2026 subaru outback news?!

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

But also too as mentioned in a Recent Podcast, Yes the STI is definitely returning -Soonish (Idk when, but apparently "Not far away," (Mid-cycle Refresh is on the horizon for the VB). The 2.4 is to be used, 300kw is the target, and new STI Pres. Hiromi is pretty dead set on returning to Rally. If anything, I definitely think Subaru heard us, if not heard us -Saw the Success of the GR Corolla, and is well aware of the AWD Celica/MR2. My hope is that they mirror the 8spd auto Toyota plans to use, and quit with the CVT option in the WRX. But we'll see.

do I need to rallly4 you too?

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[bugatti0628]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

All that can be shared is.. Well imagine a Cross between a Kia Telluride(or maybe the current Outback).. and that of a Land Cruiser (Makes sense to me), and like you saw with the WRX TS, Digital stuff on the inside, the Return of Buttons again lmao. Rear lamps remind me of a Lexus a little. Lots of people will be happy with this thing, Not so much of a Wagon as people imagine, More "SUV"

We have some very good photoshoppers here. I wonder if they will take a Crack and that look based on this info. And the return of Buttons is good news for those who despise the tablet

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

All that can be shared is.. Well imagine a Cross between a Kia Telluride(or maybe the current Outback).. and that of a Land Cruiser (Makes sense to me), and like you saw with the WRX TS, Digital stuff on the inside, the Return of Buttons again lmao. Rear lamps remind me of a Lexus a little. Lots of people will be happy with this thing, Not so much of a Wagon as people imagine, More "SUV"

You say this like you saw it. I'd use a different description, that is not "All that can be shared" as in nothing is supposed to be. Including when it's to debut.

And going to disagree with the return of the STI as this rumor is alluding to. I do think we'll see something in the future; but, pretty much everything that had to do with the one we didn't get was thoroughly squashed. I'll be happy to be wrong.

[Russ_G93]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

You say this like you saw it. I'd use a different description, that is not "All that can be shared" as in nothing is supposed to be. Including when it's to debut.

And going to disagree with the return of the STI as this rumor is alluding to. I do think we'll see something in the future; but, pretty much everything that had to do with the one we didn't get was thoroughly squashed. I'll be happy to be wrong.

It sounds like to me the Journalist must've received the wrong information from his contact in SOA I suppose,

- YouTube

- YouTube

And the descriptor for the car is all "just a given." It was obvious that they would bring back buttons (People have complained and complained - they get it). After the TS reveal, a Digital display was obvious. The Horizontal design for the headunit, with the return of the buttons is obvious, and the Outback being the forefront of Subaru's success in America, Toyota like features (Especially with Toyota having 20% ownership) - Toyota design ques for the Outback liftgate were pretty obvious especially the lamps just from comparing new Announced Lexus and Toyota SUV's. The Popularity of the Wilderness Outback (9in off the ground), retaining the higher stance and the utility of a slightly more SUV rather than wagon design - Not only obvious, but you can tell who Subaru talked to about that (Toyota - All their SUV's are pretty Boxy). Also retains its separate identity from the new Forester, which I feel like looks like a Ford.

[bugatti0628]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

It sounds like to me the Journalist must've received the wrong information from his contact in SOA I suppose, - YouTube

And the descriptor for the car is all "just a given." It was obvious that they would bring back buttons (People have complained and complained - they get it). After the TS reveal, a Digital display was obvious. The Horizontal design for the headunit, with the return of the buttons is obvious, and the Outback being the forefront of Subaru's success in America, Toyota like features (Especially with Toyota having 20% ownership) - Toyota design ques for the Outback liftgate were pretty obvious especially the lamps just from comparing new Announced Lexus and Toyota SUV's. The Popularity of the Wilderness Outback (9in off the ground), retaining the higher stance and the utility of a slightly more SUV rather than wagon design - Not only obvious, but you can tell who Subaru talked to about that (Toyota - All their SUV's are pretty Boxy). Also retains its separate identity from the new Forester, which I feel like looks like a Ford.

As we start getting teasers, more and more information will start coming out. There is nothing more we can do but wait a few more months. Patience is a virtue

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

It sounds like to me the Journalist must've received the wrong information from his contact in SOA I suppose, - YouTube

And the descriptor for the car is all "just a given." It was obvious that they would bring back buttons (People have complained and complained - they get it). After the TS reveal, a Digital display was obvious. The Horizontal design for the headunit, with the return of the buttons is obvious, and the Outback being the forefront of Subaru's success in America, Toyota like features (Especially with Toyota having 20% ownership) - Toyota design ques for the Outback liftgate were pretty obvious especially the lamps just from comparing new Announced Lexus and Toyota SUV's. The Popularity of the Wilderness Outback (9in off the ground), retaining the higher stance and the utility of a slightly more SUV rather than wagon design - Not only obvious, but you can tell who Subaru talked to about that (Toyota - All their SUV's are pretty Boxy). Also retains its separate identity from the new Forester, which I feel like looks like a Ford.

Aren't you under NDA for whatever you saw? Also, SBR and Toyota do not cross pollinate on vehicles that aren't alliance projects for things other than supply chain. Anything SBR comes up with that resembles someone else's design is at SBR's design discretion.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

...And the descriptor for the car is all "just a given." It was obvious that they would bring back buttons (People have complained and complained - they get it). After the TS reveal, a Digital display was obvious. The Horizontal design for the headunit, with the return of the buttons is obvious, and the Outback being the forefront of Subaru's success in America, Toyota like features (Especially with Toyota having 20% ownership) - Toyota design ques for the Outback liftgate were pretty obvious especially the lamps just from comparing new Announced Lexus and Toyota SUV's. The Popularity of the Wilderness Outback (9in off the ground), retaining the higher stance and the utility of a slightly more SUV rather than wagon design - Not only obvious, but you can tell who Subaru talked to about that (Toyota - All their SUV's are pretty Boxy). Also retains its separate identity from the new Forester, which I feel like looks like a Ford.

It's a current design trend. Just look at the Santa Fe.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

It's a current design trend. Just look at the Santa Fe.

If it looks like the new retro LC I think it would sell even better than today. Hopefully it retains the car like cockpit though.

[Russ_G93]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

Aren't you under NDA for whatever you saw? Also, SBR and Toyota do not cross pollinate on vehicles that aren't alliance projects for things other than supply chain. Anything SBR comes up with that resembles someone else's design is at SBR's design discretion.

Pretty interesting that they plan on releasing 3 new shared cars with toyota, like they did with the Solterra and BRZ. Hopefully they'll be bangers. But "10 new cars" in the coming years (or whatever heavymetal said in the vid), sounds like Subaru is ramping up for a comeback

[Russ_G93]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

Aren't you under NDA for whatever you saw? Also, SBR and Toyota do not cross pollinate on vehicles that aren't alliance projects for things other than supply chain. Anything SBR comes up with that resembles someone else's design is at SBR's design discretion.

Nawh, I just have good friends. I run an auto collision repair shop currently. I used to work for SOA, started in sales/service at a dealership, but it was too much flying. Couldn't be home as much as I needed to be. And yes for sure, I just wonder how they will label the Hybrid system in their own parts network. Either a slightly modified version with its own part number to work with Subaru's symmetrical awd, or the exact same -just supplied to subaru factory/service centers. Either way the comeback is real for the company.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

Nawh, I just have good friends. I run an auto collision repair shop currently. I used to work for SOA, started in sales/service at a dealership, but it was too much flying. Couldn't be home as much as I needed to be. And yes for sure, I just wonder how they will label the Hybrid system in their own parts network. Either a slightly modified version with its own part number to work with Subaru's symmetrical awd, or the exact same -just supplied to subaru factory/service centers. Either way the comeback is real for the company.

You worked for SOA? Or a retailer?

[bugatti0628]

Something to think about. Will it come stock 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Or for its initial purpose with it have 9in of ground clearance with the chance of going to 10in with a wilderness trim. With the outback no longer being on a wagon frame, it gives engineers a brand new slate to work with on such a trim. A boxier frame allows to increase towing capacity. The frame is brand new so they can explore new additions and accessories to add to the new vehicle. Are there certain things they can do with this that the old wagon frame did not? Just food for thought

[Brahmzy]

Ditch the CVT Subaru.

[chanomatik]

If they're not gonna use a good variant of the ZF transmission adapted to their symmetrical AWD system then I'm perfectly fine with the current CVT. I hate traditional automatics, especially from Subaru. Apparently the auto in the BRZ is good, and Mazdas ain't bad either. I'm trying to keep an open mind until I drive them personally. I'll argue that the CVT experience worsened once consumers demanded fake gear shifts instead of adapting to the initial "rubber band" feeling of the earlier CVT.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

If they're not gonna use a good variant of the ZF transmission adapted to their symmetrical AWD system then I'm perfectly fine with the current CVT. I hate traditional automatics, especially from Subaru. Apparently the auto in the BRZ is good, and Mazdas ain't bad either. I'm trying to keep an open mind until I drive them personally. I'll argue that the CVT experience worsened once consumers demanded fake gear shifts instead of adapting to the initial "rubber band" feeling of the earlier CVT.

I don't think the segment cares about transmission types. The Outback is how popular as is.

[samagon]

it's a family hauler.

the transmission type is inconsequential. it works, that's all that matters.

source: my wife loves her OBW and doesn't care about the transmission type at all. when I have to drive it, I don't care about the transmission type. it works. if I want to race someone, I toss it in launch mode (X-mode Deep Snow and Mud) and it LAUCHES out of the hole. I catch the mustang drivers off guard, and I scare people. mainly my wife.

[Russ_G93]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

You worked for SOA? Or a retailer?

Started at a Retailer, first sales then service, then got into Zone Retailer Training and worked with a team for coaching all non-technical retailer, district and zone staff. Half of it involved holding training sessions at various hotels/etc for Encore Delivery Spcs within the zone, and visiting specific store locations for assistance with OLP and NPS scores. The rest of it was whatever project or initiative the Zone director wanted us to review/take care of. Subaru loves their scores. Though B***(Name) always had me on the phone helping with OBI, pinnacle and foundations hick-ups with people's training. Im certainly glad to not be there for all this incoming EV training. Between flying for training conferences or driving anywhere from 5hrs here to 10hrs down there, it wore me out fast. Some people are made for that though.

[Russ_G93]

Originally Posted by bugatti0628

Something to think about. Will it come stock 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Or for its initial purpose with it have 9in of ground clearance with the chance of going to 10in with a wilderness trim. With the outback no longer being on a wagon frame, it gives engineers a brand new slate to work with on such a trim. A boxier frame allows to increase towing capacity. The frame is brand new so they can explore new additions and accessories to add to the new vehicle. Are there certain things they can do with this that the old wagon frame did not? Just food for thought

Main thing is that the Legacy is what more or less, had the model locked in as far as shared parts/design ques. So they can certainly venture into more of the off-road side of things should they want to. Its certainly going to spark some aftermarket projects, that's for sure.

[Brahmzy]

Originally Posted by samagon

it's a family hauler.

the transmission type is inconsequential. it works, that's all that matters.

source: my wife loves her OBW and doesn't care about the transmission type at all. when I have to drive it, I don't care about the transmission type. it works. if I want to race someone, I toss it in launch mode (X-mode Deep Snow and Mud) and it LAUCHES out of the hole. I catch the mustang drivers off guard, and I scare people. mainly my wife.

You’ll care when you go through constant replacements, recalls, multiple TSBs etc.

[bugatti0628]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

Main thing is that the Legacy is what more or less, had the model locked in as far as shared parts/design ques. So they can certainly venture into more of the off-road side of things should they want to. Its certainly going to spark some aftermarket projects, that's for sure.

in Australia, we know why we call it the outback. Now that the outback has been released from sharing its body with another, it can be designed with its true purpose in mind. Now I'm not saying go after jeep or the forerunner. As a subaru, they need to chart their own path. It is already unique due to the boxer engine and the lower center of gravity it provides. But it can't simply be a longer forester or shorter ascent, it must have its own unique identity.

[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by samagon

I toss it in launch mode (X-mode Deep Snow and Mud) and it LAUCHES out of the hole. I catch the mustang drivers off guard, and I scare people. mainly my wife.

Let’s not get too dramatic, here.

The real problem with Subaru’s CVTs are their longevity. There are several on here who have had multiple issues with theirs. I know several locally with the same thing. Maybe they’re not doing fluid changes as often as they should or whatever, but I don’t see those CVTs being as durable as a conventional (or even dual clutch) auto, especially after 80,000 miles or so.

I’m actually pretty interested in this if it ends up being a legit SUV (Subaru 4Runner, anyone?) but having the CVT is a turn off.

[21ej]

Originally Posted by samagon

it's a family hauler.

the transmission type is inconsequential. it works, that's all that matters.

source: my wife loves her OBW and doesn't care about the transmission type at all. when I have to drive it, I don't care about the transmission type. it works. if I want to race someone, I toss it in launch mode (X-mode Deep Snow and Mud) and it LAUCHES out of the hole. I catch the mustang drivers off guard, and I scare people. mainly my wife.

This has me intrigued.
My wife also has an OBW. I am warming up the car as I type this to go test the X-mode launch setting.
My biggest gripe is the slllloooowwwww initial rev of the line when you floor it. Hoping you aren’t lying and X-mode is the remedy for this.

Edit: Back from the test drive. Kinda works, kinda doesn’t

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by 20WRX20

Let's not get too dramatic, here.

The real problem with Subaru's CVTs are their longevity. There are several on here who have had multiple issues with theirs. I know several locally with the same thing. Maybe they're not doing fluid changes as often as they should or whatever, but I don't see those CVTs being as durable as a conventional (or even dual clutch) auto, especially after 80,000 miles or so.

I'm actually pretty interested in this if it ends up being a legit SUV (Subaru 4Runner, anyone?) but having the CVT is a turn off.

And I remember 4EATs in for rebuild as much as CVTs are in. The difference is, the vast majority of the time, the 4EAT could be repaired and the CVT might have to be replaced. Cost is really the main difference here. There are TONS of high mileage CVTs out there. Why don't you know about it? Cause it isn't them online bitching about their non-broke thing.

[chanomatik]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

I don't think the segment cares about transmission types. The Outback is how popular as is.

Originally Posted by samagon

it's a family hauler.

the transmission type is inconsequential. it works, that's all that matters.

source: my wife loves her OBW and doesn't care about the transmission type at all. when I have to drive it, I don't care about the transmission type. it works. if I want to race someone, I toss it in launch mode (X-mode Deep Snow and Mud) and it LAUCHES out of the hole. I catch the mustang drivers off guard, and I scare people. mainly my wife.

Well, Brahmzy cares and his concern was what I was addressing. And I'm pretty sure subconsciously the common customers do care about the transmission, otherwise Subaru wouldn't have bothered to program fake shifts to make it feel like a traditional automatic. Is I ams the wrongz??

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

You’ll care when you go through constant replacements, recalls, multiple TSBs etc.

Honestly I've never talked to or seen a single person with a CVT issue, either in passing or online (FB, IG, Twitter/X, etc). I also have a 2014 Crosstrek with about 90k miles and my 17 Impreza has 160k miles. Multiple friends and families with Foresters, Ascents, Outbacks, etc. No CVT complaints. My friend's stepmom has a 17 Impreza Sport hatch manual because she just doesn't like automatics.

You, and I think one, maybe two other members, have posted negative experiences with Subaru CVTs. It sucks, but I get feeling burned. Most other reviewers claim Subaru has the best of all CVTs, but I know for most on here that'll mean squat.

Fortunately Subaru isn't run by forum members.

[Brahmzy]

Go hang out on the Ascent forums.

Thread after thread after thread, bitching about the CVT. When I had to have mine replaced in the Ascent at 30k miles, my dealer had already performed 7 and was looking to do another 15 or so and had new CVTs ordered. This was RIGHT when the recall started, so way more than that - like way more. He stated almost every Ascent that fell in the recall range failed the slip tests and had to be replaced.
Same thing happened with my old 14 Forester XT.
This isn't including all of the PITA TSBs to get new TCU firmware flashes etc to avoid another failure. TONs of Ascent CVT failures. TONs of trips to the dealer, rental cars etc.

And yes, the Ascents are dog freakin' slow out of the gate. Dangerously slow at times. You better plan ahead if you need to make some maneuvers or a left turn with traffic coming. It's one thing having turbo lag - the FA24DIT is fairly good and predictable there, but combine it with the CVT and its multiple seconds before the car is really doing anything. Partial throttle is best and achieves quicker response, but most folks put the pedal to the floor as a natural reaction to no response when cars are coming.
The CVTs have Pros and Cons. I guess I have just ran out of patience for the cons.
But yes - plenty of failures out there. I know a TON of Subaru drivers/owners. Most pleeb Crosstreks and old Legacy and Impreza cars have been mostly fine, but some models are plagued with issues.