2026 SUBARU OUTBACK

 

OUTBACK GETS A NEW LOOK AS IT MOVES INTO ITS SEVENTH GENERATION

Entering its seventh generation, the Outback has ceded its role as Subaru’s best-seller to the smaller, more economical Crosstrek, which led company sales for 2024 and 2025 and, more recently to the revamped Forester, which was the Japanese automaker’s top seller the first six months of this year.

Not that the 2026 Subaru Outback has dropped out of sight. It remains No 3 among the Japanese automaker’s sales  and experienced its best month of the year this past June.

With a roomy interior, lots of usable tech features, and a boxier exterior that looks less than its traditional wagon profile and more like an SUV, the 2026 Subaru Outback is offered in six trim levels running from the mid $30,000 range to near $50,000.

A new Wilderness trim, which this review is based on, joins the lineup along with Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT and Touring XT models.

Premium, which replaces the Base from 2025, and Limited and Touring Outbacks get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer (horizontally opposed) engine while the Limited XT, Touring XT, and new Wilderness get a turbocharged 4-cylinder that provides a significant boost in power.

The non-turbo 4-banger is rated at 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque while the turbo comes in at 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet. That makes the Wilderness nearly three seconds quicker in zero-to-60 mph time, which Car&Driver puts at 6.0 seconds for the Wilderness and 8.8 seconds for the non-turbo models.

The increased power does knock the consumption for the turbo down to 21 miles-per-gallon city, 27 highway, and 27 combined from the non-turbo’s numbers of 25/31/27, but that’s a small premium to pay. Both run on 87 octane fuel, and all Outbacks are all-wheel drive.

With ground clearance boosted to 9.5 inches (8.7 inches more than other Outback trims) the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness is will-suited for the off-roading adventures its name implies. Subaru’s  Dual mode X-MODE that adjusts traction and stability for extreme off-road conditions is standard. A simple push of a button on the center console activates it.

In addition to the exterior changes, which include a new front fascia, new rear design, and more upright shape, inside the 2026 Subaru Outback gets a new 12.1 inch touchscreen for operating infotainment features that include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and buttons for climate control functions.

The StarTex synthetic seat covers are water proof and front seats are heated with the driver’s seat power adjustable 10 ways. Other standard convenience features include keyless entry and push-button start, dual front and rear USB ports, Harmon Kardan speakers, and a wireless Smart phone charger.

Headlining safety features for the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness is the company’s EyeSight driver assist system that monitors the  road to help prevent collisions by providing alerts and automatic braking when necessary.

Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, and reverse automatic braking system are among other safety features.

Pricing for the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness starts at $46, 445 including the $1,450 destination and deliver fee. Two option packages are offered. For $2,045 you get a moonroof, a navigation system,, and a surround-view monitor. For 4,090 you get those features plus Nappa leather seats with copper stitching, ventilated front seats, a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat and an 8-way power front passenger seat.

The Premium trim runs $36,445 or $38,715 depending on which option you pick. Limited and Touring trims start at 43,165 and 46,845, respectively, and Limited XT and Touring XT start at $44,365 and $47,995, respectively, including a destination and delivery charge of $1,450.

What I liked about  the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness: The turbo engine in the Wilderness (as well as Limited XT and Touring XT trims) gets a significant power boost.  Though it can be slow to respond to lighter touches, the infotainment system overall is user-friendly. A row of physical buttons under the touchscreen simplify operation of the dual-zone climate control system. You use knobs to adjust the temperature. Auto Hold, activated by pushing a button, prevents creeping when stopped at intersections. Synthetic water-resistant upholstery and large rubber floor mats protect the interior.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness: I would prefer an 8-speed transmission over the standard CVT. I never could find what the annoying (but subtle) beep was trying to alert me of. With more power, you get slightly less gas mileage than Premium, Limited, and Touring models. No hybrid drivetrain is offered. 

Would I buy the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness? Some may lament the redesigned boxier style that shuns its wagon look in favor of SUV status, but the roomier interior and more power make the Wilderness an attractive buy even if your most challenging off-pavement venture is a gravel road.

KIA K4 HATCHBACK

NEW HATCHBACK FIGURATION 

EXPANDS LINEUP FOR KIA’S K4

After introducing the K4 as a sedan last year to replace the Forte in its portfolio, Kia launched a new hatchback model for this year.

Offering more cargo space and an impressive list of tech features, the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback comes in three trim levels, skipping over the LX and LXS sedan trims that lures buyers in with an MSRP in the low $20,000 range.

The E trim serves as the base for the Hatchback and carries a starting MSRP of $24,990, or $500 more than the K4 E sedan. This review is based on the 2026 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo that tops the class. 

In the middle is the GT-Line with the normally aspirated 2.0-liter engine that serves the rest of the K4 lineup.

With an extra 43 horsepower and 63 pound-feet of torque, the 190-horsepower, 1.4-liter engine in the K4 GT-Line Turbo Hatchback is well worth the extra price up front.

Its 195 lb.-ft. of torque clips two seconds off the base engine’s zero-to-60 mph time with a clocking of 7.0 seconds, according to testing by major car magazines (Car & Driver and MotorTrend).

No doubt the 8-speed automatic transmission that comes with the turbo also plays a part in that. E and GT-Line get a CVT (continuously variable transmission). to go with the 2.0-liter normally aspirated 4-banger  Whatever, the extra punch results in a more pleasing driving experience and at a nebulous cost in fuel mileage.

The 2.0L normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine in E and GT-Line trims earns figures of 28 miles-per-gallon city, 34 highway and 30 combined. The turbo rates numbers of 26/33/28.

A long list of standard features on the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo starts with driver-assist features like lane-following and lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning (it even detects and sends a reminder when your eyes are not on the road), blind-spot warning, and Smart (adaptive) Cruise Control and continue outside with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, power adjusted exterior mirrors with turn signal alerts.

Inside, infotainment features work off a 12.3-inch screen with AndroidAuto and Apple CarPlay but there are also hard buttons for some functions. The rear camera features dynamic guidelines and the dual zone automatic climate control features a 5-inch control display in that large screen.

Seating surfaces feature Syntex synthetic material and the power-adjustable driver’s seat has lumbar support. Both front seats are heated and there is a power charging port. The GT-Line Sport steering wheel comes with paddle shifters.

My test 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo also came with some no-charge features. The included a power sunroof with a power shade, Harman/Kardon sound system, a 12.3-inch instrument display, and LED rear lights.

All that was included in the $28,790 starting price. A GT-Line Technology package (Highway Driving Assist2, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning, memory driver’s seat and outside mirror, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel) adds $2,300.

The special Sparkling Yellow paint and carpeted floor mats and the K$1,195 destination and delivery charge ran the final total to $32,870.

The 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback E starts at $24,890. The GT-Line costs another $1,000. 

What I liked about the 2026 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: The numerous infotainment features are user-friendly. Most work off a touchscreen but there also are buttons for things like climate control. The turbo engine has a nice punch especially when driven in Sport mode. The hatchback body style is roomy overall and especially when it comes to cargo space. The GT-Line Turbo’s 8-speed automatic transmission delivers better performance than the CVT in other trims.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: No electric or hybrid drivetrain is available and neither is all-wheel drive. Some competing vehicles in the class offer better fuel mileage, but the increase in power  with the turbo may be worth the extra cost. I normally don’t comment on the colors, but the “sparkling yellow” my test vehicle sported is particularly polarizing.

Would I buy the 2026 Kia K4 GT/-Line Turbo? The extra room makes the hatchback more appealing than the sedan, and the turbo engine’s extra oomph makes for a livelier ride. It’s a good option for those looking for a well-equipped bargain.

2026 SUBARU TRAILSEEKER

 

TRAILSEEKER OFFERS MORE ROOM, 

POWER TO SUBARU’S ELECTRIC SUV LINEUP

After launching its second electric SUV in the U.S. early last May, the Uncharted, Subaru quickly followed with yet a third BEV SUVwith the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker arriving in showrooms later that same month.

(A fourth will join the fleet in 2027 with the arrival of the three-row Getaway.)

As the name might suggest, the Trailseeker is more tailored to off-pavement ventures than either the Uncharted or the Solterra BEV with more horsepower (375 hp) and  slightly more ground clearance (8.5 inches) than the other two.

That doesn’t make it a vehicle to take rock crawling or on challenging environments like the Rubicon Trail, but it can handle muddy and snowy conditions and get deeper into the woods for those truly isolated camp sites.

With extra length, it also has more storage space than the subcompact Uncharted  or with 31.3 cubic feet of room with all seats in place.

(For my review of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted, see the June listings in the directory to the right.)

The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is offered in three trim levels. This review is based on the Limited trim that sits between the Premium and Touring models. All three feature Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system and scoot from zero-to-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, making it the quickest Subaru yet, according to the company.

Driving range for the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is estimated at 280 miles, which is not among leaders among today’s BEVs, but the good news is that the 74.7-kWh battery can be charged to 80 percent in about 28 minutes at fast-chargers. The North American Charging Standard port  accommodates Tesla hookups (if you have the Tesla app).

Though the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is larger than the Uncharted, from the driver’s seat it’s easy to see the two are almost twins. 

The 14-inch touchscreen for operating infotainment is the same, and the steering wheel is rectangular shaped with a flat bottom and flat top. It also is equipped with two charging ports at the enter console that also has a dial for selecting gears. A smaller instrument panel in the driver’s line of sight displays information

Standard features on the Premium trim include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Subaru’s Eyesight Driver’s Assist technology, .Active Lane Change Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Departure Alert, adaptable  cruise control, blind spot warning, automatic windshield wipers, a rear window wiper, and headlight washers.

The Limited trim adds Harman Kardon premium audio, panoramic view monitor, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, heated rear seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear liftgate with hands-free kick sensor, digital key, and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the rear cargo area.

Touring models add a gloss black hood accent, panoramic glass roof with motorized shade, ventilated front seats and radiant leg warmers, optional two-tone paint (Crystal White Pearl only), and optional blue and black leather-appointed upholstery for $300 over staringMSRP.

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Premium trim is $41,445 including destination and delivery.  The Limited trim starts at $45,445 and the top-of-the-line Touring model starts at $48,005.

Premium Blue Pearl Paint adds $395, Leather upholstery $300, and leather upholstery plus two-tone Chrystal White Pearl Paint/leather upholstery $795.

What I liked about the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Limited: Like the Uncharted, it’s fun to drive with quick acceleration and good maneuverability. Infotainment features are operated through an easy-to-understand touchscreen. The 360-degree surround-view monitor is a nice safety feature. The Trailseeker can be charged at Tesla stations as well as other outlets like EvGo and Electrify America.

 

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Limited: The 14-inch high-res touchscreen is nice and clear but it could use a design update with at least larger lettering to identity artists and songs on the radio. There is no handy frunk for extra storage as the space up front is filled by the A/C system, electric motor, and a jumble of wires. Driving range is only so-so.

 

Would I buy the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Limited? The Subaru Trailseeker offers a bit more in the way of premium touches and backseat legroom and storage capacity than the Uncharted, but it comes at a price. The least expensive Trailseeker costs nearly the same as the top of the line Uncharted trims but offers more in the way of performance and storage/towing capacity, making it the better choice for family adventures and road trips.

2026 CADILLAC VISTIQ

VISTIQ  PROVING TO BE A WINNER AMONG CADILLAC’S ALL-ELECTRIC SUV OFFERINGS

Since its debut a little over a year ago, the Vistiq has been a solid contributor to Cadillac’s electric vehicle sales.

Its late start relegated it to fourth place in the Cadillac family behind the Lyriq, Optiq, and Escalade IQ for 2025, but the Cadillac Vistiq has moved into third place ahead of the Escalade IQ for the first six months of 2026.

With reported sales of 3,903 vehicles this year through June, the Vistiq is on near on pace to match its 2025 total of 7,879 for this year though a recent recall to correct a safety issue affecting third row seats no doubt will slow things as the company addresses the issue.

The Lyriq still leads the pack but the Optiq is catching up. Cadillac reported sales of 7,578 vehicles for the Lyriq, which launched as a 2023 model. It led Cadillac’s EV sales in 2025 with 20,971 so sales so far this year are a bit off place. The Optiq, which reached 12,187 in sales last year, hit 7,083 for the first six months this year.

The Cadillac Escalade IQ, which is the only one in the group with a starting price tag, in six figures, sold less than half of its 2025 total of 8,115 with reported sales of 3,203 for this year.

Overall the quartet of Cadillac models have accounted for about a third of all luxury electric SUV sales with just under 22,000 sold in the first half of this year.

Of the four trim levels offered, I recently spent another week in the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Premium Luxury trim that sits just below the Platinum edition. Both of those models have price tags starting in the $90,000 bracket with the Premium Luxury starting at $93,190 including destination and deliver charges. The Platinum just stays under the $100,000 mark at $98,595.

The Luxury and Sport trims are very similarly priced at $79,494 and $79,995, respectively. Pricing for the 2027 Cadillac Vistiq, which essentially is unchanged from 2026, goes up only marginally.

The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq comes with dual electric motors rated at 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque that move it from zero-to-60 mph in under 4 seconds. It coddles six or seven passengers in three rows with such features as 5-zone climate control with front row riders getting heated and ventilated seats with a massage function.

Second-row riders get heated seats and 40.16 inches of legroom. That’s almost as much as those in front (43.14) and nearly 10 more than the third row offers (30.63).

For a full review of the 2026 Cadillac, check my blog’s archives by going to October 2025 in the directory. Here’s a summary of that review: 

What I liked about the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Premium Luxury: The luxurious interior is Cadillac at its best, roomy, quiet, and premium materials. Driving range is over 300 miles and charging times are workable (45 minutes to get from 10 to 80 percent with a fast-charging outlet). The Vistiq’s size is much more manageable than that of the humongous Escalade IQ EV and much easier on the wallet as well. The third row has enough room to accommodate average size adults at least for short trips. There also is a very usable 15.2 cubic feet of storage space behind that third row expandable to 43 cubic feet with the far back row folded.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Premium Luxury: I rarely use Android Auto (or Apple CarPlay) but the lack of them is an unforgivable omission in today’s tech-focused generation of buyers. Infotainment features are easy enough to operate but you do have find the right button on the touchscreen. Reception on the AM radio band is erratic. There also is no “frunk” for extra storage up front.

Would I buy the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Premium Luxury? Considering the price jump, a look at the Luxury or Sport trims might be the better way to go when buy a Vistiq. 

2026 RANGE ROVER

RANGE ROVER STANDS OUT 

AS A LUXURIOUS OFF-ROADER

For well over half a century the Range Rover has offered buyers a unique combination of luxurious comfort and off-road capability in serving as Land Rover’s flagship SUV.

Only a handful of competitors can match the Range Rover’s plush interior when it comes to vehicles capable of serious off-pavement excursions. The Range Rover is in a very, very small class.  (Thank goodness the company has dropped the awkward “Land Rover” and made “Range Rover” a stand-alone nameplate.)

Only the Mercedes-Benz G-Series really can match it when it comes to more challenging off-pavement excursions like rock-crawling and fording small streams, but the Range Rover gets higher grades with its on-road manners. The Range Rover’s styling is more mainstream as well.

Despite its age, the Range Rover, which debuted as a 1970 model, moved into just its fourth generation in 2022. The first generation was extended to 1994 as early Range Rover were more basic, utilitarian vehicles than present day plush vehicles.

Land Rover included a plugin Range Rover for 2019 and a fully electric version will debut later this year as a 2027  model. My review of the plugin can be found by clicking on January 2026 in the directory on the right.

This review is based on the seven-seat 2026 Range Rover SE  LWB with a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder gas engine rated at 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It actually serves as the entry-level model and is followed by the turbo V8Autobiography, and SV trims. The Range Rover also is available in short wheelbase form.

The gas engine in my test 2026 Range Rover SE was supplemented by an electric supercharger that operates at low speeds in a mild-hybrid setup that results in a zero-to-60 mph clocking of under 6 second and fuel economy numbers of 19 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 21 combined using premium grade fuel.

The interior of the 2026 Range Rover is most assuredly high class and packed with many tech features as you would expect for a vehicle in this segment.

Standard comfort and convenience features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rear wiper, rear privacy glass, 4-zone climate control, power heated and ventilated front seats, power recline heated and ventilated second-row seats, heated third-row seats, a Meridian premium sound system, wireless charging device, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Amazon Alex integration.

LED headlights, soft-closing doors, power liftgate, a sliding panoramic roof with power sunshield, and rear power side sunblinds also are standard.

Safety features include emergency collision notification, emergency brake assist, a 3/D surround view monitor, blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, hgh-speed emergency braking, and rear traffic monitor.

Starting MSRP on my test 2026 Range Rober SE was $113,200. Extras that include a towing pack, comfort pack, premium interior protection, and a cold climate pack ran the final bottom line to $128,695 including the $2,150 destination and delivery fee.5

Higher Autobiography and SV trims run from $161,350 to $241,040  for the special SV Black model.

What I liked about the 2025 Range Rover SE LWB: The premium interior is roomy and packed with lots of tech features. The ride is quiet and smooth. Off-roading ability is unsurpassed.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Range Rover SE LWB: The Range Rover’s overall bulk requires careful maneuvering in mall parking lots. Third row room is surprisingly cramped. The learning curve for all those infotainment features is pretty steep and response from the touchscreen is sometimes erratic. Often you have to take your eyes off the road to get to the proper menu.

Would I buy the 2025 Range Rover SE LWB? As with the plugin Range Rover I reviewed at the start of the year, the infotainment system is a real turnoff for me and I likely would look elsewhere if I were shopping in the large luxury SUV segment. But if you are comfortable with that system, the Range Rover should be on your shopping list.

2026 SUBARU UNCHARTED

SUBARU ADDS 2 MORE OFFERINGS 

TO ITS BATTERY ELECTRIC SUV FLEET

After introducing the Solterra for the 2023 model year as its first all-electric vehicle, Subaru is back this year with two more all-electric SUVs.

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is a smaller battery electric crossover than the Solterra, giving up about 7 inches in length and about a foot in width. The result is less cargo space (20.8 cubic feet to 23.8 for the Solterra) and less backseat legroom (32.2 inches to 35.3) for the Uncharted. What you gain is a sportier driving experience.

The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, as the name might suggest, is at home with off-pavement ventures in offering slightly more ground clearance and Subaru’s dual-function X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings.

 

This review is for the 2026 Subaru Uncharted. We’ll deal with the Trailseeker in a later submission.

The  2026 Subaru Uncharted is available in three trims with the base Premium offering front-wheel drive, the only current Subaru model with such a configuration. Sport trim, which served as my test model, and GT come with Subaru’s typical all-wheel drive.

At 308 miles, the 2-wheel-drive Uncharted Premium offers the most driving range. The company says range for the 2026 Subaru Uncharted Sport trim is 287 miles on a full charge and for the GT range is cut to 273 miles.

The GT trim is shod with bigger wheels and also is 50 pounds heavier than the Sport, which rides on18s, to account for the reduced range.

The dual electric motors on the 2026 Subaru Unchartered Sport produce the same 338 horsepower as the GT.  The base Premium trim is rated at 221 horsepower. Various clockers have tabbed the zero-to-60 mph for the Uncharted GT at 4.2 seconds, making it faster than even the company’s renowned gas-powered WRX sedan.

Though the 2026 Subaru Uncharted is the least expensive of Subaru’s trio of electric SUVs, it does not lack for standard features that kick it up a notch when it comes to comfort and convenience.

Those standard features include a 14-inch touchscreen for infotainment features, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster in the driver’s line of sight, blind spot monitor, DC fast-charging capability at both standard and Tesla charging outlets, dual front and rear USB C-charging ports, electronic parking brake, dual wireless Smart phone charging, front cross-traffic alert, headlight washers, hill start assist control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In addition, the Sport trim that served as my test vehicle came with a heated steering wheel, a drive mode select with Eco, Normal, and Power settings, Subaru’s synthetic StarTex upholstery, Lane Change Assist, a 360-degree surround view monitor, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, roof rails, LED daytime running light and LED headlights, multi-terrain monitor, power rear liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, rear spoilesr a rotary shift knob, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Subary’s EyeSight driver assist system that includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision breaking and lane-keep assist.

Subaru’s X-Mode dual-mode system gives assistance for driving on Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud conditions as well as providing grip control and Downhill Assist. Cloud navigation and Traffic Jam Assist systems is available via subscription.

Starting MSRP for my test 2026 Subaru Uncharted Sport was listed at $39,795. Premium Habanero Orange Metallic premium paint added $475 and the freight charge ran the final cost to $41,720.

The base FWD Premium trim starts at $34,995 and the top-of-the-line GT opens at $43,795. The latter adds a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and ventilated front seats.

What I liked about the 2026 Subaru Uncharted Sport: It’s fun to drive with quick acceleration and good maneuverability through crowded parking lots and narrow streets. Infotainment features are operated through an easy-to-understand touchscreen. The 360-degree surround view monitor is a nice safety feature. The Uncharted can be charged at Tesla stations as well as other outlets like EvGo and Electrify America.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Subaru Uncharted Sport: The front seat is comfortable but the back is on the snug size with only 32.2 inches of legroom. The 14-inch high-res touchscreen is nice and clear but the design is rather plain and images and lettering  identifying artists and songs on the radio is too small. There is no handy frunk for extra storage. The space up front is filled by the A/C system, electric motor, and a jumble of wires.

Would I buy the 2026 Subaru Uncharted Sport ?: If you are looking for a bargain all-electric SUV, the Subaru Uncharted offers a strong combination of lower MSRP and plus-300 mile driving range (in FWD Premium form). That advantage suffers a bit in AWD models, but still the Uncharted is still worth a good look.