Subaru Outback video from the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Please join me and watch this short video, showing the new Subaru Outback for 2026. The new Outback is trying very hard to look a bit more like an SUV. Which I think is a big mistake since the main appeal of the Outback is that it is not an SUV. A mind-blowing decision from Subaru...

The new Outback is also extremely ugly in person. I thought it was bad in pictures, but meeting the beast in person leaves you wondering why all these designers and suits who signed off on this still have a job. The Wilderness trim is especially offensive. It is chockingly bad.

At over $34,000, the Outback is not especially cheap either. (The Turbo starts at over $44,000 with the Limited XT trim). And it now competes with all other SUVs instead of being a true wagon. Unlike more and more new models, the new Outback does not offer a Hybrid version. The basic new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at $32,000.

Somehow, it seems Subaru is getting more and more popular, while its designs are consistently getting uglier. I guess they have the ugly car market cornered.