Subaru

The majority of models in Subaru’s U.S. lineup have been implicated in a new class action lawsuit for a persistent battery drain problem. Despite many owners replacing their batteries, the lawsuit claims the issue will simply return due to a larger defect within the electric systems of the vehicle, resulting in parasitic drain. Plaintiffs claim that they’ve had to spend extra cash on diagnostic costs, roadside assistance, and complete battery replacements, besides the inconvenience of being left stranded by cars that won’t start. Here’s everything we know.

Subaru

The lawsuit’s multiple plaintiffs hail from New York, New Jersey, California, and Texas. All have had problems with their cars either being unable to start or shutting down/stalling in traffic due to issues with the battery and electric system. The lawsuit, shared by Car Complaints, alleges that power consumption is inadequately managed by the electric system when the vehicle is off, with at least one electronic control module failing to put the vehicle into the correct low power sleep mode. This leads to parasitic battery drain that can happen at any time. The following Subaru models have been mentioned in the lawsuit:

• 2021-2022 Subaru Outback
• 2021-2024 Subaru Forester
• 2021-2023 Subaru Legacy
• 2021-2023 Subaru WRX
• 2021-2022 Subaru Ascent
• 2019-2023 Subaru Crosstrek
• 2019-2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
• 2022-2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness
• 2019-2023 Subaru Impreza

The Forester and Crosstrek are some of Subaru’s best-selling models in the country, so there are potentially a very large number of affected vehicles. Christina Taylor, the plaintiff from New York, purchased a 2021 Subaru Forester and first ran into trouble with starting the vehicle at 36,705 miles. She replaced the battery for $326 initially, but it failed again at 72,678 miles. The dealer replaced it for free but she claims that rough starts are still an issue.

Other plaintiffs have had similar experiences and have had to replace batteries for up to $434.

Subaru

More than one lawsuit has been filed for the battery issue in Subarus. In 2022, a settlement was reached between the automaker and a separate group of plaintiffs. In it, Subaru insisted the vehicles were fine, but in the proposed settlement, the automaker agreed to pay 100% of the first battery replacement for up to five years or 60,000 miles. That doesn’t directly resolve the issue of continued parasitic drain, which eventually affects new batteries, too.

In the 2026 lawsuit, the owner of a 2024 Outback had a larger replacement battery and bracket installed, indicating that the original was inadequate. In October 2025, Subaru issued a bulletin on how to correctly test for parasitic battery drain, with the aim to address “the tendency of technicians to prematurely attribute parasitic draw to the Data Communication Module.”

We visited the NHTSA and Car Complaints and found numerous complaints from customers who have had battery issues. For the Subaru Outback, the single most reported problem is for dead batteries on 2017 Outbacks, a model not even included in this latest lawsuit.

This suggests there is an underlying electrical flaw.

Related: Toyota and Subaru Sued as EV Owners Claim Batteries Fail in Just Months

Subaru

Whereas an issue like a defective airbag often results in an immediate recall—due to not meeting federal safety standards—the Subaru battery issue is more challenging to resolve. The automaker’s findings of there being no underlying flaw conflicts sharply with the experiences of many customers, who have had repeated battery failures. While some lawsuits can unfortunately take months or years to reach a resolution, there’s hope for owners that legal pressure will compel Subaru to initiate a recall. Until that happens, many may have to grapple with more frequent battery replacements.

Chase Bierenkoven

Subaru published its April 2026 sales figures, and the midsize Outback had its best month of the year (so far) with 10,552 units sold. That number represents a slight decrease of 8.3% from last April when it moved 11,501 units, though 2025 was a fairly impressive year for the Outback given it was in the final model year of its sixth-generation.

Model

April 26

April 25

YTD 26

YTD 25

Outback

10,552

11,501

37,626

51,435

Even still, the Outback is starting to bounce back after a rocky start to 2026, which has seen the popular model move just 37,626 units through April, down 26.9% compared to 2025 when it sold 51,435 units in the first four months. Critics of the seventh-generation Outback might claim the drop in sales can be attributed to the new model's styling, which is more aggressive and less wagon-like than ever before. This rebound in April could show the sluggish sales were due to the model year changeover and a lack of inventory, not a lack of demand.

Subaru

April 2026 also represented Subaru's best-ever month for electric car sales with 2,053 vehicles sold. The Subaru Solterra moved 1,128 units, an 18.9% gain from the same month in 2025. Subaru has sold 4,169 Solterras so far in 2026, which is an increase of 2.2% from the same period last year, an impressive feat considering the company no longer has the $7,500 federal tax credit to entice customers. That could be partially due to some impressive lease deals.

Model

April 26

April 25

YTD 26

YTD 25

Solterra

1,128

949

4,169

4,080

Trailseeker

406

N/A

N/A

N/A

Uncharted

519

N/A

N/A

N/A

The Solterra is joined by two brand-new models, the Trailseeker and Uncharted, which debuted this month with 406 and 519 units sold, respectively. These are modest sales numbers, but it's a start for two fresh nameplates. Both the Trailseeker and Uncharted ride on Toyota platforms, sharing architectures with the bZ Woodland and C-HR.

Subaru

Overall, Subaru's sales in April dropped to 52,733 units, down from 5.9% from 56,011 units in 2025. Year-to-date, the Japanese automaker has sold 194,683 vehicles, a drop of 12.7% form last year. There are a few bright points in the lineup, like the affordable Forester, which is up 4% year-to-date to 71,989 units, though it did see a drop in 7.7% drop in April to 17,837 units.

Model

April 26

April 25

YTD 26

YTD 25

Crosstrek

15,667

14,935

54,164

58,547

Forester

17,837

19,330

71,989

69,195

WRX

1,178

772

4,680

5,599

The sporty WRX saw a surprise 52.6% increase in April to 1,178 units, though the all-wheel-drive sedan is currently down 16.4% YTD to 4,680 units. The Crosstrek also saw a nice 4.9% bump in April due to an affordable lease, hitting 15,667 units, though sales are still down 7.5% YTD.

Our favorite SUV for camping, for the money, is the Subaru Crosstrek. Its standard all-wheel drive and affordable price point make it one of the better compacts on sale today, even without considering its uses for camping. The Crosstrek's modest trunk size might be a little bit of a hurdle for large families, but its roof rack offers ample storage options. Subaru's excellent little crossover aside, we've compiled other great options for camping companions here.

Price: $28,445

Pretty much regardless of trim, the Crosstrek is a stand-out vehicle for camping because of its baked-in off-road capability. The affordable price point and standard all-wheel drive aside, the Crosstrek is also comfy enough for long drives. Subaru also offers a capable Wilderness trim with added ground clearance and better tires for those wanting to get away from the KOA campground. These also net high capacity roof rails that will hold up to 800 pounds, perfect for filling the roof rack with all the things you may not have been able to get into the Crosstrek's hatch.

Kia

Price: $40,735

If you need more space than offered by the Crosstrek, Kia's Telluride has you covered. It's on a winning streak, with the last generation being one of our favorite family SUVs. It so happens these qualifications make it a great camping candidate: a cavernous trunk, third row, and excellent pricing make the Telluride a winner in both categories. The brand also offers a rugged X-Pro trim for a little added capability, featuring the usual run of off-road features, like tires and special drive modes. Kia's build quality is excellent, too, and nearly any Telluride feels like a serious value compared to similar alternatives from the likes of Ford, Honda, and Toyota.

Chase Bierenkoven

Price: $42,490

The Ford Bronco is the best alternative for those looking to do some camping away from everyone else. To do that, you'll need the Bronco's litany of off-road features, like its all-terrain tires and locking differentials. Broncos can be had with two or four doors, depending on what you need to take with you. Their added removable roof panels or soft tops also make them excellent at getting to the core of what going camping is about: being outside. Ford offers two powertrains, but the cheaper four-cylinder and its manual transmission, complete with crawler gear, is by far the most fun and bang for your buck.

Find the perfect tires for your exact vehicle and driving style. Click here to shop all top-tier brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, and more, directly at Tire Rack.

Stellantis

Price: $38,625

If you like the Bronco, you'll like the Wrangler. Like the above Ford, it offers plenty of off-road capability and a few different body styles, along with a few roof options. Jeep's long-running SUV also has the added benefit of being offered as a hybrid (until just this year). The biggest reason it loses out to the Bronco is space. With the Bronco being just slightly larger, you're able to bring more with you in the Bronco than you are in the Wrangler. We're big fans of the base Wrangler's big, simple V6 and its six-speed manual transmission.

Price: $67,735

There's almost nothing to dislike about the Lexus GX. It's big, it's got a torquey V6 with ample power, and it's got the off-road chops to get you away from other campers. Overtrail models in particular are excellent at this, with their added off-road equipment. Luxury is the GX's other big strong suit, with items like ventilated seats, leather upholstery, and advanced driver aids to help those long hauls feel more manageable. These SUVs are also great for towing, and have the highest capacity on this list besides the Fords below, at 9,000 pounds. The third row's a bit tight, but it does make for a cavernous rear cargo bay.

Ford

Price: $40,085

The F-150 is America's favorite truck, and it so happens it's also pretty great to take camping. The truck is staggeringly varied, offering a hilarious glut of powertrains, cab configurations, and trim levels. For simplicity's sake: get one with four-wheel drive and the FX-4 off-road package with a bed big enough to carry tents, tables, and the like. If towing, opt for the brand's tow packages, which add cameras and other helpful assists. Expect to pull up to 13,500 pounds. Ford also offers a high-powered Raptor for serious off-road work, but its electric alternative, the Lightning, is no more.

Each year, Consumer Reports analyzes which used vehicle pages its members visit most, and the results serve as a near-perfect window into how Americans think when buying a car on a budget. The 2026 list, drawn from searches across vehicles up to 20 years old but with particular focus on three-year-old models, is telling not just for who made it, but for why they made it. Consumer Reports flags many of these as "CR Recommended”, meaning they passed road tests, have strong reliability records, carry standard electronic stability control, and performed well in crash tests.

American buyers aren’t chasing flashy cars with cutting-edge technology, nor are they taking chances on unproven platforms. They are gravitating toward vehicles with long track records, predictable running costs, and long-term dependability. Unsurprisingly, Toyota and Subarudominate the list, with Honda close behind. Here’s the top 10 most-searched used models, why buyers are searching for them, and what Kelley Blue Book private party values look like currently.

America's best-selling SUV has that distinction for a reason. The 2022–2023 RAV4 offers a nimble, fuel-efficient AWD experience, clear controls, and a genuinely roomy cabin, all wrapped in Toyota's legendary long-term reliability. The 2022 model year is particularly attractive for value-hunters. KBB private party value for a 2023 RAV4 runs approximately $24,100 to $31,300, depending on trim.

The CR-V grew significantly in this generation, gaining more rear seat room and a more premium interior. The 1.5-liter turbo delivers quick acceleration, and the hybrid variant is among the most fuel-efficient in the segment. The 2022–2023 model years are the sweet spot, often coming off-lease with low mileage. KBB private party value for a 2023 CR-V sits around $22,800 to $30,200.

Honda

Forester buyers tend to be loyal for good reason. Outstanding visibility, standard AWD, generous cabin space, and a simple, honest character that wears well over time. The 2022–2023 Forester delivers competitive fuel economy and an interior that is easier to get in and out of than most rivals. KBB private party values for a 2022 Forester range from roughly $18,750 to $23,500.

Subaru

The post-2021 Rogue is a major upgrade over earlier versions. The 201-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder pulls strongly and returns decent fuel economy, and interior quality has improved considerably. Buyers are drawn to its combination of comfort, tech, and competitive pricing. The 2022–2023 model years offer the best value. KBB private party values for a 2023 Rogue fall in the $18,300 to $23,900 range.

For three-row family needs, the Highlander is the go-to safe choice. The 2022–2023 models offer a composed ride and a significantly improved interior over older generations. The hybrid version, which manages around 35 mpg overall, holds its value especially well. KBB private party values for a 2023 Highlander run from approximately $27,700 to $35,400 for the standard model, and somewhat higher for the hybrid.

Toyota

The CX-5 punches above its price point in terms of refinement and driving enjoyment, and buyers searching for it on Consumer Reports are almost certainly aware of that. It's one of the better-driving compact SUVs on the market, with a premium interior feel that belies its segment. The 2022–2023 models represent the current generation at its most refined. KBB private party values for a 2023 CX-5 sit in the $20,000 to $24,000 range.

Mazda

The Escape has wide appeal among buyers who prioritize front-seat comfort and nimble city handling. The 2023 refresh brought a cleaner look and improved tech, including a standard 12.3-inch screen with wireless connectivity. The hybrid variant is particularly economical. Used prices for a 2023 Escape are among the most accessible on this list, with KBB private party values typically running $15,150 to $21,300 — making it one of the more affordable entry points.

Ford

The Outback occupies a unique niche as a practical, go-anywhere wagon with genuine off-road capability, and buyers who want it tend to know exactly what they want. Standard AWD, excellent cargo space, and strong safety scores make it a perennial CR favorite. The 2022–2023 models are the target years. KBB private party values for a 2023 Outback range from approximately $19,850 to $26,300.

America's best-selling vehicle overall, and the only full-size truck in the top 10. Buyers searching for the F-150 used are typically drawn to the crew cab configurations with the popular 2.7-liter turbocharged V6, which delivers strong performance and respectable fuel economy. The 2022–2023 models introduced Sync 4 infotainment and improved hybrid powertrains. KBB private party values for a 2023 F-150 vary widely by configuration, ranging from around $21,100 for a base regular cab to well over $40,000 for loaded Lariat trims.

The Equinox makes the list largely on the strength of its price. It offers a feature-rich experience at a lower cost than many rivals, though it trails the Subaru, Honda, and Toyota options in reputation for reliability and driving enjoyment. The 2023 model brought minor refinements. KBB private party values for a 2023 Equinox fall between roughly $16,900 and $20,400.

Zac Palmer

The economics of buying used have rarely been more compelling. The US used car market stood at roughly 38.5 to 39 million total transactions in 2025, or more than double the new car market. Average new car payments have climbed toward $750 a month, and with new vehicle prices still rising in early 2026, used cars are the obvious choice for buyers who’ve had enough.

The shift shows up clearly in what people are searching for. SUVs and crossovers account for over 43 percent of used car transactions, and 14 of the 20 most-searched models on Consumer Reports are exactly that. Off-lease supply is also expected to improve through 2026, meaning more low-mileage, late-model inventory should gradually enter the market. When every dollar of a car purchase matters more, people gravitate toward vehicles with known quantities — proven reliability, manageable running costs, and strong resale value.

If there's something to be said about Subaru styling, it's either conservative or downright polarizing. On the one hand, you have models like the Crosstrek and Forester, and then you have the new Outback, which has drawn some, er, interesting comments. Either way, the company makes an effort to jazz up the look by introducing special trims.

In most parts of the world, including North America, there's a Wilderness Edition that beefs up the styling and adds off-road goodies. But over in Japan, Subaru goes far beyond that. In its home market, the Forester has several design packages that range from amusing to downright strange, at least in our eyes.

Subaru

We'll kick things off with the STI Performance Parts for the popular crossover. Right off the bat, we'll tell you that none of these add power to the Forester, so don't get your hopes up. The performance parts are compatible with both the hybrid (badged e-Boxer) and the Japan-exclusive turbo versions.

For that, there's an aero kit that adds a deeper front chin, side skirts, rear bumper diffusers, and a more prominent tailgate spoiler. Also available are various chassis upgrades, such as strut tower bars and a rear chassis brace. Exhaust kits can also be fitted to both turbo and hybrid models, and there's a selection of 18-inch STI wheels to spice up the most recent Japan Car of the Year winner. Think of this then as the opposite of the Wilderness Edition.

Subaru

We won't shock you immediately by showing you the most shocking package, so we'll start with the mild Accent Color Package that adds, well, accents to some exterior bezels. After that, it's the Adventure Style decal package that, to the surprise of no one, slaps on decals all over the place. There's one on the hood, another set on the doors, and another on the tailgate. One can even put on mountain decals if that's still not enough.

Last but not least is the complete Adventure Style Package that gives the Forester a grille that's up for discussion, along with chunky door guards that are far from subtle. Subaru adds that those door guards can be used as a hanger of sorts. If that's still not enough, the package also includes headlight and taillight garnishes, said to be protective, as well as a roof edge protector. If we were to describe it as kindly as possible, we'd call it functional.. .to a degree.

What's interesting here is that these packages can be mixed and matched to the buyer's desire. That means you can get the STI Performance Parts and Adventure Style Package to create, er, something unique, which is exactly what we did in the configurator. That said, you can choose to get bits and pieces individually if that's all too weird.

Subaru

Subaru

Lately, Subaru has been the biggest automotive tease in the industry. Enthusiasts and brand loyalists have, from time to time, hoped for the return of truly iconic nameplates like the STi and other performance-focused models the brand is known for.

Instead, what began as teasers and cryptic posts on official brand social media pages has become just another special edition of an already existing car. One of their latest teasers has just become a reality, although not a road car, it is still a positive sign for fans of the brand.

Subaru

Around a month ago, Subaru announced a special project for 2026 during a Super Taikyu race. During the event, the automaker announced that for this year's All Japan Rally Championship, they'll be fielding a special car. Instead of going for the expected WRX platform, they went with the BRZ as a base and took it to new Rallying heights.

Now officially revealed to the world is the Subaru BRZ Spec.Z Rally challenger. This car is special not just because it's based on Subaru's two-door coupe, but also because it's been turned into the ultimate rally car.

One major aspect of rally-spec'd cars is, of course, an AWD system, which the Spec.Z gets for better traction on loose surfaces. Also part of the upgrades is a supplemental turbocharger for the stock 2.4-liter boxer engine. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission, while the suspension system is a strut-type setup on both axles.

Toshihiro Arai will be the driver of the Spec.Z rally car; the team actually bears his name, but will have full support from the Subaru factory. He has already driven the Spec.Z and shared some insights with Subaru Motorsports Magazine. He said that most of the issues they initially struggled with have already been resolved, but they still need to do some true race simulations. He did add that the car's overall balance is about two to three levels higher than in previous tests.

Subaru

Arai also spoke about how the car feels in terms of power and handling, adding that the engine is very responsive and the brakes work well, while the cornering speed is also very high. He says that the BRZ's inherent size and low center of gravity are contributing to the way the car is behaving.

It won't be too long before the Spec.Z is properly driven in competition, and while this car might not be a production model, if it does well in the races, it might not be so far-fetched to imagine Subaru building some limited-edition Spec. Zs for the road.

Subaru

We all remember what happened with the Subaru Solterra and the model formerly known as the bZ4x. Toyota debuted its EV first, and then Subaru came immediately afterwards to ride the wave, trying valiantly to disguise the fact that the Solterra was, quite literally, a rebadged version of the bZ4x. The interior layout, the operating system for the multimedia system, and the driver’s display screen were identical to the Toyota version—oh, but the steering wheel was a different shape, but the exterior design was a very blatant copy-and-paste job of the Toyota. The main difference, though, was that the Toyota could come with FWD to get more miles out of it, while the Subaru was all-wheel drive only, and somehow, more expensive than the Toyota. 

Subaru

Nowadays, Subaru doesn’t seem as cautious about hiding its collaboration with Toyota. The all-new bZ (renamed from bZ4x to make it simpler and easier to remember) debuted with a larger frame and a redesign, and then the Subaru Trailseeker debuted not long afterward. The Solterra got a redesign, finally, and looks more Subaru-y than Toyota-y, but… We still know. However, Toyota’s strategy this time around is much different. The bZ is still the only one of the two that can be bought with FWD, it’s still less expensive than the Subaru version, and this time, the pricing structure is different, which makes deciding between the two a bit more difficult. After driving both, here’s what I’d pick, and why.

Related: Road Ethos Launches: The New Automotive Lifestyle Site You Should Read

Unlike the Subaru Trailseeker, which anchors its entire identity in the outdoor-lifestyle niche, the Toyota bZ offers a broader spectrum of choice. You can spec the Toyota as a sleek, premium-leaning commuter or a rugged adventurer. The standard bZ lineup is streamlined into the XLE and Limited trims—starting at $34,900 and climbing to $43,300—while the Woodland edition sits at the top of the hierarchy with a $45,300 MSRP.

Subaru’s pricing structure is notably loftier, but more condensed. The entry-level Premium starts at $39,995, but by the time you reach the Touring (with its leather-trimmed interior), you’re looking at $46,855. The fundamental divide, however, is in the drivetrain philosophy. Every Trailseeker comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode, marketed explicitly to those who live at the end of a dirt road or in the heart of the snow belt. Toyota’s marketing for the standard bZ trims leans heavily into urban city-slicker imagery, with the bZ Woodland being the more expensive, premium, off-road model.

While Subaru ensures you don't have to pay for a top-tier trim to get off-road goodies, they don't offer a high-efficiency counterpart to Toyota’s front-wheel-drive models. If you choose the Subie life, you’re locked into a range of 274 to 280 miles. Toyota, conversely, allows you to trade that extra motor for efficiency, pushing the FWD models up to 314 miles. It’s fitting, then, that when Toyota finally does get dirty with the Woodland edition, the range settles right into Subaru territory at 281 miles.

Kristen Brown

There are also four (yes, four) different horsepower options for the Toyota, while there’s just one for the Subaru—375 horsepower, even with the base model. Here’s how the horsepower works for the bZ:

• The Entry Level (168 hp): This is found only on the base XLE FWD. It uses a smaller 57.7-kWh battery and is designed specifically as an affordable, urban-focused commuter. It’s the "budget" option that helps Toyota reach that $34,900 starting price.
• The Mid-Range (221 hp): If you step up to the XLE Plus FWD or Limited FWD, you get a bump to 221 horsepower. This version also moves you into the larger 74.7-kWh battery, which is how Toyota achieves that class-leading 314-mile range.
• The High-Range (338 hp): Any trim labeled AWD jumps to a dual-motor setup with 338 horsepower. This is a massive 50% increase over last year’s model and drops the 0–60 mph time to about 4.9 seconds
• The Woodland (375 hp): This trim still uses the 74.7-kWh battery with dual motors, but the motors have more power than the high-range models, upping the horsepower. Here, the 0-60 time jumps up to 4.4 seconds.

The story here is the same as the Subaru Solterra versus the Toyota bZ4x. The exteriors are slightly different, with the Subaru looking more rugged with heavier bumper armor, and a more “open” look to the starry headlights, and more body cladding, no matter the trim. And, of course, there’s the Subaru badging. I found it interesting, though, that the 3D-embossed “SUBARU” badge is the same as it is on the Toyota. Depending on the trim, the wheel arches on the bZ can match the color of the body, while the Woodland is matte black to appear more rugged and tough. 

Toyota

Toyota’s look is a lot more angular, too, compared to Subaru’s softer look. The bZ and bZ Woodland have the company’s signature hammerhead headlights, which I especially like because the design both fits the off-road aesthetic of the Woodland, but looks very tight and polished for the Limited or XLE models. 

Subaru

The interiors of both, though, are basically identical. The size, shape, and placement of the multimedia and driver display screen are the same. The shape of the steering wheel is the same, save for a flat top and bottom for the Subaru. Both have the dual-wireless phone chargers up front, as well as what I call the “thick neck” steering column. They’re shamelessly identical, which bummed me out, because I always preferred Subaru’s gas-only interiors to Toyota’s, and hoped that design language would translate into their EVs, but… I guess not.

Related: Toyota Is Offering $6,500 Off Its bZ Woodland — But Subaru Still Undercuts It

When it comes to actual trail performance, these two are essentially identical twins sharing the same brain. Both utilize the same X-Mode software architecture, which manages motor output and braking to optimize traction when things get slippery. Subaru sticks with its "Dual-Mode" branding, offering specific toggles for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, while Toyota packages it as X-Mode with Grip Control. Functionally, they are the same low-speed crawl system, but Subaru’s interface feels more central to the driving experience, whereas Toyota treats it like a secondary tool for "if you absolutely must" leave the pavement.

Kristen Brown

Despite the shared software, Subaru squeaks out a win in the nitty-gritty, fine-print mechanical specs. The Trailseeker offers 8.5 inches of ground clearance, besting the bZ Woodland’s 8.4 inches by a tenth of an inch. It sounds like a rounding error, but for those navigating rocky ruts, that extra sliver of daylight can be a badge of honor. More importantly for tight forest trails, the Subaru boasts a much tighter turning circle of 36.7 feet, making the Toyota’s 40-foot radius feel a bit more like a boat when you're trying to execute a three-point turn at a cramped trailhead.

So, where does the real advantage lie? It comes down to how you plan to use the car the day you drive it off the lot, and how closely you pay attention to the details. Toyota offers a factory all-terrain tire option for the Woodland that provides a massive confidence boost on jagged surfaces (but with a drop in range to 260 miles), while the Trailseeker comes with all-seasons, no matter the trim. Subaru, however, wins when a few small details are considered. The Trailseeker includes a rear camera washer (a lifesaver when you're backing through mud) and a flatter steering wheel design that helps keep the instrument cluster visible during steep climbs.

Subaru

But here’s the main point I really want to try and bring home: you don’t have to buy an off-road-specific trim of the Subaru, so you could buy the base model and get everything you’d get in the Woodland for much less because Subaru doesn’t treat AWD or off-road software like a premium upgrade. So, it really, truly comes down to how you prefer the styling, and whether or not you really need/want the off-road software and aesthetic.

I’ve tested both off-road, and they’re both excellent choices for those who live in colder or rainier climates. However, Subaru coming with all the “premium” off-road technology and hardware that the bZ Woodland has, even at the base price of $39,995, is very, very hard to ignore. The bZ Woodland, in my opinion, has a much nicer exterior design, but I have a hard time justifying the price, knowing Subaru offers the same (sans all-terrain tires) for $5,305 less. With that extra cash, you can easily buy your own AT tires and have enough for other light-duty modifications.

So, here’s how I’d summarize which is the better buy for off-roading specifically: the Subaru Trailseeker is the smarter buy, hands down, because of the pricing phenomenon I mentioned above. Plus, with the Subaru, you get 375 horsepower even at the base—so, while the base model of the Subaru is more than the Toyota’s, it’s because you get more than the base bZ. A higher range, more horsepower, and all-wheel drive. The Woodland’s looks are nicer, but they come at a pretty hefty premium. If you’re serious about needing the X-Mode and all-wheel drive, go with Subaru.

The 2026 Subaru Outback and Forester share the same engine, the same all-wheel drive system, and the same target buyer. The difference between them has nothing to do with the powertrain and everything to do with what Subaru chose to do with each model in 2026.

If you want the best technology and real performance headroom, the Outback is the clear choice. If you want 90% of the capability for significantly less money, the Forester is the smarter buy. Everything below explains why that gap exists and whether it matters for your situation.

Outback: – Fully redesigned interior – Available turbo engine – More cargo space – Higher price

Forester: – Lower cost – Better fuel economy – Easier to park – Previous-generation cabin tech

Related: Is the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness the Brand's Best Family Crossover? I Drove it and Found Out.

The Forester starts at $29,995, the Outback at $34,995. That gap reaches $6,610 at the Wilderness trim level. Both come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a 2.5-litre boxer four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, and EyeSight driver-assist technology.

2026 is the first model year where the gap between these two vehicles becomes genuinely difficult to ignore. The Outback just received its most significant redesign in three decades, with a new body, an entirely new interior, and overhauled technology. The Forester, updated only a year earlier, carried forward the previous generation's cabin technology largely intact. One vehicle moved forward substantially; the other didn't. That asymmetry is what this comparison is actually about.

Subaru

The Forester is built around simplicity. It parks without difficulty, returns competitive fuel economy, and handles everyday errands as well as a muddy trailhead without demanding much from the driver. Outward visibility is genuinely exceptional. The upright greenhouse gives a clear view in all directions that most modern crossovers no longer offer, while the driving experience is unfussy enough that it fades into the background after a week.

Subaru

The Outback is positioned as something more versatile. The 2026 redesign gave it a larger cabin, an entirely new infotainment system, and an available turbocharged engine the Forester cannot match at any price. It is the vehicle for buyers who want Subaru's all-weather credentials in a larger, more capable package and who regularly use their vehicle for more than the daily commute.

Related: 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid Arrives to Make Off-Roading Efficient

The Outback's cargo advantage is the most tangible size difference: 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats (80.5 folded) against the Forester's 27.5 (69.1 folded). It also has a wider load floor and lower liftover height, which matters when loading heavy gear at the end of a long day.

The Forester's more upright hatch and boxy geometry make vertical stacking easier and car seat installation considerably less awkward, and its shorter 105.1-inch wheelbase threads tight parking structures with noticeably less effort than the Outback's 108.1.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness

Chase Bierenkoven

The shared 2.5-litre base engine is adequate for commuting in either vehicle, though neither is quick. The Forester reaches 60 mph in roughly 8.3 to 9.2 seconds depending on trim. The more significant difference lies in what the Outback offers above that baseline. The Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trims come standard with a turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer four producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which makes a genuine difference on highway merges and raises the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds, bringing small boats and loaded trailers into practical reach. The Forester has no turbocharged option at any price, and in 2026 that is starting to feel like a gap Subaru will eventually need to address.

Chase Bierenkoven

The fuel economy advantage the Forester carries is real, though it varies significantly by trim. On base engines, the EPA rates the Forester at 26/33 mpg city/highway (29 mpg combined) against the Outback's 25/31 mpg city/highway (27 mpg combined) — a 2 mpg gap worth roughly $150 per year in annual fuel costs ($2,050 vs $2,200 at EPA standard mileage).

The Wilderness comparison is more pronounced: the Forester Wilderness returns 24/28 mpg city/highway against the Outback Wilderness's 21/27 mpg city/highway, a difference the EPA prices at $300 annually ($2,300 vs $2,600). Factor in smaller, cheaper replacement tires and typically lower insurance premiums, and the real-world ownership cost difference is meaningfully wider than the MSRP figures suggest.

Both Wilderness trims are credible off-road performers: all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and dual-function X-MODE are standard on each. The Outback Wilderness reaches 9.5 inches of clearance and gains electronically controlled dampers new for 2026, improving both trail capability and on-road composure. The Forester Wilderness sits at 9.3 inches and compensates with the inherent advantage of a shorter, lighter vehicle on the same all-terrain tires — one that is easier to place accurately on a narrow trail and demands less from the driver on technical terrain. The Outback Wilderness is the better choice for buyers who tow gear to a trailhead; the Forester Wilderness suits buyers who want a capable, lower-stress vehicle for rougher roads and fire tracks without the added weight and running costs of the larger platform.

Kyle Edward/Autoblog

This is where the 2026 comparison becomes most significant, and where the timing matters most. Subaru's best-selling SUV arrived at its own redesign year already trailing its sibling by a full generation in cabin technology, and that gap is not a small one.

Chase Bierenkoven

The Outback's complete interior overhaul brought a 12.1-inch touchscreen with responsive inputs, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and dedicated physical controls for the climate system, fixing one of the most persistent complaints about the previous generation. The Forester, despite its own 2025 redesign, carries forward the previous-generation 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, which buries most functions including climate controls behind touch inputs and is known for sluggish response during cold starts. Placed side by side, the gap isn't subtle — it's generational. Subaru's highest-volume model effectively launched a step behind its own lineup.

The Forester's interior has genuine strengths. StarTex water-resistant upholstery handles the wear of children and dogs without much concern, the seating position offers strong visibility from all angles, and the upright door openings make rear seat access easier than in most crossovers. The Outback's cabin is more refined, but the Forester's is arguably more practical for buyers who intend to use it hard. That said, as the Outback's system matures through software updates, the Forester's tech disadvantage will only compound.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

Subaru

The Forester undercuts the Outback at every comparable trim level. The base-to-base gap is approximately $5,000, and the Wilderness-to-Wilderness spread reaches $6,610, reflecting the Outback's turbo engine and electronically controlled dampers. The Outback Limited XT at $44,365 represents the strongest value in the lineup, combining turbocharged power, leather, a surround-view camera, and the full redesigned technology suite for under $45,000.

Beyond the sticker, the Forester's cost advantage continues to build. On base trims, the EPA's annual fuel cost difference is $150 ($2,050 vs $2,200) — modest in isolation, but the Wilderness gap jumps to $300 per year ($2,300 vs $2,600), which over five years adds $1,500 to an already $6,610 purchase price spread. Smaller tires and lower insurance premiums widen it further.

Buy the Outback if…

Buy the Forester if…

Passengers & cargo

You regularly carry five people or a full load of gear

Two or three people, and your gear fits in a hiking pack

Towing

You pull a trailer or small boat

You don't tow

Tech

Current infotainment matters to you

You can live with the previous generation

Performance

You want the turbo option

The base engine is enough

Budget

You can absorb $5–6k more upfront

You'd rather keep that money

Off-road

You drive to the trailhead loaded

You want a lighter, more nimble rig on the trail itself

City use

Fine with a slightly larger footprint

Tight streets and car parks are a daily reality

The Outback is the stronger vehicle by most measurable criteria. But the Forester at $29,995 — or $38,385 in Wilderness trim — covers the vast majority of what most buyers actually need, in a more efficient, more manageable package. The Outback wins on capability. The Forester wins on reality.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

Cole Attisha

Several automakers, including Audi and Subaru, have built lasting reputations in rally that continue to benefit their production models. Another notable marque is Lancia, which gave rise to icons such as the Delta Integrale and the wedge-shaped Stratos. However, the brand gradually faded from the spotlight after leaving rally competition in 1992, and later withdrew from global markets to focus solely on Italy.

This decade, Lancia is beginning to stage a revival under parent company Stellantis and has even returned to the World Rally Championship. The highlight came recently with a class win at Rally Croatia, where Yohan Rossel took victory in a Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale with co-driver Arnaud Dunand.

Stellantis

The duo put Lancia back on the top step of the podium after over three decades and helped Team Lancia Corse HF take the standings lead after four rounds of the 2026 season. The team competed in the opening round at Rally Monte Carlo, skipped the next two events in Sweden and Kenya, and returned to action in Croatia. It is worth noting that the win came in WRC2, the series’ second-tier class behind WRC1, where Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford currently field factory entries.

Teammate Nikolay Gryazin, alongside co-driver Konstantin Aleksandrov, also secured a third-place podium finish in Croatia.

The Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale is based on the Ypsilon road car, a five-door hatchback offered either as a fully electric model or with a 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-three engine. It rides on Stellantis’ CMP platform, which also underpins other models within the group, including the Jeep Avenger, a model not sold in the U.S., where buyers tend to favor larger vehicles.

Stellantis

With its return to rallying, there had been speculation that Lancia would enter WRC1, especially with new regulations set to take effect in 2027 that aim to lower costs and encourage more entrants to join the flagship class. However, the Italian marque appears to be focusing on WRC2 for now, with the team stating that it is not developing a car to comply with the new rules.

If Lancia continues to find success in motorsport, Stellantis could leverage that momentum to reinforce the brand’s positioning as a performance-focused luxury marque. The automaker is also expanding beyond the current Ypsilon, with plans to introduce the Gamma, expected to serve as its volume model. It will be followed by the revival of the Delta nameplate, which is expected to launch around 2028 and is rumored to be a performance electric hatch.

Stellantis

Subaru’s been working to carve out its place in the EV world, and the 2026 Trailseeker is proof they’re not just dipping a toe in. This isn’t just a bigger Solterra – it’s a proper electric SUV with real Subaru DNA, sized like an Outback but built to handle more than just city streets.

That’s why these new Trailseeker lease deals showing up this April are worth a closer look. You don’t have to jump straight into a full purchase – leasing lets you try out Subaru’s latest EV with a lower monthly payment and less cash up front. With a starting price of $41,445, it’s already competitive, but the lease makes it even easier for anyone curious about going electric or for Subaru fans ready to make the switch.

Subaru

Subaru’s rolled out a simple, no-nonsense national lease for the Trailseeker. The headline: $415 a month for the Premium trim, which puts it within reach for a lot more people looking to dip their toes into EV ownership without breaking the bank.

Trim

Monthly Payment

Lease Term

Due at Signing

Annual Mileage

2026 Trailseeker Premium

$415

36 months

$3,065

10,000 miles

The lease runs until April 30, 2026, and Subaru’s even throwing in a $2,000 rebate to sweeten the deal. If you’re eyeing the Limited or Touring trims, those should have lease options too, though prices will depend on what your local dealer has in stock.

Leases are available through authorized Subaru retailers, subject to credit approval and local availability. While shorter terms may be possible, the 36-month plan offers a balanced monthly payment. Subaru still offers lease programs for the Solterra, but the Trailseeker is aimed at buyers who want more versatility from their EV.

Subaru

The Trailseeker isn’t just a longer Solterra. Subaru built it for people who actually want to use their SUV for more than just errands. Every version gets dual motors and all-wheel drive, with 375 horsepower on tap. That’s enough to launch it from zero to sixty in about 4.1 seconds – quicker than a lot of its direct competitors and the whole Subaru lineup.

Subaru hasn’t forgotten what made its SUVs popular in the first place. The Trailseeker gets 8.5 inches of ground clearance, plus drive modes for snow, dirt, and mud. Grip control and downhill assist are standard, so it’s not just for show – it’s actually ready for the rough stuff.

Subaru estimates 281 miles of range from the 67-kWh battery, and you get up to 150 kW fast charging with the standard NACS port. Inside, it’s familiar if you’ve seen the Solterra, but there’s more room for people and gear. Every Trailseeker comes with a big 14-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless chargers, and all the driver-assist tech you’d expect.

Subaru

The Trailseeker drops into a packed field of electric SUVs, but it stands out by focusing on real-world usability, not just city commutes. It’s quick, practical, and has the kind of all-weather confidence Subaru fans count on.

Leasing the Trailseeker just makes sense right now. EV tech is moving fast, and locking yourself into a long-term purchase can feel risky. With these lease options, you get to try Subaru’s latest electric SUV without a big commitment. The lower monthly payment also takes the sting out of the usual EV price premium.

Subaru

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.