Up Close and Personal With the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Forester and the 2026 Subaru Outback share much of what has made Subaru such a favorite among drivers who enjoy an active lifestyle. Every model comes with Symmetrical AWD, EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, and the confidence to tackle changing weather without hesitation. Yet these two vehicles have grown into distinctly different personalities. If you're exploring the Subaru lineup around Clearwater, here's where those differences begin to emerge. more The Forester Feels at Home Just About Anywhere The 2026 Subaru Forester has always been one of those vehicles that asks very little of its driver. Its upright design creates outstanding visibility, its dimensions make parking surprisingly easy, and its cabin feels open and welcoming without becoming oversized. Standard models are powered by a 2.5 L SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 180 hp and 178 lbs. ft. of torque, paired with a Lineartronic® CVT and Symmetrical AWD. For 2026, Subaru also introduces the Forester Hybrid, pairing a 2.5 L SUBARU BOXER® engine with an electric motor for a combined 194 hp, giving buyers another efficient option within the lineup. Inside, the Forester seats 5 comfortably while providing up to 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Fold the rear seats, and available cargo space expands to 74.4 cubic feet. Every model also benefits from 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing drivers to venture beyond paved roads with confidence while remaining perfectly composed around town. The available equipment reflects Subaru's practical approach to comfort. An 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia touchscreen anchors the cabin, joined by wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, a digital instrument cluster, a Hands-free Power Rear Gate, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic power moonroof, Harman Kardon® premium audio, and the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. If you're comparing trim levels, our Subaru model research pages offer a helpful look at how those features are available throughout the Forester lineup. The Outback Has an Eye on the Horizon The 2026 Subaru Outback approaches travel with a different viewpoint. It blends SUV capability with wagon-like proportions, creating a vehicle that feels especially comfortable covering long distances while carrying everything needed for a weekend away. Like the Forester, the Outback begins with a 2.5 L SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 180 hp and 178 lbs. ft. of torque. Drivers looking for additional performance can choose the available 2.4 L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine, which delivers 260 hp and 277 lbs. ft. of torque. Every Outback also pairs its engine with a Lineartronic® CVT and standard Symmetrical AWD. Its shape pays dividends when it's time to load up. The Outback offers up to 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and as much as 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Most models provide 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the Outback Wilderness raises that figure to 9.5 inches. Properly equipped turbocharged models can also tow up to 3,500 lbs., making the Outback a natural fit for small campers, boats, and utility trailers. Available amenities include an 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a power moonroof, Harman Kardon® premium audio, a 360-Degree Surround View Monitor, and a Hands-free Power Rear Gate. The Outback Wilderness builds on that foundation with upgraded suspension components, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and improved approach and departure angles for drivers who enjoy venturing farther from the pavement. Confidence Comes Standard Safety remains one of Subaru's defining strengths, and both the Forester and Outback continue that tradition with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Available features include Automatic Emergency Steering, Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, and Emergency Stop Assist. Both vehicles have also earned top safety recognition, reinforcing Subaru's longstanding reputation for building vehicles that inspire confidence every time you climb behind the wheel. Choosing the Subaru That Fits Your Adventures The Forester is an excellent companion for drivers who value outstanding visibility, everyday versatility, and a compact footprint that feels equally comfortable in busy parking lots or state parks. The Outback leans toward buyers who travel farther, carry more equipment, or appreciate additional towing capability and the added confidence of the Outback Wilderness. Visit Fitzgerald Subaru Clearwater to compare the 2026 Subaru Forester and the 2026 Subaru Outback side by side. Browse our new Subaru inventory, learn more about available trim levels, or schedule a test drive online to discover which Subaru is ready for your next adventure.

Florida has a way of surprising people who think they've already seen it all. Beyond the theme parks and crowded beaches are winding coastal roads, hidden freshwater springs, quiet fishing towns, and state parks that feel a world away from the interstate. From Clearwater, some of the state's most memorable destinations are close enough for a weekend away, and Subaru is well suited for making the most of each one. If you're planning your next escape, here are a few Florida drives that deserve a place on your list. more Built for the Sunshine State's Unexpected Turns Florida road trips don't usually involve mountain passes, but they do bring afternoon downpours, sandy parking areas near the beach, and park roads that aren't always freshly paved. That's where Subaru models stand apart. Nearly every Subaru comes equipped with Symmetrical AWD, providing added confidence when the weather changes in a hurry. Models like the Subaru Outback® and Subaru Forester® also offer generous ground clearance, flexible cargo space, and available roof rails that make it easy to bring along kayaks, bicycles, paddleboards, camping gear, or fishing equipment. If your travels tend to wander a little farther from the main highway, Wilderness models add additional capability with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and suspension upgrades designed for more challenging terrain. If you're comparing models before your next trip, exploring our new Subaru inventory can help narrow down the right fit for your adventures. Follow the Gulf Coast South Some road trips are about the destination. This one is just as much about everything along the way. Heading south from Clearwater through Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, and Marco Island offers an ever-changing view of Florida's Gulf Coast before arriving at Everglades National Park. It's a drive filled with waterfront restaurants, nature preserves, beach walks, and opportunities to spot wildlife long before you reach the park itself. The Subaru Outback® feels especially at home here. Its comfortable ride makes long highway stretches easy, while the spacious cargo area leaves plenty of room for coolers, folding chairs, cameras, and everything else that tends to come along on a Florida getaway. Spend a Weekend Exploring Florida's Springs Some of Florida's most remarkable destinations don't involve saltwater at all. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, and Blue Spring State Park are famous for crystal-clear water, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and manatee sightings during cooler months. They also inspire visitors to pack a surprising amount of equipment. The Subaru Forester® makes that easy thanks to its generous cargo area and available roof rack system. Symmetrical AWD also adds confidence when afternoon storms leave gravel parking areas slick or park access roads a little less predictable. Before heading out, it's also a good idea to stop by our Subaru service center to make sure your vehicle is ready for the miles ahead. Discover Florida's Atlantic Coast If you've spent years enjoying the Gulf Coast, crossing the state opens the door to an entirely different side of Florida. Canaveral National Seashore, Flagler Beach, and Amelia Island each have their own personality, with quieter shorelines, scenic coastal highways, historic communities, and excellent opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing. The drive itself carries you through ranchland, small towns, and stretches of countryside that many visitors never experience. Subaru SUVs make those longer drives especially enjoyable with supportive seating, advanced driver-assistance technology, and cargo space that's ready for beach umbrellas, luggage, bicycles, or a weekend's worth of supplies. Finding the Right Subaru for Your Travels Every adventure looks a little different, and Subaru offers a model to match. The Subaru Crosstrek® is a smart companion for solo travelers and couples looking for a compact SUV that's easy to park while still offering standard Symmetrical AWD. The Subaru Forester® adds extra cargo room and excellent outward visibility, making it a favorite for camping trips and visits to Florida's state parks. The Subaru Outback® blends SUV capability with wagon versatility while offering available towing capability for smaller trailers and outdoor equipment. Families planning extended vacations may appreciate the Subaru Ascent®, whose three-row cabin provides generous passenger space along with the flexibility to bring everyone and everything along for the trip. Your Next Getaway Starts Here Some of Florida's best destinations are only a few hours from Clearwater, making it easy to trade the familiar for something new without taking a week off. From freshwater springs and quiet beaches to scenic drives along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, there's always another stretch of road waiting to be explored. Visit Fitzgerald Subaru Clearwater to explore the latest Subaru lineup, compare models built for every kind of adventure, or schedule a test drive online today before your next Florida road trip.

Choosing a family vehicle means thinking beyond cargo space and fuel efficiency. Safety is often the deciding factor, and when it comes to Subaru safety features, the brand has built a reputation for putting driver and passenger protection first. For families in Clearwater, Florida, who deal with heavy traffic, shifting weather, and crowded streets, that commitment to safety is one of the strongest reasons to consider a Subaru. more What Makes Subaru's Safety Philosophy Stand Out Subaru's engineering team has long prioritized protection on every drive. That dedication has earned Subaru’s core models more IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other brand and helped build lasting loyalty among families who rely on their vehicles daily. Subaru safety features aren’t reserved for higher trim levels. Most of the brand's new models come standard with the EyeSight® Driver Assist suite, meaning you don’t have to pay extra to feel confident behind the wheel. How Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology Works Subaru’s advanced EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This system uses a pair of cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead and respond to potential hazards in real time. EyeSight® includes Pre-Collision Braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent forward collision. It also includes Pre-Collision Throttle Management, which reduces acceleration if the system senses you are too close to an obstacle ahead. Lane Departure and Sway Warning round out the core capabilities, alerting drivers when the vehicle unintentionally drifts from its lane. An innovative feature is Lead Vehicle Start Alert, which chimes and provides a visual alert when traffic starts moving ahead at a red light. Additional safety features are available as you move up the trim ladders of each model, giving you even more reassurance that you’re safe. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Structural Safety Beyond driver assist technology, Subaru safety features extend to how the vehicles are physically built. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is one of the most important elements of everyday safety, delivering consistent traction and stability across a wide range of road conditions, including rain and wet pavement common in Florida. Subaru vehicles are engineered with a reinforced body structure designed to manage the energy from a collision and protect occupants in the cabin. The collapsing BOXER® engine is crafted to drop beneath the floor in the event of a front-end collision so it doesn’t go into the passenger space. These structural choices reflect the same commitment to safety that guides every other aspect of Subaru's design process. Which Subaru Models Prioritize Family Safety The Subaru lineup includes several models well-suited for families who want strong safety features. The Forester and Outback are both popular choices, offering generous passenger space, rugged capability, and standard Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology across their models. The 3-row Ascent is built specifically with larger families in mind, combining seating for up to 8 passengers with the brand's full safety package across all trims. Even the more compact options, like the Crosstrek, carry the brand's safety-first DNA. Whether you’re hauling kids to school or heading out on a weekend trip, there’s a Subaru model built to help keep everyone on board protected. Visit Fitzgerald Subaru in Clearwater, FL If you’re looking for your next family vehicle, Subaru safety features could be the deciding factor in your choice. Come explore them in person and see how EyeSight® functions for yourself. Understanding how each model is engineered for protection can make a real difference in your decision. Stop by Fitzgerald Subaru in Clearwater, Florida, to speak with a team that can walk you through the full lineup and help you find the right fit for your family.