10 Biggest News Stories of the Week: Subaru Outback Up Top, Toyota RAV4 Recommended
When updating a car model as familiar and beloved as the Subaru Outback, you have to be mindful of the mantra, ACIB (all change is bad). Lest we forget New Coke, the original Sonic the Hedgehog movie character design and the Cracker Barrel logo debacle. Fortunately, that is not the case with the redesigned-for-2026 Outback, as being freed from the legacy design debt from the now-defunct Legacy sedan platform on which it was based has enabled Subaru to shore up shortcomings while preserving what’s worked with this cultishly loved constant companion for a half-dozen generations. You can read all about it in Cars.com reviewer Aaron Bragman’s comprehensive critique of the all-new Outback — our most popular article of the week.
Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Kia Telluride Triumphs as Nissan Versa Leads Cheap Charge
The Outback’s cabin is a massive improvement, starting with a new, user-friendly 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that repents for the sins of the prior-gen, user-hostile setup; a return to intuitive physical knobs and buttons to control climate and other functions; as well as broadly accommodating cupholders in the center console. Previous problems with headroom for front-seat passengers are no more, as the redesign has raised the roof, literally, and the spaciousness carries through to backseat passengers and the cargo area. Acceleration is nicely serviceable from its 260-horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder (the higher of two available powertrains), and power is channeled smoothly through its continuously variable automatic transmission. Meanwhile, ride quality is chill and comfortable, braking is confident, and the cabin is quiet even at highway speeds despite its new boxier, upright SUV exterior design evolving away from its wagonlike roots.
For Bragman’s total take on the 2026 Subaru Outback — including off-road abilities and the new pricing scheme — follow the link below to the No. 1 news story on our countdown of most read articles of the week.
In other well-read news, our roundup of recommendations on which Toyota SUV you should buy — out of a lineup of just shy of a dozen SUVs — also resonated with readers. So what’s the answer? Well, it depends on what your budget is and what your needs are. The 11-strong lineup starts at $26,385 for the base version of the compact Corolla Cross and grows progressively pricier before topping out at $86,530 for the top trim of the full-size Sequoia (all prices include a destination charge). If you need seating for five, the RAV4, Land Cruiser and Crown Signia will suffice. Regularly hauling seven to eight passengers? The Grand Highlander packs in passengers. Concerning cargo capacity, the Land Cruiser and 4Runner carry the day. But if gas savings and planetary preservation are your priorities, the Corolla Cross Hybrid and bZ boast the best fuel efficiency of the bunch.
For full details on all Toyota SUVs under consideration — including price range, seating capacity, third row availability, child-safety seat accommodation, cargo room, gas mileage, towing capability, powertrain specs and safety accolades, as well as a list of pros and cons for each — follow the link below to the No. 2 news story of the week.
Beyond all that, we’ve got headlines on the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R, Subaru Trailseeker, Dodge Charger, Kia EV9, Toyota GR GT, Lexus LFA Concept and much more — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:
1. 2026 Subaru Outback Review: Forget the Looks, Enjoy the Ride … and Value and Comfort
2. Which Toyota SUV Should You Buy?
3. How Much Are the 2026 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R?
4. How Much Is the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker?
5. Here Are the 10 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Right Now
6. 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Sixpack Review: Crack Open a Cold One, Gas Is Back
7. Here Are the 10 Cheapest New SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
8. Long-Term 2024 Kia EV9 Ownership Update: How Efficient Is Our EV9 After 15,000 Miles?
9. Toyota, Lexus Debut Upcoming GR GT, LFA Concept Supercar Duo
10. Toyota Again Tops Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Survey
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