2026 subaru outback news?!

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by SCRAPPYDO

Stay with me here. A WRX can be 50k.

A loaded up hybrid outback with a turbo motor (which it will need) could easily be mid 60's, just like the Jeep GC, the LC, and just about EVERY OTHER off road 6 seater SUV. Market will crash soon enough and incentives will appear. We are seeing 6000-8000 off Grand Cherokees finally. Curse you toyota for your never ending resale value!!!

Why would it need a turbo?

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[Brahmzy]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Why would it need a turbo?

It always needs a turbo.

Ditch that damn CVT Subaru!

[chanomatik]

If the Outback is bigger and boxier then what's the point of the Forester? I feel like the current lineup makes sense:

- Impreza = lowered hatchback
- Crosstrek = lifted hatchback
- Forester = small SUV
- Ascent = large SUV
- Outback = wagon, more comfortable for passengers than the Crosstrek, but smaller cargo opening than the Forester

And, no, I didn't read OP's reddit link.

Sent from my SM-F956U1 using Tapatalk

[KC]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

If the Outback is bigger and boxier then what's the point of the Forester? I feel like the current lineup makes sense:

- Impreza = lowered hatchback
- Crosstrek = lifted hatchback
- Forester = small SUV - N/A
- Ascent = large SUV
- Outback = wagon, more comfortable for passengers than the Crosstrek, but smaller cargo opening than the Forester

And, no, I didn't read OP's reddit link.

Sent from my SM-F956U1 using Tapatalk

Forester, non-turbo runabout. More compact, smaller and easier to navigate parking lots. Commuter.

Outback. NonTurbo and turbo. More power. Bigger. If the new outback is boxier, I would very much welcome it, because the dogs would fit better, along with stuff taken with us on vacations.

I mean, I think the writing on the wall was when Hyundai SantaFe went round to square in their design, and the accolades from everyone. If Subaru went boxy, and true SUV-ish, they may get me back. (Ascent is a turd) Haven't left, but will soon, probably by end of the year. Want/need bigger than current outback and forester is too small, not powerful enough.

[bugatti0628]

Originally Posted by KC

Forester, non-turbo runabout. More compact, smaller and easier to navigate parking lots. Commuter.

Outback. NonTurbo and turbo. More power. Bigger. If the new outback is boxier, I would very much welcome it, because the dogs would fit better, along with stuff taken with us on vacations.

I mean, I think the writing on the wall was when Hyundai SantaFe went round to square in their design, and the accolades from everyone. If Subaru went boxy, and true SUV-ish, they may get me back. (Ascent is a turd) Haven't left, but will soon, probably by end of the year. Want/need bigger than current outback and forester is too small, not powerful enough.

I see you welcome the change from a wagon to something in line with the land cruiser or telluride. I guess when you go on offroad excursions, you want not just the higher ground clearance, but a bigger rear opening for cargo as well. Also the boxier frame may help with towing capacity too. Mind you the wagon served a purpose. More car-like handling and remained below 4,000 pounds. But the question remains, what will be the base engine and seeing the outback introduced the tablet dashboard, will it introduce the fully digital gauges, more buttons and a horizontal dash again

[samagon]

the reason my wife is in an outback now instead of a more traditional SUV, or just a car is the carlike ride quality, coupled with the SUV like view of the world from the drivers seat.

I had typed out almost exactly the same thing as Chano had, but left it.

for a huge volume producer like Toyota, they can get away with the crazy overlap they have. there's enough people buying Rav4s, 4runners, Landcruisers, Highlanders, and Seqiouas to justify the overlap.

and I'm not sure who the focus group they use is anyway, I see more Outbacks in my area than I do Foresters, and certainly more than I see of the Ascent. shoot, in my neighborhood, on my street alone, there's 30 homes. 5 outbacks. the rest of the neighborhood isn't any change from that.

it seems like manufacturers feel compelled to try and make something better than an already successful formula. they should take a note from soda manufacturers, successful formulas don't need to be changed.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

If the Outback is bigger and boxier then what's the point of the Forester? I feel like the current lineup makes sense:

- Impreza = lowered hatchback
- Crosstrek = lifted hatchback
- Forester = small SUV
- Ascent = large SUV
- Outback = wagon, more comfortable for passengers than the Crosstrek, but smaller cargo opening than the Forester

And, no, I didn't read OP's reddit link.

Sent from my SM-F956U1 using Tapatalk

- Impreza = Hatchback
- Crosstrek = C-Segment SUV
- Forester = Small D-Segment SUV
- Solterra = Medium D-Segment SUV
- Outback = Large D-Segment SUV
- Ascent = E-Segment 3-Row SUV

Volvo V60 CC is a true wagon that's lifted. Outback skews more SUV to me. It would make sense for it to grow into a full blown SUV.

Don't forget there are rumored EVs coming which might fill gaps. Maybe one is more wagon-like.

[samagon]

Volvo and Audi have, I wouldn't call them lifted wagons, but rugged wagons, which I'd put the regular Outback in that same category. the OBW, that's the one that's lifted.

and you can classify it however you want, but anything in that "C segment SUV" is nothing more than a lifted hatchback, but no one trying to sell them are going to call them that because for whatever reason, Americans hate the hatchback. even though they love the "C segment SUV", aka, lifted hatchback.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by samagon

the reason my wife is in an outback now instead of a more traditional SUV, or just a car is the carlike ride quality, coupled with the SUV like view of the world from the drivers seat.

I had typed out almost exactly the same thing as Chano had, but left it.

for a huge volume producer like Toyota, they can get away with the crazy overlap they have. there's enough people buying Rav4s, 4runners, Landcruisers, Highlanders, and Seqiouas to justify the overlap.

and I'm not sure who the focus group they use is anyway, I see more Outbacks in my area than I do Foresters, and certainly more than I see of the Ascent. shoot, in my neighborhood, on my street alone, there's 30 homes. 5 outbacks. the rest of the neighborhood isn't any change from that.

it seems like manufacturers feel compelled to try and make something better than an already successful formula. they should take a note from soda manufacturers, successful formulas don't need to be changed.

What if they improved both?

And I saw something somewhere about the new Forester that I liked. It said something like "If it ain't broke, make it better".

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

- Impreza = Hatchback
- Crosstrek = C-Segment SUV
- Forester = Small D-Segment SUV
- Solterra = Medium D-Segment SUV
- Outback = Large D-Segment SUV
- Ascent = E-Segment 3-Row SUV

Volvo V60 CC is a true wagon that's lifted. Outback skews more SUV to me. It would make sense for it to grow into a full blown SUV.

Don't forget there are rumored EVs coming which might fill gaps. Maybe one is more wagon-like.

I thought they had an official release talking about that?!? Not specifics; but, just saying they are coming.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by samagon

Volvo and Audi have, I wouldn't call them lifted wagons, but rugged wagons, which I'd put the regular Outback in that same category. the OBW, that's the one that's lifted.

and you can classify it however you want, but anything in that "C segment SUV" is nothing more than a lifted hatchback, but no one trying to sell them are going to call them that because for whatever reason, Americans hate the hatchback. even though they love the "C segment SUV", aka, lifted hatchback.

While at the Subaru conference, I saw something I never knew and it actually surprised me. Subaru is small, right? Was the Impreza EVER anywhere even near other cars in it's class for sales numbers? Surely not. I had no clue, though, considering how much "It needs turbo/more HP" comments even though it was faster than it's competitors that didn't seem to get as much hate for power, that the Crosstrek HANDILY outsells every other direct competitor in it's class. WRX/STI selling more than their competitors? Sure; but, that also is in consideration the competition doesn't make enough in those segments. But something as "mainstream" as the Crosstrek? Color ME impressed it's the best seller easy. All because it's lifted. I see no other reason why.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by samagon

Volvo and Audi have, I wouldn't call them lifted wagons, but rugged wagons, which I'd put the regular Outback in that same category. the OBW, that's the one that's lifted.

and you can classify it however you want, but anything in that "C segment SUV" is nothing more than a lifted hatchback, but no one trying to sell them are going to call them that because for whatever reason, Americans hate the hatchback. even though they love the "C segment SUV", aka, lifted hatchback.

I don't put the 2010+ OB in the same category as the Audi Allroad, V60 CC or Mercedes E450 All-Terrain, as they are actually wagons. OB is now SUVified. It would look silly lowered. The Europeans are estates that have extra ride height and maybe cladding.

The OB does have a more car-like seating position/dash than the Forester, but it's not 100% a wagon with some lifts. The bumpers, etc make it look more like an SUV.

[subySerb]

2 Row SUV's sell a lot less compared their 3 row versions. Some are even being cancelled like the Edge and Murano.

But if this means that Layback or Levorg are coming over, than I'm all for the Outback becoming an SUV.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

I thought they had an official release talking about that?!? Not specifics; but, just saying they are coming.

I guess it is public.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...w-evs-by-2026/
https://insideevs.com/news/719520/su...v-toyota-2026/

[KC]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

But something as "mainstream" as the Crosstrek? Color ME impressed it's the best seller easy. All because it's lifted. I see no other reason why.

Easier entrance/egress to the seats. Better sight lines (height to see through/around vehicles). Easier to navigate parking knowing where the corners are, safe, reliable, competent, compliant on the road (takes bumps better than an impreza), and... on the low end of cost in the segment. Only real complaint is lower gas mileage, but everything else offsets that.

It's everything cost-conscious people want in a vehicle, without going "bigger".

C-segment killer. Crosstrek.

[bugatti0628]

Originally Posted by subySerb

2 Row SUV's sell a lot less compared their 3 row versions. Some are even being cancelled like the Edge and Murano.

But if this means that Layback or Levorg are coming over, than I'm all for the Outback becoming an SUV.

we will have to wait and see what happens after we see the new outback and hear the feedback. The layback is more of a replacement for the outback if it is more boxier now, the levorg is a wrx wagon and can come as an addition to the sedan

[Russ_G93]

This is what I was referring to in the other Thread (Was it with Justy? Can't remember), about the new Outback to be shown under NDA. Basically its just a closed curtain room where people like Service/Sales Managers and anyone else with the right invite can walk in and view the car, but they make you turn your phone/camera in before looking at it.

There is a Car in particular that some of the higher ups like the guys that train the Encore Delivery Spcs / others are pretty excited for. If its the Layback.. ehh, I dont like the rounded styling cues that remind me of the 08 WRX front bumper, seems pretty high off the ground for my tastes. But we'll see. Lots of companies have pulled back on their EV development costs as the market has shown otherwise (Lmao what a Revelation). I think Audi is the most current in announcing that ICE development will continue to go further than 2033 or something like that.

They also mentioned a new color being available that Subaru's in the past never had / or a specific Model never had.

[bugatti0628]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

This is what I was referring to in the other Thread (Was it with Justy? Can't remember), about the new Outback to be shown under NDA. Basically its just a closed curtain room where people like Service/Sales Managers and anyone else with the right invite can walk in and view the car, but they make you turn your phone/camera in before looking at it.

There is a Car in particular that some of the higher ups like the guys that train the Encore Delivery Spcs / others are pretty excited for. If its the Layback.. ehh, I dont like the rounded styling cues that remind me of the 08 WRX front bumper, seems pretty high off the ground for my tastes. But we'll see. Lots of companies have pulled back on their EV development costs as the market has shown otherwise (Lmao what a Revelation). I think Audi is the most current in announcing that ICE development will continue to go further than 2033 or something like that.

They also mentioned a new color being available that Subaru's in the past never had / or a specific Model never had.

the new color will be quite a surprise. The layback is a levorg slightly lifted, and a different front facia

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

This is what I was referring to in the other Thread (Was it with Justy? Can't remember), about the new Outback to be shown under NDA. Basically its just a closed curtain room where people like Service/Sales Managers and anyone else with the right invite can walk in and view the car, but they make you turn your phone/camera in before looking at it.

There is a Car in particular that some of the higher ups like the guys that train the Encore Delivery Spcs / others are pretty excited for. If its the Layback.. ehh, I dont like the rounded styling cues that remind me of the 08 WRX front bumper, seems pretty high off the ground for my tastes. But we'll see. Lots of companies have pulled back on their EV development costs as the market has shown otherwise (Lmao what a Revelation). I think Audi is the most current in announcing that ICE development will continue to go further than 2033 or something like that.

They also mentioned a new color being available that Subaru's in the past never had / or a specific Model never had.

I remember you saying that they were excited about something. Now, that I've seen it, I am pretty sure it's the new Outback. This was the 3rd NBC I've been to where the Solterra and BRZ were shown, then the Forester last year and now the Outback. This was the first time the entire assembly cheered and applauded like a gold medal had just been won.

[KC]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

I remember you saying that they were excited about something. Now, that I've seen it, I am pretty sure it's the new Outback. This was the 3rd NBC I've been to where the Solterra and BRZ were shown, then the Forester last year and now the Outback. This was the first time the entire assembly cheered and applauded like a gold medal had just been won.

[bugatti0628]

Originally Posted by KC

kc has found a seat next to justy and has ordered more popcorn, what about the outback has you so intrigued

[bugatti0628]

Due to how big the redesign may be, it's very possible they show the brand new outback at the LA auto show

[Russ_G93]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

I remember you saying that they were excited about something. Now, that I've seen it, I am pretty sure it's the new Outback. This was the 3rd NBC I've been to where the Solterra and BRZ were shown, then the Forester last year and now the Outback. This was the first time the entire assembly cheered and applauded like a gold medal had just been won.

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"

[chanomatik]

From my Google-fu, it looks like the Ascent is about 5" longer than the Outback, but the Outback is about 10" longer than the Forester. Does the Outback need to be longer? Or will it just be taller and boxier?

Also the re-introduction of physical controls is a huge win across the board.

[Kostamojen]

Eliminating the Outback as a Wagon is missing thr point. It will just become another ho hum midsize SUV.

[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(Hopefully), 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.