Posted Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 9:38pm

A Trek Through the Subaru Outback’s Seven Generations

When it first launched an “Outback” as little more than a trim level for the Legacy wagon, Subaru possibly didn’t expect it to become arguably as much of a brand icon for the company as the rally-bred WRX.

It should have, however, because all-wheel-drive wagons are part of the genesis story of the brand, specifically the eight special-order FF-1 wagons built as service vehicles for the Tohoku power company of northern Japan. Go-anywhere wagon practicality is a major star in the Pleiades sales constellation. With all that as its backstory, the new Outback has some seriously big hiking boots to fill. So let’s wander back to the trailhead of where the Outback first came, then traipse through the switchbacks that got it to where it is today with the seventh-generation vehicle. Grab your hiking poles and your Gorp. It’s time to get all outdoorsy.

Posted Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 9:54pm

Travis Pastrana Wrecked the Family Huckster Attempting a Crazy 360-Degree Jump

Travis Pastrana is a man of extremes when it comes to just about anything with an engine. He’s raced everything from motocross bikes to rally cars and race boats, but you’ll mostly see him behind the wheel of a Subaru nowadays. His most famous machine is his highly-modified 1983 Subaru GL known as the Family Huckster, which he’s used in various stunt and Gymkhana projects. His latest stunt, however — posted to the Channel 199 YouTube account — wasn’t too kind to the racing wagon: it ended up losing a wheel, landing on its roof, and catching fire while attempting a rather unique jump.

Posted Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 10:32pm

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Is a Welcome Upgrade

We’ve bemoaned the refreshed 2025 Subaru Forester for its lack of vitality, but that was before we had a chance to drive something that’s never before existed: the Subaru Forester Hybrid. This changes more than you’d think. Yes, there’s a bump in fuel economy: from 28 mpg combined (with 19-inch wheels) or 29 mpg (with 17- or 18-inchers) for the regular Forester to 35 mpg combined for the hybrid. And… Read More →

Posted Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9:56pm

2026 Subaru Outback, with Hybrid Power and SUV Looks, Is Worth Waiting For

Long the unapologetic poster child for the station-wagon nation, the Subaru Outback blends in just enough crunchy charm to appeal to buyers who may never fully explore its off-road capabilities but take comfort in knowing they’re there if needed. The forthcoming new 2026 model appears to lean more in the direction of a traditional SUV, at least in terms of exterior design, proportions, and size, however. Read More →

Posted Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 9:50pm

With the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru Finally Gets It Just Right

There have been hybrid Subaru Crosstrek models before, but they were slightly different. The 2014–16 Crosstrek Hybrid was a relatively unsophisticated 160-hp hybrid that had a single 13-hp electric motor encased in its transmission that only netted a 2-mpg increase. From 2019 to 2023, the Crosstrek Hybrid became a more powerful and legitimate hybrid thanks to dual electric motors and a 5-mpg bonus. Unfortunately, it proved to be an expensive… Read More →

Posted Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:42pm

Pastrana’s vision for his US rallying future

Travis Pastrana smiled. He knew what he wanted to say, but how best to put it across? Route one. Same… Read More →

Posted Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 9:38pm

A Trek Through the Subaru Outback’s Seven Generations

When it first launched an “Outback” as little more than a trim level for the Legacy wagon, Subaru possibly didn’t… Read More →