08 Subaru Outback Awd Black Roof Rack Heated Seats on 2040-cars

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Why a production Mazda Koeru won't be a Subaru Outback clone

No automaker has had a hit quite like the Outback Many have entered, few have won. The Subaru Outback is one of those automotive bogeys that competitors seek to imitate but never quite capture. Mazda is poised to change that, its CEO tells Automotive News, with a production version of the Koeru concept. We're torn on whether this attempt will be the one to do it, whether the proposed model is truly aimed at the Outback, or whether it's just another pale imitation destined for failure. While the ingredients are pretty basic – wagon-like shape, extra cladding, a smidge more ground clearance than a regular car – no automaker has had a hit quite like the Outback. Reasons include packaging issues, poor brand fit, and Subaru's seemingly unstoppable momentum in building all-wheel-drive archetypes. That hasn't stopped a bunch of companies from trying. And now for a list: Ford attempted with the Freestyle/Taurus X; note that that model no longer exists, having been replaced de facto by the Flex and the newly crossover-ified Explorer. Audi discontinued the A4 Avant and slapped the Allroad badge and some fender flares on to capture the affluent outdoorsy crowd, initially selling well but now down 40 percent since last year. The humpback Honda (Accord) Crosstour and Toyota Venza could also be considered Outback-apers, as both short-lived models took sedan bodies and added a hatch and optional all-wheel drive. Dodge got into this space a few years back with the Journey Crossroad trim level, but fake brush guards and black wheels do not an Outback make. Volvo has perhaps come closest with the XC70, a not-quite-crossover that it nevertheless brands like its other crossovers. It helps that the Volvo die-hard and the repeat Subaru buyer aren't too different. Most of these models no longer exist, and the ones that do haven't sold as well as Subaru's Outback so far this year. Even if you're generous and add all 96,718 Journey sales (and not just those for the Crossroad, which FCA doesn't break out separately) to V70/XC70, Venza, and Crosstour, it still doesn't equal the 136,227 Outbacks Subaru pushed through November of 2015. And, as Automotive News points out, Mazda hasn't sold that many crossovers so far this year (the number is 129,932 thanks to huge CX-5 numbers). So why is Mazda considering going after the hallowed Outback? First off, we're not sure that it is because there's the question of what tiny niche this vehicle would occupy. "It's a totally new car.

Next-generation Subaru Forester spotted with minimal camouflage

Though the Subaru Forester received a slight refresh last year, the crossover is due for a full redesign, since its bones date back to the 2014 model year. That redesign is coming soon though, as revealed by these spy shots. The crossover looks relatively similar to the current one, but it's completely new underneath. As for the outside, it's definitely an evolutionary design. The boxy shape and signature grille clearly derive from the current model. But there are changes. The prow doesn't slope back as much as the current one. Instead, it's nearly upright, and the corners are pushed forward, too. It gives the Forester a more truck-like appearance. The headlights also look as though they sit higher and wrap around more. The lower vents that were integrated in bumper creases on the current one appear to have disappeared, as well, perhaps for a more conventional front bumper. Moving to the side and the back, we can just make out some slightly more complicated surfaces on the flanks. They look a bit like the subtle creases found on the Impreza and the Crosstrek. The taillights also appear to be inspired by the new Impreza and Crosstrek. Rather than the small units in the body of the current Forester, the new lights extend into the rear hatch. Not only does this bring the crossover's styling in line with Subaru's other offerings, this may improve the size of the hatch opening, as Subaru says the Impreza's new lights did. Underneath the modest redesign should be Subaru's global architecture, which currently underpins the Impreza and Crosstrek. Our experience with both of those cars showed that the platform has yielded agile handling and solid ride quality. And if the Forester continues to offer a turbocharged engine, it should rectify the power (or rather, lack thereof) in the Impreza pair. The platform will also underpin the upcoming three-row Ascent SUV, which is expected to be released next year. With that in mind, and the near production-ready body, we'd say we'll see the new Forester revealed either at the end of this year, or early next year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Subaru Forester View 9 Photos Image Credit: KGP Photography Spy Photos Subaru Crossover

2020 Subaru Crosstrek gains more equipment and a slightly higher price tag

Subaru gave us a brand-new Crosstrek for the 2018 model year, and we liked it. Last year was the year of the plug-in hybrid Crosstrek, and in general, we liked that one too. Those players in the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek lineup remain the same as last year, but Subaru released some notable changes today. The base price goes up collectively by $285 due to a $250 increase in MSRP and $35 increase in the destination charge. That leaves the base Crosstrek with the six-speed manual at $23,155 this year. If you want the automatic it’ll cost you $1,350 more, running the total to $24,505. However, the price increase comes with more equipment added as standard. Automatic transmission models gain the most. If you opt for the CVT, Subaru tacks on its EyeSight driver assistance tech, automatic climate control, auto stop/start, the SI-Drive powertrain management system and door locks that automatically engage when put into drive. If you get the manual, though, everything but the automatic door locks go away. Lame. If you want a more luxurious experience with the three-pedal car, you have to opt for the slightly more expensive Premium trim starting at $24,205. We think itÂ’s worth the extra coin, though. Pricing for the Crosstrek Hybrid only goes up by $185, leaving that carÂ’s base price at $36,155 for 2020. Nothing new is coming to that model for the new year. However, there is one new feature coming to every trim of Crosstrek we havenÂ’t mentioned yet. A rear seat reminder will be standard on all 2020 models, a safety feature Subaru has been adding to some of its other models for the new year. Availability for the 2020 Crosstrek is somewhat vague, as Subaru says theyÂ’ll arrive in dealers “later this year.” WeÂ’ll suggest you watch out for them come late November or December if youÂ’re in the market for a new Crosstrek.