2026 SUBARU OUTBACK

BUYERS’ ENTHUSIASM WANES AS SUBARU TWEAKS OUTBACK WAGON’S PROFILE

Once decidedly a wagon, the Subaru Outback identifies more with the crossover SUV segment than the familiar station with the 2026 makeover that moves it into its seventh generation.

Going by U.S. sales numbers, the update has not exactly been enthusiastically received. U.S. sales through April were down just a tick under 27 percent compared to 2025 numbers, but that is an improvement over March’s results that showed a dip of nearly 43 percent in 2026 over 2025.

Still the Outback remains the company’s third-best seller behind the Forester and Crosstrek with over 37,500 Outbacks sold in the first four months of the year.

The availability of a hybrid drivetrain popular among competitors in the midsize segment might help get the Outback on track but early 2027 models show no HEV trim in the works. If one was coming for next year’s models it likely would have been announced by now.

The 2026 Subaru Outback is offered in ix trims with last year’s Base model eliminated and the Premium, which this review is based on, taking over the role as the entry-level model.

The Outback Premium trim shares a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine with the Limited and Touring models while the upgraded Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trims get a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.

The engines are mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission with settings to mock an 8-speed manual transmission via paddle shifters with shift ratios tuned to specific trims.

The non-aspirated engine in the three lower trims is rated at 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet torque and carry fuel efficiency ratings of 25 miles-per-gallon city, 31 highway and 27 combined. Turbo models are rated at 21/29/24 for mileage and boost power to 260 hp and 277 lb.ft. Both run on regular 87-octane fuel.

Though now serving as the entry-level model in the Outback portfolio, the Premium isn’t shortchanged when it comes to standard features.

The front fascia features an all-new grille and the side profile is boxier and taller, giving rear-seat riders a bit more in the way of headroom as well as more storage space for upright loads. 

The redesigned interior features a 12.1-inch screen for infotainment functions and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Tech systems include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and hard buttons can be used to adjust the dual-zone climate control.

The 2026  Subaru Outback Premium features keyless entry with a push-button start, an all-weather package with heated front seats, 10-way power adjusted driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, water,-repellent cloth seats with a “star-trimmed” pattern, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Heading safety equipment is Subaru’s Eye-Sight Driver Assist system with automatic emergency braking. Other safety features include adaptive cruise control with lane-entering, blind-spot warning, and electronic brake force distribution.

Staring MSRP for the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium is $34,995. The green-pearl paint and an option package that added a multi-media navigation system, wireless charger, power moonroof, heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers ran the total for my test 2026 Subaru  Outback Premium to $39,110 including the destination and delivery fee of $1,450.

What I liked about the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium: It is well-equipped with standard tech features that operate off a user-friendly touchscreen. Dual-zone climate control is included as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Eyesight Emergency Braking System is a big bonus The ride is comfortable and rear storage generous. As a Subaru, it also comes with standard all-wheel drive.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium: The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine could use more punch, and the continuously variable transmission doesn’t help with acceleration.

Would I buy the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium? If you can push your budget, you will appreciate the extra power in the turbocharged engines offered in the higher trims. If you can’t push your budget, the lower Outback trims are still a good choice.

2026 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV

TRAIL BOSS ADDED TO LIST OF TRIMS FOR ALL-ELECTRIC 2026 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

Launched as a 2024 model, the all-electric version of Chevrolet’s popular Silverado pickup loses one trim level and adds a new one for 2026.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss takes over for the RST versions in the 2025 fleet and allegedly boosts the vehicle’s off-roading capabilities.

I say “allegedly” because some reviewers who have the resources to dive deeper into the off-roading pool— most notably those writing for Motor Trend magazine — are highly suspect of the Trail Boss’ trail credentials.

They say with some disappointment that it doesn’t live up to the Trail Boss reputation of other Chevy models. While giving praise for Trail Boss’ street smarts and throttle response, Motor Trend even called it a “lousy” off-roader

But unless you are headed for the rigors of California’s Rubicon Trail, I suspect you’ll find the modifications on the Silverado EV’s Trail Boss models satisfactory to your needs.

They include larger tires, a revised suspension, and a Terrain Mode that makes the Silverado EV easier to handle when traversing trails, rocks, sand, mud, and steep inclines.

Putting aside complaints about its lack of serious off-roading prowess, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss does have a lot going for it starting with driving range.

The 2026 Silverado EV is available with multiple battery packs that can extend driving range up to 493 miles and power and torque to 725 horsepower and 775 pound-feet for the Max battery versions, including the Trail Boss model that served s my test vehicle.

The Extended Range battery on all three times — Trail Boss, LT and Work Truck — offers an impressive 385 miles and the Standard Range available on only Work Truck and LT trims is still over 280 miles.

The battery choices essentially triple the number of trim levels as the entry-level Work Truck trim is no longer restricted to fleet or commercial only buyers.

Keep in mind that those range figures will vary depending on how the truck is being driven. The Trail Boss, which comes only with the Max or Extended Range Battery, has a towing capacity listed at 12,500 pounds but dragging a load that large at highway speeds could cut the driving range nearly in half.

Interestingly, though it bears the Silverado nameplate, the platform of the all-electric version is the same used by the GMC Hummer EV pickup, not the gas version of the Silverado 1500 pickup. Dimensions are similar, but the profile of the Silverado EV is a bit more streamlined and very distinctive.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV models come with a 4-door crew cab and a cargo bed that comes up an inch short of 6 feet. All trims come with front and rear electric motors that power all four wheels. 

Standard features are plentiful in the new Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and include a trailer brake controller, all-terrain tires, a multi-flex tailgate, and tech features that operate off a 17.7-inch display, an 11-inch driver digital information display, hitch guidance, GM’s SuperCruise hands-free driving system, 12-way power heated and ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated rear outboard seats, Bose sound system, and wireless charging.

Note the absence of Apple CarPlan and Android Auto on the list. They are not offered.

Safety systems on the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV Trail Boss include adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert and forward driving distance indicator, front pedestrian and cyclist braking, enhanced automatic parking assist, and HD surround vision. 

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss is $86,600.. Extras like a hard folding truck bed cover, fixed glass panoramic roof, a NACS DC adaptor for hooking up at various charging outlets, and dealer installed all-weather floor mats run the final cost to $93,195 including the $2,595 destination charge.

The Work Truck lists at just over $55,000 with the Standard Range battery and under $69,000 for the Extended Range. LT trims run from just under $64,000 for Standard  Range to almost $92,000 for Max Range.

What I liked about the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss: Electric driving range is excellent and instant torque delivery provides for a spirited driving performance. Tech features are plentiful and user-friendly. Running boards ease the chore of climbing in an out.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss:  No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto could be a deal breaker for many buyers. Keep in mind what an EV pickup is towing can reduce your driving range. AM and FM radio reception was rather iffy but Sirius-XM was excellent.

Would I buy the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss? Not in the market for a pickup or an all-electric vehicle of any kind really. The cost of the upper trims with larger battery packs is a turnoff.

2026 CADILLAC ESCALADE

ESCALADE THE LONG-TIME KING 

OF THE LARGE LUXURY SUV SEGMENT

Now in its fifth generation, the Cadillac Escalade has ruled as the king among large luxury SUVs for nearly a quarter of a century.

Launched as a 1999 model, the Escalade took over the No. 1 U.S sales spot in the segment in 2022 and never looked back. In fact, last year Cadillac sold nearly 18,000 more Escalades than its closest  competitor (BMW X7) among the top sellers in the category. No others come close.

After getting a refresh for 2025 that included among other things a new front fascia, near taillights, and a new 55-inch curved display that serves both the driver and passenger, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade  is mostly a carryover from 2025 when it comes to updates, but Cadillac did take time to rename its trims.

My test 2026 Cadillac Escalade was the Platinum Sport trim which was formerly Sport Platinum. Not much in the way of heavy lifting there. The trim previously dubbed Premium Luxury is just Luxury (not to be confused with the Luxury trim that served as the base model in prior years) and Premium Luxury Platinum becomes just Platinum. The base model is now tagged 1SA.

Yes, there is a V-Series version if you want more power. If you want more room, the Cadillac ESV that increases in length from 211.9 inches to 227 and rear cargo space from 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place to 41.5.

A 6.2-liter V8 engine that puts out 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque is is standard on all Escalades but the V-Series, which gets a supercharged version that boosts horsepower to 682 and torque to 653. A  10-speed automatic transmission is standard.

The V-Series also gets a specialized all-wheel-drive system. Rear-wheel is standard on the other trims with 4-wheel drive available.

Cadillac packs the Escalade with lots of luxury. 

Standard features in my test 2026 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport included the company’s hands-free drive Super Cruise system, heated and ventilated front seats, power foldable and heated second row bucket seats (bench seating available), a rear-seat entertainment system, wireless, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, sueded microfiber headliner, selectable interior lighting, power open/close doors, semi-Aniline seater seats, an interior camera, and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and  an AKG Studio Reference 38-speaker sound system.

Safety features included HD surround vision, night vision, enhanced emergency braking, rear emergency braking, auto-parking assist, forward collision alert, rear pedestrian alert, and adaptive cruise control.

With 4-wheel drive, the starting MSRP for the 2026 d is $123,400. Add optional 24-inch wheels with pearl nickel and high-gloss black inserts, the total on my test 2026 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport 4WD comes to $128,820 including the $2,525 destination charge.

The base 1SA trim starts at $93,995 with rear-wheel drive That and the AWD version at $95,995 are the only Escalade trims under $100,000. The V-Series starts at $170,895.

What I liked about the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD: The V8 engine packs plenty of punch to get its considerable heft moving. There is lots of room for both passengers and cargo. Standard power retractable running boards ease getting in and out.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD: As you might expect it’s a pretty thirsty beast. Its size makes maneuvering in typical mall parking lots and even some city streets a chore. It’s at the high end of pricing in the segment.

Would I buy the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD? Like its rival in the segment, it’s just too big for me. Pricing for other trims are on the high level especially when take into consideration every vehicle in the segment lives up to the luxury status.