need to carry 6 teens like an Ascent family.

If the Ascent leaves, then yeah. But, if not, that's another addition to the inventory complexity. If Subaru continues their return to that million a year goal, will the factories be able to keep up with that complexity? Another thing is cost. How much does a 3rd row add? With the Ascent, no. Without, it will need it cause I don't think they'll sell nearly as many of an EV 3 row than they did Ascent. A Forester sized EV selling at or higher than the Ascent now? I just don't see people flocking to something starting in the $50Ks that has range/charge time issues. I'm sure they'll improve those; but, for a true long distance trip? I hope they surprise me.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

If the Ascent leaves, then yeah. But, if not, that's another addition to the inventory complexity. If Subaru continues their return to that million a year goal, will the factories be able to keep up with that complexity? Another thing is cost. How much does a 3rd row add? With the Ascent, no. Without, it will need it cause I don't think they'll sell nearly as many of an EV 3 row than they did Ascent. A Forester sized EV selling at or higher than the Ascent now? I just don't see people flocking to something starting in the $50Ks that has range/charge time issues. I'm sure they'll improve those; but, for a true long distance trip? I hope they surprise me.

They have already announced uber-complexity with models that somewhat overlap.

Sub-Compact - Crosstrek
Sub-Compact - New Subaru built (EV)

Compact - Forester
Compact - Solterra (EV)

Mid-size - Outback
Mid-size - New bZ5X sibling Toyota built 3-Row (EV)
Mid-size - Ascent 3-Row

Solterra is already larger than a Forester, but smaller than an Outback.

It doesn't make sense to offer 3 midsize SUVs. Ascent should grow to 200" and become Full Size to take on the Traverse.

That leaves space for a 19X" bZ5X 3-row EV sibling. The Outback can stay a 5 seater or grow to the same size as the bZ5X sibling.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

They have already announced uber-complexity with models that somewhat overlap.

Sub-Compact - Crosstrek
Sub-Compact - New Subaru built (EV)

Compact - Forester
Compact - Solterra (EV)

Mid-size - Outback
Mid-size - New bZ5X sibling Toyota built 3-Row (EV)
Mid-size - Ascent 3-Row

Solterra is already larger than a Forester, but smaller than an Outback.

It doesn't make sense to offer 3 midsize SUVs. Ascent should grow to 200" and become Full Size to take on the Traverse.

That leaves space for a 19X" bZ5X 3-row EV sibling. The Outback can stay a 5 seater or grow to the same size as the bZ5X sibling.

Those are not built in the same factory. Moving the Outback to Japan may help. They probably had to do that to make room for the complexity that's coming with Forester at SIA. Won't disagree that I'd like to see the Ascent progress instead of disappearing.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Those are not built in the same factory. Moving the Outback to Japan may help. They probably had to do that to make room for the complexity that's coming with Forester at SIA. Won't disagree that I'd like to see the Ascent progress instead of disappearing.

Gunma - Sub-Compact - New Subaru built (EV)
Gunma - Compact - Forester
Gunma/SIA - Sub-Compact - Crosstrek

SIA - Mid-size - Outback
SIA - Mid-size - Ascent 3-Row

Toyota Japan - Compact - Solterra (EV)
Toyota Kentucky - Mid-size - New bZ5X sibling Toyota built 3-Row (EV)

What does the factory have to do with offering a 3rd row as standard?

[laufu]

Originally Posted by JRodrigues

Tribeca (7 seater) - Length: 191.54 in



2024 Outback - Length: 191.1 in

Let me add:

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe - Length: 190.2


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[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Gunma - Sub-Compact - New Subaru built (EV)
Gunma - Compact - Forester
Gunma/SIA - Sub-Compact - Crosstrek

SIA - Mid-size - Outback
SIA - Mid-size - Ascent 3-Row

Toyota Japan - Compact - Solterra (EV)
Toyota Kentucky - Mid-size - New bZ5X sibling Toyota built 3-Row (EV)

What does the factory have to do with offering a 3rd row as standard?

Subaru has 2 factory bases. Lets just talk about SIA. When I took a tour in 2009, they essentially had Legacy, Outback, Tribeca. Base, Premium, Limited, XT, GT, 3.0(3.6 already counted in Tribeca). Then all of the colors. I forget the exact number; but, the SIA manager said they could make something like 1300 cars all different before starting over again. Then we progressed to a premium.....premium with all weather package......premium with moonroof....
Now do that for limited, and the 3.6 Outback was initially available in 3 trims. Then offering Touring models later. What do they build? We waited for 5 months for model code ADH. A base model 3.6 Outback. We waited because they were waiting for more orders for them.......that didn't come. Could have been a lie; but, when they finally pushed it through, we were informed it was the only one in existence. It was right at the end of the 2010MY. 2011MY did not have a base model 3.6 Outback.

Now, this was also back when they were only using half the factory. But, they were also only selling 260K cars a year. Now we're double that with 2 months to go. They split Crosstrek builds to help. Adding yet another trim just makes it that much more. If they are getting rid of Ascent, then that opens up a bunch. I really hope they don't though.



edit: I didn't see the "as standard"(or didn't pay attention). I seriously doubt it would be standard. Unless it grew(which it isn't really.....yet), that would steal too much cargo space and have absolute crap leg room.

[littledrummerboy]

Originally Posted by laufu

Let me add:

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe - Length: 190.2


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Overall length doesn’t tell the full story. Packaging has a lot to do with interior space too. I’ve never seen an Outback’s engine bay right next to a Santa Fe, but the engine bay of the Santa Fe looks pretty small.

I’d like to think the transverse powertrain setup of the Santa Fe needs less room and allows for the cabin to reach forward more, making a 3rd row more liveable. Subaru’s setup being in-line so to speak needs more room for the powertrain leaving less room for the cabin.

The Santa Fe has a longer wheelbase by a couple of inches which should add to the leg room too.

[laufu]

Originally Posted by littledrummerboy

Overall length doesn’t tell the full story. Packaging has a lot to do with interior space too. I’ve never seen an Outback’s engine bay right next to a Santa Fe, but the engine bay of the Santa Fe looks pretty small.



I’d like to think the transverse powertrain setup of the Santa Fe needs less room and allows for the cabin to reach forward more, making a 3rd row more liveable. Subaru’s setup being in-line so to speak needs more room for the powertrain leaving less room for the cabin.



The Santa Fe has a longer wheelbase by a couple of inches which should add to the leg room too.

You are right, but Subaru packaged a 3rd row in the Exiga, and that had a length of 186" with a 108" wheelbase.
The same as the Outback

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[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by laufu

You are right, but Subaru packaged a 3rd row in the Exiga, and that had a length of 186" with a 108" wheelbase.
The same as the Outback

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Just because they did it, doesn't mean it was a good idea and should be repeated. How well did it sell and how long did that model last?

[littledrummerboy]

Originally Posted by laufu

You are right, but Subaru packaged a 3rd row in the Exiga, and that had a length of 186" with a 108" wheelbase.
The same as the Outback

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To add to what Justy said, it was only sold in other markets that aren’t as size-obsessed, while we got the Tribeca. You’d think the Tribeca being larger than the Exiga and its more SUV look would’ve done well here, but it didn’t — it still wasn’t enough. The Exiga arguably looks more like a minivan too and that market has shrunken too.

North America is size-obsessed. So add the powertrain demands on packaging, and that means the Subaru has to be a bigger vehicle to have a decent 3rd row. That’s where the Ascent comes in… its longer that the Outback and has longer wheelbase too. Smaller 3-rows just won’t sell much.

The thing about this new Outback is that it looks bigger than before, but there’s also nothing next to it for scale… we’ll just have to wait for specs and maybe some pics next to other vehicles.

[laufu]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Just because they did it, doesn't mean it was a good idea and should be repeated. How well did it sell and how long did that model last?

The BRAT and then Baja...

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[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by laufu

The BRAT and then Baja...

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The BRAT was popular and lasted 2 full cycles until it just didn't fit. SBR took a great idea from the SOA engineers, in the ST-X......that had MAD support at the autoshows......and lamed it out. Killing any future for it. Like the SVX, they made it too expensive to manufacture. Do you pay attention to SOA's social media? They can't hardly put anything out without someone posting #bringbackthebaja. Different Subaru now than then. I think they could make something that would sell equal to or better than a Ridgeline. Cause as good as the Ridgeline is, I doubt it can "Subaru" any better than any other Honda. Just have the approach to it that they did with the Ascent following the Tribeca.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Subaru has 2 factory bases. Lets just talk about SIA. When I took a tour in 2009, they essentially had Legacy, Outback, Tribeca. Base, Premium, Limited, XT, GT, 3.0(3.6 already counted in Tribeca). Then all of the colors. I forget the exact number; but, the SIA manager said they could make something like 1300 cars all different before starting over again. Then we progressed to a premium.....premium with all weather package......premium with moonroof....
Now do that for limited, and the 3.6 Outback was initially available in 3 trims. Then offering Touring models later. What do they build? We waited for 5 months for model code ADH. A base model 3.6 Outback. We waited because they were waiting for more orders for them.......that didn't come. Could have been a lie; but, when they finally pushed it through, we were informed it was the only one in existence. It was right at the end of the 2010MY. 2011MY did not have a base model 3.6 Outback.

Now, this was also back when they were only using half the factory. But, they were also only selling 260K cars a year. Now we're double that with 2 months to go. They split Crosstrek builds to help. Adding yet another trim just makes it that much more. If they are getting rid of Ascent, then that opens up a bunch. I really hope they don't though.



edit: I didn't see the "as standard"(or didn't pay attention). I seriously doubt it would be standard. Unless it grew(which it isn't really.....yet), that would steal too much cargo space and have absolute crap leg room.

Most mid-size 3 rows have dinky legroom. The point of them is for a one-off situation, or to put the dog. Right now, the Forester, Solterra and Outback are very close in size and it's pushing buyers who need more space out of the brand. They don't want an Ascent with 19 cup holders, but they don't want a small 5 seater.

OT, the Solterra has a tonnn of rear legroom for it's size. It has more than my Tesla Model Y (although the Y has a larger trunk area). I am very interested in the bZ5X 3-Row sibling for my family.

[mcarb002]

Just get a minivan dude, come join the dad life we all deserve

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by mcarb002

Just get a minivan dude, come join the dad life we all deserve

Never! Right now I really want to put the rear-facing convertible behind the driver so I don't have to move the car outside for loading/unloading. I am 6'1 and at the current tilt, I can't. I am hoping in a few lbs I can recline it less and fit.

The Solterra might fit as is, but I daily the Tesla currently. I'd much prefer a sedan, but that might have to wait until forward facing.

[samagon]

Originally Posted by mcarb002

Just get a minivan dude, come join the dad life we all deserve

let's keep the minivan talk to the WRX threads

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by samagon

let's keep the minivan talk to the WRX threads

Sad but true.

[Brahmzy]

We have had 4 consecutive days of massive snow fall in CO here. I felt the need (wasn't even thinking about weather) to get new Defender2's a day before the snow hit. My Ascent freakin' rocks the snow. It's a beast. Comfortable and capable. I was seeing all sorts of mayhem all around me. Cars sliding, slipping off the road etc. The Ascent just motored by it all with ease and control. There are a lot of things I love about this thing. It's why it's still in the garage.

[20WRX20]

OK, then why buy a Forester over this new Outback? To save 1 mpg in the real world while getting run off the road because your overpriced 180hp pile of garbage takes a mile to get up to speed? lol

Put the 2.4 Turbo in the Forester FFS.

[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

We have had 4 consecutive days of massive snow fall in CO here. I felt the need (wasn't even thinking about weather) to get new Defender2's a day before the snow hit. My Ascent freakin' rocks the snow. It's a beast. Comfortable and capable. I was seeing all sorts of mayhem all around me. Cars sliding, slipping off the road etc. The Ascent just motored by it all with ease and control. There are a lot of things I love about this thing. It's why it's still in the garage.

Literally any car will rock with snow tires. Cars were slipping and sliding because people are idiots who run worn all seasons and think AWD will save them. I do think the boxer motor mounted lower in the chassis + the symmetrical setup helps, but the tires are to thank here, not the Subaru.

I’ve driven a new Forester on stock all-seasons and it was pretty terrible in the snow. Didn’t get stuck but had a hard time stopping. My WRX on snow tires by comparison is a tank in the snow (which I’ve only driven in a handful of times due to the uninsured Altimas and other POS’s that are on the roads with bald tires every snowstorm.)

Tl;dr - it’s the tires, not the Ascent.

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by 20WRX20

Literally any car will rock with snow tires. Cars were slipping and sliding because people are idiots who run worn all seasons and think AWD will save them. I do think the boxer motor mounted lower in the chassis + the symmetrical setup helps, but the tires are to thank here, not the Subaru.

I’ve driven a new Forester on stock all-seasons and it was pretty terrible in the snow. Didn’t get stuck but had a hard time stopping. My WRX on snow tires by comparison is a tank in the snow (which I’ve only driven in a handful of times due to the uninsured Altimas and other POS’s that are on the roads with bald tires every snowstorm.)

Tl;dr - it’s the tires, not the Ascent.

Rent AWD cars in snowy climates for decades. It very clear that Subaru's AWD is a big part of the equation. Tires just seal the deal.

[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

Rent AWD cars in snowy climates for decades. It very clear that Subaru's AWD is a big part of the equation. Tires just seal the deal.

When I rent cars on ski trips I use Turo and rent cars based on what tires are on them. I had a 4x4 Silverado one year that was the biggest POS in the snow. It had the stock all seasons and it was complete garbage. One of the best was a Mini Cooper Clubman AWD on snow tires. Subarus with the Wilderness trim are good, but the stock all seasons on the rest of the Subaru lineup SUCK. The worst are the new ones (looking at you Forester) with the 19” wheels.

I’d rather have a FWD Civic on snow tires versus any Subaru with the stock tires. The AWD is insanely overhyped on these cars. It’s simple and works, but in the snow it honestly doesn’t make that much of a difference if you can’t turn and stop.

[SVX WRX]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

Rent AWD cars in snowy climates for decades. It very clear that Subaru's AWD is a big part of the equation. Tires just seal the deal.

four Subarus, an Evo, AWD G37 and AWD Q60 ... all with snow tires.
noticed no real differences in the snow. the RWD-based Infiniti's were extremely capable driving home from work at midnight on unplowed/unsalted roads.

in my experience, the AWD system is a tiny part of the equation. AWD *and* snow tires makes for the best winter driving, but nothing will save you from the ignorant masses sliding around in a 5000lb SUV with "all-seasons".

[Snow Drift]

Just had a set of Pirelli P Zero Winter mounted on our Model Y. Great high performance winter tires. Hopefully it snows more than once this winter.