Subaru

The 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) is out. It ranks vehicles based on problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) after three years of ownership, covering key areas such as powertrain performance, infotainment systems, driver assistance tech, and overall build quality. Drawing from real-world feedback from owners of 2023 model-year vehicles, the study provides a practical measure of how cars hold up once the initial ownership glow fades.

For shoppers focused on long-term durability, strong resale value, and minimized ownership headaches, these segment winners stand out as the most dependable in their respective classes. Below is a breakdown of each top-ranked model and what likely contributed to its performance on the list.

Toyota

The Corolla remains a durability benchmark in the compact class. Its naturally aspirated engines, CVT refinement, and conservative update cycle minimize complexity. Toyota’s focus on incremental improvements rather than sweeping redesigns has helped the Corolla maintain consistently low problem counts and predictable maintenance costs.

Toyota

The Camry’s continued success reflects its reliable platform and proven powertrain lineup, including both gasoline and hybrid variants. Strong build quality, straightforward ergonomics, and restrained technology integration contribute to fewer reported issues over the three-year ownership window.

Lexus

The Lexus IS benefits from a well-established rear-wheel-drive architecture and Lexus’ disciplined engineering philosophy. By avoiding excessive feature proliferation and prioritizing refinement over rapid innovation, the IS delivers luxury performance with above-average long-term dependability.

Kristen Brown

The Crosstrek’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and horizontally opposed engine layout have developed and improved significantly over successive generations. Owners report strong drivetrain durability and solid chassis robustness, key factors in its segment-leading reliability performance.

Chevrolet

The Equinox is one of GM’s volume crossovers, but it hasn’t historically dominated dependability headlines. Compact SUVs are brutally competitive in the U.S., often led by Japanese nameplates. For the Equinox to top the segment indicates meaningful quality control gains and possibly simplified powertrain strategies.

Nissan

Nissan’s brand reputation in the U.S. has taken hits over the past decade, particularly surrounding CVT reliability concerns. The Murano leading its segment, especially given Nissan’s broader perception challenges might be a strong indicator of Nissan rebound.

Toyota

The Buick Enclave leverages GM’s refined V6 architecture and focuses on comfort-oriented family usability, delivering consistent long-term performance. The Toyota 4Runner, in contrast, relies on body-on-frame construction and an extended production lifecycle. Its rugged mechanical simplicity continues to reward buyers prioritizing durability over cutting-edge tech.

The UX combines Toyota-derived hybrid engineering with Lexus-level fit and finish. Its electrified system is built on a well-established architecture, reducing complexity-related risk and supporting strong long-term reliability outcomes.

BMW

Despite its performance-focused positioning, the BMW X4’s segment win is notable given the brand’s historical reputation for complex electronics and higher ownership costs. Built on solid turbocharged powertrains and a refined modular platform, its strong showing suggests BMW’s drivetrain standardization and improved engineering discipline are translating into measurable reliability gains.

Lexus

The GX pairs traditional ladder-frame construction with luxury appointments, offering a rare combination of rugged durability and upscale refinement. Its long lifecycle and proven V8 powertrain architecture contribute to its strong dependability standing.

Cadillac

The XT6’s segment win suggests Cadillac’s recent quality control improvements and disciplined engineering approach are yielding tangible results. It may not carry the long-standing reliability reputation of Lexus, but this ranking indicates Cadillac is narrowing that gap in measurable, data-backed terms.

The Tacoma’s body-on-frame design and conservative mechanical updates underpin its reputation for longevity. Strong resale values and consistent owner satisfaction align with its segment-leading dependability performance.

Kristen Brown

Now exclusively hybrid, the Sienna blends fuel efficiency with Toyota’s established reliability record. Its electrified powertrain is based on a tried and tested system, helping maintain low problem rates in family-focused applications.

Stellantis

The Ram 1500 leads the full-size light-duty segment, delivering solid owner satisfaction despite demanding usage cycles. Full-size trucks often face intense usage cycles, and Ram in particular hasn’t historically led long-term reliability conversations compared to Toyota or even Ford. That the Ram 1500 tops its category suggests improved build quality and refinement in recent generations.

According to the J.D. Power report, today’s reliability challenges are increasingly tied to software and premium-level complexity. Premium vehicles averaged 217 PP100, widening the gap over mass market brands, while mobile phone integration, particularly Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, remains the top industry complaint for a third straight year. OTA updates have delivered mixed results, with most owners reporting little to no improvement.

Electrified powertrains also post higher problem rates, with PHEVs the most problematic, followed by BEVs and hybrids, while gas-powered vehicles recorded the lowest PP100 score. As vehicles become more software-driven, electronic integration, and not mechanical hardware, is now the primary reliability hurdle, which may help explain why some unexpected models appear on this year’s most dependable list.

Subaru doesn't have a very long history when it comes to building pickups. They've only ever made two, but it's safe to say that they've been memorable at least in enthusiast circles. We are, of course, talking about the Brat and the Baja.

The Brat, also known as the Brumby, was based on the Leone and made from 1978 to 1994, spanning two generations. It was discontinued in America in 1987, but continued elsewhere for seven more years. As for the Baja, it was based on the Outback and had a short run from 2002 to 2006. While neither could really be called a sales success (particularly the Baja), both have built up a dedicated and loyal following over the years.

Subaru

It's been 20 years since Subaru sold a pickup, but it seems that the company is toying with the idea yet again. That's according to Australian publication Carsales, which spoke to Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence.

"Ute is a conversation and I can’t share much now, but it’s never a no," said the executive. While it's short of a confirmation, at least we know that Subaru is, indeed, putting pickup plans on the table. The question now is what kind of pickup it has in mind.

Lawrence mentioned that there was room for a "monocoque-style ute." With that, there are two ways Subaru can go about this. The company can utilize the Crosstrek body, stretch the wheelbase and rear section, and build a potential rival for the Ford Maverick. The compact pickup market has been overwhelmingly dominated by Ford, with Hyundai throwing in the towel with the Santa Cruz. Perhaps Subaru has a better chance of disrupting that dominance.

On the other hand, the company could go for a midsize unibody pickup. It could be based on a modified Outback platform with little in the way of styling changes. Think of it then as a possible competitor for the Honda Ridgeline, and using a midsize SUV as a basis could make it a more practical proposition with wider appeal. As for the name, "Baja" has been floated around but is unconfirmed so far.

But let's not forget that Toyota and Subaru still have a partnership. The latter could simply take the easy route by slapping its own badges on the (somewhat) all-new Hilux, do a few tweaks of their own, and call it a day. Besides, Subaru has asked for help from outside when it came to body-on-frame vehicles.

Mind you, the last time Subaru did that, it was far from a success. Back in the early '90s, Isuzu lent a helping hand by giving the folks from Gunma its Trooper/Bighorn and badging it as their own. Perhaps it's a little ill-advised to do that again.

Toyota

Genesis may not yet command the vast dealership networks of Germany’s luxury heavyweights, but its latest expansion makes one thing clear: the Korean brand is no longer playing small in the US premium market. With 9 new standalone dealerships opening across the country, Genesis has grown its dedicated retail footprint to 84 locations nationwide, a roughly 12% increase that signals serious long-term ambition.

Genesis

BMW still dominates the US with more than 350 dealerships, while Mercedes-Benz operates over 380 locations. Audi, Volvo, and Lexus follow closely behind with 315, 282, and 244 dealers, respectively. By comparison, Genesis remains a fraction of that size, but focusing purely on volume misses the point. While Mercedes-Benz sales dropped by nearly 10%, Genesis had a 10% year-over-year increase in sales figures for 2025, selling more than 80,000 vehicles in the US alone. For a brand that has existed for less than a decade, growth like that is remarkable. The company is also moving further away from its Hyundai roots, with a brand new model being developed entirely in-house.

Genesis

A major driver behind that momentum is Genesis’ pricing strategy. The brand consistently undercuts established luxury rivals while offering comparable technology, refinement, and performance. At the moment, new car prices continue to grow, and buyers are becoming more value-conscious by the day. As a result, buyers want a premium experience without the premium markup, explaining why Genesis' parent company, Hyundai, is selling more cars than ever before. But it doesn't stop with Korean car brands gaining ground. Subaru recently topped Consumer Reports’ 2025 brand rankings, beating Toyota, Honda, BMW, and even Porsche, reinforcing the idea that buyers are prioritising quality and reliability over prestige badges.

Genesis

Genesis' offering consistently undercuts German rivals while offering comparable technology, design, and performance. Combined with an increasing number of upperclass dealerships and a concierge-style customer experience, Genesis is positioning itself as a smarter alternative to traditional luxury. Admittedly, Genesis still trails far behind BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus in sheer size, and will most likely for quite some time, but its rapidly expanding retail network and accelerating sales growth suggest something much bigger is taking shape.

The 9 new dealerships are:

• Genesis of Brooklyn
• Genesis of Charleston Genesis of Brooklyn
• Genesis of Commerce
• Genesis of Downers Grove
• Genesis of Louisville
• Genesis of Mountain View
• Genesis of Springfield
• Genesis of Wolfchase (located in Memphis)
• Gettel Genesis of Sarasota

Last year, Subaru finally added a hybrid Forester, using Toyota’s proven hybrid system with Subaru’s own all-wheel drive. It was a big move for a brand that’s been slow to go electric, but the result kept the Forester in the running against other compact SUVs.

Now, Subaru appears ready to double down. Following recently announced massive price cuts for the WRX, the automaker has turned its attention to one of its core nameplates. For 2026, the Forester lineup sees pricing adjustments on almost every trim level, including the hybrid models.

Kristen Brown

The base Forester remains unchanged at $29,995, but nearly everything above it is cheaper. Of note, these figures do not include the $1,450 destination and delivery charge.

Subaru didn’t cut features or change the lineup. The only real change is the price. Compared with 2025, several trims – including the rugged, gas-only Forester Wilderness – now cost significantly less, with price cuts reaching up to $2,015.

Premium Hybrid

$36,595

$34,730

-$1,865

Sport Hybrid

$39,595

$37,930

-$1,665

Limited Hybrid

$41,010

$38,995

-$2,015

Touring Hybrid

$43,295

$41,545

-$1,750

Premium (Gas)

$33,385

$31,995

-$1,390

Sport (Gas)

$36,105

$34,795

-$1,310

Limited (Gas)

$37,695

$35,995

-$1,700

Wilderness (Gas)

$38,385

$36,995

-$1,390

Touring (Gas)

$41,595

$39,995

-$1,600

The higher you go in the lineup, the bigger the price drop. More importantly, the Forester Hybrid is now much closer in price to the gas models, so that’s good news if you’re not keen on going electrified because of the price difference.

For anyone comparing the Forester to the RAV4 Hybrid or CR-V Hybrid, Subaru’s numbers now look a lot more attractive. The RAV4, which now comes with an all-hybrid lineup, starts at $31,900, and the CR-V Hybrid at $35,630.

Subaru

There’s also a new Forester Sport Onyx Edition for 2026. It sits between the regular Sport and the higher trims, and is mostly about looks: dark 19-inch wheels, blacked-out trim, and a black-and-gray StarTex interior with contrast stitching.

Under the hood, the Forester Sport Onyx Edition keeps the same pure combustion 2.5-liter boxer engine, CVT, and updated all-wheel drive. The suspension is tuned like the regular Sport. At $36,495 before destination, it fits right into the lineup without pushing prices higher.

Subaru says the US-made 2026 Forester range, including the new Sport Onyx Edition, will begin arriving at dealers later this year.

Subaru

With the 2026 Forester prices dropping, 2025 models are now selling below MSRP in many cases – a big deal for buyers. Nationwide listings on Cars.com show 2025 Forester hybrids from around $40,000 on Touring and Limited trims, dropping to $43,000, with some dealers already undercutting the sticker price. Gas models for 2025 are also discounted, with listings ranging from about $30,000 to the mid-$40,000s, depending on trim and options.

There are over 2,000 units listed nationwide, with more hybrids in stock. That said, a 2025 Forester often costs less than a comparable 2026. If upfront cash is your main concern, it’s worth checking out the current 2025 inventory – you’ll likely find deals at or below MSRP compared to the new 2026 pricing without sacrificing features that are present in the new one.

Kristen Brown

After lagging behind in the race to electrify its lineup, Subaru is finally catching up with a more diversified lineup. The new Forester Hybrid began rolling off the production line earlier this month, but Subaru is also expanding its EV range at a rapid rate. The Solterra was the first to arrive, and the new Trailseeker and Uncharted EVs are both arriving this spring. But a fourth Subaru EV is also coming, and it will be the automaker’s largest one yet.

Related: Subaru’s Fastest Car Ever Isn’t an STI, It’s an Electric SUV

Subaru

In an interview with Automotive News, COO of Subaru America, Jeff Walters, confirmed that a new three-row electric SUV is coming later this year. Although no further details were shared, it seems likely that this new vehicle will share a lot with the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV. Toyota and Subaru already have several EV duos that share platforms and components, including the Toyota bZ/Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ Woodland/Subaru Trailseeker.

The electric Highlander’s specifications aren’t available yet, but we know it will come with all-wheel drive, which suggests dual electric motors. Subaru’s only model that doesn’t have standard AWD is the much smaller Uncharted, so the three-row SUV is fully expected to get standard AWD. 

Subaru’s only other three-row crossover is the Ascent, a vehicle that struggles to stand out in a competitive segment. It has a cramped third row and a rather unrefined powertrain, elements we expect its electric sibling to improve upon. Considering that three-row electric SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 start at around $55,000, the three-row Subaru EV will probably be the Japanese brand’s priciest model in the United States.

Related: Toyota Is Charging $5,000 More Than Subaru for the Same EV

Subaru

Subaru’s decision to expand its EV lineup to four models comes at a questionable time, given the cooling demand for EVs in recent months. Many other automakers have canceled EVs or redirected resources to more popular hybrid/gas models, so Subaru (and Toyota, too) are outliers in this regard.

The Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 are the main players in the electric three-row SUV segment right now, but both have seen declining sales recently. Kia sold just 674 EV9s in January 2026, down from 1,232 units in January 2025. The Ioniq 9 managed 580 units last month, far behind the 8,604 three-row Palisades sold by Hyundai. Making things more complicated for Subaru is the fact that, if given a choice between a Toyota and a near-identical Subaru model, most people will choose the Toyota.

Walters did say that Subaru’s EV sales strategy will be to focus on households with two vehicles and access to a charger, saying there are “a lot of people like that” in the market. Subaru hopes this group will help it achieve record market share of 4.2% in 2026.

Now, for those born within this millennium, we highly doubt that they have much recollection of the Isuzu Trooper. Sold for two generations between 1981 and 2002, it saw a fair amount of success in its heyday.

The first Trooper was, quite literally, a box on wheels and more of a utility vehicle that happened to have four-wheel drive. It was born in an age where the term SUV had yet to be coined, and it's safe to say that it's one of the pioneers of the genre, at least among its Japanese peers.

It's the latter second-generation model that really defined the model, butting heads with other midsize SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero (which will be revived soon), and Toyota 4Runner. Introduced in 1991 and facelifted in 1991, it's a far more refined and premium product than the model it succeeded, and it even offered robust off-road mechanicals. Both generations lasted a decade each and have a small but faithful following. The thing is, the Trooper also has a rather odd honor of perhaps being the most rebadged car in automotive history.

Isuzu

Now, we should note that the second-generation Trooper saw a whole barrage of rebadged models over 11 years. During its production run, a good number of automakers used the Trooper as their midsize-to-large SUV offering (depending on market) in different parts of the world. That's mainly thanks to Isuzu's long-standing partnership with General Motors.

GM's stake in Isuzu is much smaller now, though it's still evident today, with Chevrolet's medium-duty trucks rebadged as Isuzus. Back then, though, the badge engineering was taken to the extreme. Back then, it was pretty much guaranteed that you would get at least three versions of the same car, with just a few differentiators between them. Then again, this is GM we're talking about here.

Opel

Another reason the Trooper had so many versions is that, in part, it was thanks to Honda. Isuzu and Honda had a little exchange program that started in 1993. The deal was for Honda to provide passenger cars to Isuzu, and Isuzu would reciprocate by lending some trucks and SUVs to Honda.

That partnership gave birth to two Trooper-derived models, along with a smattering of oddballs that are largely forgotten today. Does anyone remember the Isuzu Oasis? Yep, we thought so.

Honda

Officially, the second-gen Trooper saw ten different manufacturer badges during the course of its production. Starting alphabetically, we kick things off with the Acura SLX, followed by the Chevrolet Trooper for specific Latin American countries. For Australia and New Zealand, it was called the Holden Jackaroo and Holden Monterey, the latter being the fully-loaded upmarket version. There was even a sportier-looking version dubbed the HSV Jackaroo.

Up next is the Honda Horizon, which was literally the SLX for the Japanese market, as Acuras aren't sold there. Interestingly, Isuzu even had different names for its own product, being called the Bighorn in its home market, and the Citation in Malaysia. GM's European division (at the time), Opel, also got the Trooper and changed its name to Monterey, and even China got in on the action with the Sanjiu 3-Nine Trooper.

But perhaps the most obscure version of the Trooper was the Subaru Bighorn, which held the odd distinction of being the brand's first midsize SUV, long before the Tribeca and Ascent. Of course, Vauxhall being part of GM back then, it too rebadged the Trooper and dubbed it the Monterey like its Mainland European twin.

All in all, that's 13 names across 10 brands with varying degrees of success, or rather, failure. In the end, most of the rebadged models were consolidated back to the original version and consigned to being odd footnotes in automotive history.

Mind you, the Trooper isn't the most renamed car in history, but that's a story for another time.

Isuzu

Acura

The EV craze may be cooling a bit, but that hasn’t stopped Subaru from revamping its original lackluster Solterra crossover into a much more competitive offering for the 2026 model year. Now available with improved performance, range, and charging speeds, the 2026 Subaru Solterra is a true rival to more established EVs. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, however, continues to offer a solid balance of range, performance, and comfort. Can the updated Solterra stand tire-to-tire with the Mustang Mach-E?

Subaru

For 2026, the Subaru Solterra gets a boost in range and performance, as well as a NACS charging port that allows it to charge at Tesla Superchargers. As a result, the crossover’s charging speed increases to 150 kWh and is further aided by a new preconditioning system. The Ford Mustang Mach-E’s standard trim range remains relatively unchanged, with one exception, but there’s a new addition to the lineup. Ford is reviving the Mustang California Special treatment to give the Mustang Mach-E updated styling inside and out in the form of a special edition model.

Read on to see how the Solterra and Mustang Mach-E compare in performance, range, interior comfort, and more.

The 2026 Subaru Solterra comes with an updated powertrain that delivers more oomph, as well as a 25% increase in range compared to the previous model. Available from $38,495, the Solterra features dual electric motors, which means all-wheel drive comes standard across the board. The electric powertrain generates 233 horsepower in the Premium and Limited models. All other Solterra trims get boosted to 338 horsepower. The Premium model is the most efficient, offering a 288-mile range. All other models can travel as far as 278 miles on a single charge. The Solterra also features a standard NACS charger and a 150 kW charging speed.

Subaru

The Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $37,795 for the 2026 model year, $200 cheaper than the previous model for a single reason we’ll get to shortly. Ford offers its electric crossover with a variety of drivetrain and battery configurations. Depending on the model, the Mustang Mach-E can offer 264, 272, 325, 370, or 480 horsepower. The highest figures are reserved for the GT and Rally trims, which offer 480 horsepower and 600 and 700 lb-ft of torque respectively. Note that while the Solterra comes stock with all-wheel drive, upgrading from rear-wheel drive in Ford’s crossover will cost you an additional $3,000.

The most affordable model, the Select with rear-wheel drive and the standard battery, offers a 300-mile range. The Premium model with rear-wheel drive and the extended-range battery tops the lineup in range, though, with 320 miles on a single charge. At the top of the range, the GT and Rally models offer 280 and 265 miles respectively when equipped with the extended-range battery and all-wheel drive. Like its Japanese rival, the Mustang Mach-E’s charging speed tops out at 150 kW, but you’ll need to use an adapter at Tesla Superchargers.

Ford

Related: New Windshield Tech Clears Ice in One Minute Without Wasting Energy

At the base level, the Subaru Solterra features standard heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power driver’s seat. Moving beyond the base model adds a handful of convenient amenities, including heated rear seats and steering wheel. At the top of the range, the Touring XT includes ventilated seats and radiant leg warmers for front passengers. For another $300, you can upgrade to the Touring XT Leather, which, as the name implies, adds leather upholstery to the mix.

Subaru

For 2026, the Solterra gets an all-new 14-inch touchscreen display complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While the base model gets a six-speaker audio system, all other Solterra models boast a premium Harman Kardon setup. Dual wireless smartphone chargers are standard throughout the range, and there’s four USB-C ports split evenly between the front and rear seats.

Compared to the Solterra, Ford’s EV offers a much more diverse list of standard equipment. All but the base Mustang Mach-E get a heated steering wheel and front seats. All models also get ActiveX seating material in one form or another. The upper-range GT and Rally models boast performance front seats, and the latter features a white seatback trim with trim-exclusive debossed logo. Interestingly, only the Premium model comes with ventilated front seats. The California Special gets its own unique aesthetic. It includes performance seats wrapped in navy ActiveX and Miko material, complete with a reflective blue and silver stripe.

All Ford Mustang Mach-E models include a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.5-inch touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes stock, as does a wireless smartphone charger. There’s also a total of six USB ports located throughout the vehicle. The base Mustang Mach-E features a six-speaker audio system, while all other models get upgraded to a 10-speaker B&O sound system.

Ford

Interior passenger space is fairly competitive between the two EVs, although the Mustang Mach-E may have a minor advantage. The Solterra wins in total cargo area, though, offering 63.5 cu ft. versus the Mustang Mach-E’s 59.7 cu ft. with the rear seats folded down. The Mustang Mach-E offers 29.7 cu ft. in the dedicated cargo area, 5.9 cu ft. more than the Solterra’s 23.8 cu ft.

Notably, Ford did away with the standard drainable frunk for the 2026 model year, which lowers the Mustang Mach-E’s starting price by $200 and reduces available storage space by around two cubic feet. That’s not a defining feature, though, as the 2026 Solterra lacks a frunk as well.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E a five-star safety rating, the third year in a row for the EV. While the 2024 and 2025 Subaru Solterra both received five-star ratings as well, the 2026 model sees major changes. As such, the NHTSA hasn’t completed testing or provided an overall safety rating.

Subaru

The Mustang Mach-E and Solterra each feature a full set of advanced safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. While all Solterra models come with standard all-wheel drive, it’ll cost you extra on lower Mustang Mach-E trim levels. 

Ford’s electric crossover also comes with the automaker’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. The Select and Premium trims feature a 90-day trial, while the GT and Rally models get a one-year plan. As of 2024, you can subscribe to BlueCruise via a monthly, annual, or one-time $2,495 payment. Having personally experienced BlueCruise, I’d say it's worth the $49.95 monthly or $495 annual cost if you regularly take long jaunts on the highway.

Ford

The base Solterra blends into the crossover crowd, with 18-inch wheels, sleek lines, and a power liftgate. All other models ride on more athletic 20-inch wheels and include a hands-free power liftgate. Regardless of trim level, the Solterra offers a fairly standardized set of features, including roof rails, LED headlights, and heated and power side mirrors with integrated turn signals. 

Subaru

All Ford Mustang Mach-E Models ride on athletic 19-inch wheels in varying finishes, save for the GT model, which gets gloss black 20-inch wheels. All trims but the base model include a power liftgate and power and heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. LED lighting comes standard across the range. The GT and Rally get red painted brake calipers and Brembo front brakes that add to their performance-driven aesthetic. The California Special builds on the GT model and adds gloss black aero wheel colors, a unique hood graphic, and a blue pony emblem on the grille.

The Mustang Mach-E Rally stands out from the crowd with a more aggressive aesthetic that’s as functional as it is stylish. An aluminum underbody proactive shield and trim-exclusive side door graphics and badging come standard. The top-spec model also gets a dark gray raised rear spoiler, door cladding, and front and rear fascias. Its 19-inch wheels come wrapped in all-season performance tires that further enhance its drifting and performance capabilities.

Ford

Subaru

There’s no doubt that the 2026 Subaru Solterra is a much more competitive EV thanks to its improved range and performance. Even so, the Ford Mustang Mach-E offers more power and competitive ranges throughout its lineup. If you’re looking to blend in, then the Solterra's standardized styling and set of features is the way to go. For a more athletic aesthetic, Ford’s EV is the obvious winner. Make sure you set out to test drive both electric crossovers before you decide which one to park in your garage!

Related: The Biggest Automotive Stories That Defined 2025

Subaru’s first in-house built EV has arrived, and it happens to be the brand’s quickest production car ever – yes, faster than any WRX STI that came before it. The new all-electric Trailseeker SUV marks a major turning point for Subaru, showing us how the Japanese brand will build its own electric vehicles. First unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show last year, the Trailseeker is now confirmed for Australia, placing it squarely in one of the fastest-growing EV segments.

Subaru

Subaru

Subaru

With 375 hp sent to all four wheels through Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, the Trailseeker is officially the quickest production Subaru ever made. Instant electric torque launches it from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, making it a few tenths of a second slower than a Mustang GT. Yet, speed isn't its primary goal; it just happens to be fast. The Trailseeker is a mid-size electric SUV built for real-world adventure, offering 8.3 inches of ground clearance, dual-function X-MODE for low-traction conditions, and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. It is larger and more practical than the Solterra, almost like an electrified Subaru Outback.

Subaru

Subaru

Subaru

While Subaru now builds the Trailseeker itself at its Gunma plant in Japan, Toyota still has a hand in its development. The SUV rides on a modified version of Toyota’s e-TNGA electric platform, similar to what underpins the bZ4X and Lexus RZ. Unlike the Solterra, however, this marks Subaru’s first fully in-house produced EV, following other global manufacturing moves such as the US-built Forester Hybrid. Power comes from a 74.7 kWh battery that delivers around 280 miles of range, and takes less than 30 minutes to charge from zero to 80%. Inside, the Trailseeker features Subaru’s largest 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a flat-floor cabin.

Subaru

Subaru

Subaru

In the United States, the Trailseeker starts at just $39,995 before rising into the mid-$40,000 range for higher trims, putting the Trailseeker up against rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Subaru Trailseeker will arrive in the US this spring and in Australia a few months after. It seems as if Subaru finally found the sweet spot between innovation and sticking to what you know. Models like the 2026 Forester Wilderness still feel like an old Subie, and we only hope that the new all-electric, surprisingly quick, off-road-capable Trailseeker resonates with fans the same way older Subies once did.

Buried in the many, many pages of the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice a few days ago, one of the last things we expected to find was reference to everyone’s favorite boxer-engined turbocharged sports sedan, the Subaru WRX.

However, Car and Driver has dug out something interesting among the three million or so pages released at the end of January, revealing that Epstein was close to purchasing a WRX in late 2017 – until the brakes were put on the deal when it was discovered that the car was a manual.

https://www.justice.gov/

A series of email exchanges between Epstein himself and his accountant, Richard Kahn, show that the latter had been looking around at WRXs to buy, eventually tracking down a suitable model at Carbone Subaru in Troy, New York – or so it seemed.

Although the email exchanges are between Kahn and Epstein, it wasn’t actually the convicted sex offender who was looking for the punchy all-wheel drive sedan. Rather, the first batch of emails mention that the car was for ‘Jojo’ – most likely referring to Jojo Fontanilla, Epstein’s housekeeper. 

It seems that the deal was close to going through, until Kahn discovered that the WRX in question was a three-pedal model, and Fontanilla was looking for an automatic.

In the end, it seems that Fontanilla went down a slightly different route, opting for something a little larger and more relaxed than the WRX, but sticking with Subaru. A second round of emails from January 2018 show that a Subaru Legacy had been tracked down at another New York Subaru dealer, with Kahn proposing that he and Epstein contribute $25,000 and that Fontanilla provide the remainder towards the $33,772 out-of-the-door price. It’s unclear if this deal ended up going through, as the trail appears to end there. 

https://www.justice.gov/

While all this is obviously a miniscule part of the ongoing story unfolding around the release of the Epstein files, it’s nevertheless a little surprising to see such an enthusiast-focused car finding its way into the drama.

Subaru didn’t have the brightest 2025 in the United States, as sales were down 3.6% compared to 2024. Unfortunately, this downward trend has continued into the new year, with the Japanese brand seeing a 9.1% year-on-year drop in sales in January 2026. Like Honda in its own sales report, Subaru pointed to severe winter storms as one of the main challenges last month, causing temporary closures at several locations. Still, Subaru will be disappointed that only two of its nine model lines managed to increase sales compared to a year ago.

2025 Subaru Impreza

Subaru

Overall, Subaru sold 42,157 vehicles across the country last month, down from 46,354 in January 2025. Here’s a look at how each model fared.

The Impreza and Legacy were the biggest losers, with sales down over 52% for both. The Legacy’s numbers aren’t a mystery, since the midsize sedan has gone out of production, but the 2026 Impreza’s higher price and smaller lineup simply aren’t cutting it with buyers. WRX sales were steadier, but still down 23%.

The new Subaru Outback hasn’t seen any growth over the old one yet, but Subaru did say dealers are still transitioning from the older, 2025 model to the new one. Fortunately, the Forester compensated somewhat for poor sales elsewhere, with a 22.2% increase in sales to keep it as the brand’s most popular model.

“January brought major winter storms that blanketed much of the country and led to temporary closures at many locations, yet Subaru retailers delivered another standout month,” said Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales, Subaru of America Inc. “Their resilience and industry-leading customer service shine through no matter the conditions. With a rugged, reliable lineup spanning gas, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles, Subaru is poised for continued growth and ready to help every customer find their ideal match.”

Kristen Brown

Subaru needs to focus on its crossover range, where the bulk of its sales stem from. Although the Crosstrek and Forester are finally available with hybrids, they’re too expensive. The Crosstrek Hybrid starts at $33,995, whereas you can get a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid for $29,395. For a Forester Hybrid, you need to cough up at least $36,595, which is $4,695 more than the RAV4 Hybrid.

From Hyundai to Honda, hybrid sales are soaring right now. EV demand has dipped, but consumers still want efficient options, and hybrids occupy that sweet spot. By positioning its hybrid crossovers at a higher price point, Subaru is losing out to rivals. Furthermore, there is currently no hybrid option for the three-row Ascent.

Subaru also needs more affordable gas-powered models in the budget segment. An Impreza now starts at $26,595, whereas the much fresher Kia K4 Hatchback begins at under $25k. Subaru’s hatch doesn’t outshine its rivals in any particular area, either, making the price hard to justify.

Related: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Pricing Makes The Bigger RAV4 Look Like A Bargain

Subaru

Subaru is in a tough spot right now. The automaker still has a small but loyal following in the United States, but anyone looking for a reliable Japanese car will find more diversity and value from Honda and Toyota. 

Subaru’s one competitive advantage used to be that it was seen as the go-to Japanese brand for anyone wanting something more rugged and capable on dirt roads. But rivals have responded: Honda is seeing huge success with its TrailSport sub-brand, Toyota has a new RAV4 Woodland, and even Mazda (a brand known more for on-road dynamics than adventure-minded vehicles) now has the capable CX-50.

Subaru doesn’t need a total overhaul, but its hybrid pricing strategy needs an urgent rethink. Besides this, a marketing strategy that goes beyond the brand’s rugged image—at a time when many rivals are offering the same thing—could be just what it needs.