Electric Cars

The 2026 Subaru Outback and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan represent distinct philosophies within the competitive SUV market, each catering to different driver preferences. The latest Outback undergoes a notable transformation, boasting increased dimensions, enhanced cargo capacity, and a strengthened focus on off-road prowess. In contrast, the 2025 Tiguan distinguishes itself with a refined, tech-centric interior, offering a more luxurious urban driving experience. This comparative analysis highlights the core divergences between these models, including their physical size, powertrain configurations, in-cabin technology, suitability for adventurous terrain, and sophisticated driver-assist features. Understanding these differences is crucial for consumers evaluating which vehicle best aligns with their lifestyle and driving needs.

Subaru's refreshed 2026 Outback emerges as a mid-size contender with a bolder presence. Its recent redesign has resulted in an expanded profile, making it longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor. Specifically, the 2026 Outback measures 192.3 inches in length, 75.8 inches in width, and 68.1 inches in height. This increase in size directly translates to a more generous cargo volume, now offering 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, maintains its compact SUV classification. The 2025 Tiguan comes in at 184.4 inches long, 73 inches wide, and between 66.1 to 66.5 inches tall, providing 26.5 cubic feet of cargo space. These dimensional variations are a primary differentiator, influencing both interior spaciousness and overall maneuverability.

When it comes to power and drivetrain, the 2026 Outback presents a versatile lineup. While there's buzz about a future hybrid option, the initial launch for late 2025 will feature two gasoline engines. The standard offering is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, suitable for daily commuting. For those seeking more robust performance, XT and Wilderness trims feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Every 2026 Outback is equipped with standard all-wheel drive, reinforcing its adventure-ready image. The 2025 Tiguan provides a single 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and between 207-221 lb-ft of torque, with options for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The interior experience showcases another significant divergence. The 2025 Tiguan places a stronger emphasis on a premium and technologically advanced cabin. It offers a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen, with an even larger 15-inch option in the SEL R-Line trim. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an available head-up display further elevate the tech-forward ambiance. Comfort is also prioritized with optional 10-point, full-back massage functions for the front seats. While the 2026 Outback features a respectable 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, it does not offer the advanced massage seats or head-up display found in the Tiguan, suggesting a focus on practicality rather than luxury amenities.

For drivers with a penchant for off-road adventures, the 2026 Subaru Outback stands out as the more apparent choice. Despite its updated exterior, it retains its core off-road capabilities. All Outback trims boast 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness trim elevating this to an impressive 9.5 inches. In contrast, the 2025 Tiguan offers 7 inches of ground clearance with AWD and 6.6 inches with FWD. The Outback Wilderness further solidifies its off-road credentials with specialized features such as a front skid plate, heavy-duty roof rails, all-terrain tires, extended lower cladding, Dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, and electronically controlled dampers, all designed to enhance traction and ride comfort over challenging terrain.

In terms of advanced driver assistance, both vehicles offer compelling features, but the Outback introduces a significant advancement. The 2025 Tiguan includes Travel Assist, a semi-autonomous system that combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, requiring active driver engagement. However, the 2026 Outback’s available Highway Hands Free Assist system takes this a step further. It allows for hands-free operation on designated highways at speeds up to 85 mph, while still necessitating driver attention. This system incorporates additional functionalities like automatic emergency stop assistance with safe lane selection, pre-curve speed control, highway active lane-changing assistance, and automatic resume assist, providing a more relaxed and sophisticated highway driving experience compared to the Tiguan’s system.

Ultimately, both the 2026 Subaru Outback and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan present compelling options within the SUV segment, each tailored to a different set of priorities. The Outback's recent overhaul emphasizes rugged design and robust off-road capabilities, complemented by a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies like the innovative Highway Hands Free Assist. The Tiguan, conversely, appeals to those desiring a sophisticated, tech-rich cabin environment, offering features such as larger touchscreens, an optional head-up display, and available massage seating that are absent in the Outback. Prospective buyers are encouraged to thoroughly test drive both vehicles to determine which one best fulfills their individual preferences and driving requirements.

Ford is offering a prized possession from its exclusive Heritage Collection, an exceedingly rare 2006 GT Heritage Edition, for public acquisition. This unique supercar, a tribute to the brand's enduring racing legacy, will be presented at the Barrett-Jackson Fall 2025 auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, without a reserve price. The sale's proceeds are dedicated to the ongoing preservation and maintenance of Ford's extensive Heritage Collection, which comprises over 500 historic vehicles. This event marks a significant opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire a piece of automotive history, with expectations for the vehicle to fetch a price near the million-dollar mark, reflecting its rarity and historical significance.

This particular 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition stands out as one of only 343 examples ever built. Its special designation honors the 50th anniversary of Ford's iconic 1-2-3 victory at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, a landmark achievement in motorsports. The vehicle showcases the legendary Gulf livery, meticulously hand-applied, complete with the distinctive roundels that harken back to its racing heritage. Underneath its striking exterior lies a powerful supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine, delivering an impressive 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The interior, adorned in black leather with subtle retro touches, perfectly complements the car's vintage-inspired design.

The Legacy of the Ford GT Heritage Edition

Ford's decision to auction a 2006 GT Heritage Edition from its private collection represents a rare chance for the public to own a piece of significant automotive history. This specific model is one of merely 343 units manufactured for the 2006 model year, created to honor the golden jubilee of Ford's legendary 1-2-3 triumph at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its iconic Gulf livery, featuring meticulously hand-painted roundels, visually connects it to that storied racing past. The car is equipped with the period-correct supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine, generating 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, providing an authentic and engaging driving experience.

The exclusivity of this vehicle is further emphasized by its low mileage, showing only 8,345 miles on the odometer. As the third GT Heritage Edition ever produced, it served primarily for marketing and media engagements, contributing to its historical narrative. While it sustained minor rear and undercarriage damage in the past, these issues were professionally rectified to Ford's exacting quality standards, ensuring the vehicle's pristine condition. The winning bidder will receive a certificate of authenticity and a detailed build book, documenting the car's entire production journey. The anticipated sale price is expected to hover around $1 million, with previous Heritage Editions having commanded prices between $680,000 and $1.2 million, highlighting the car's immense value to collectors.

Unveiling a Rarity: The Auction Event

This esteemed 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition is slated to go under the hammer at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Fall 2025 sale in Scottsdale, Arizona, with the added allure of no reserve. This decision by Ford to release one of its cherished collection vehicles into public hands is a notable event in the automotive world. The proceeds generated from this auction will be directly reinvested into sustaining the Ford Heritage Collection, a vast assembly of over 500 vehicles that demand continuous care and significant financial commitment. The sale is not only an opportunity for a private individual to acquire a magnificent supercar but also a means to support the preservation of Ford's rich automotive heritage for future generations.

The car's distinct features, including the striking Gulf livery and the robust supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, make it a highly desirable item for any serious collector. Its low mileage and documented history, despite previous minor repairs, add to its appeal and value. This particular example's status as the third Heritage Edition built further enhances its collectible nature, setting it apart from other Ford GT models. Experts anticipate strong bidding, with predictions placing the final hammer price close to $1 million, a figure supported by the robust performance of similar Heritage Editions in past auctions. This sale promises to be a highlight of the Barrett-Jackson event, offering a rare glimpse into Ford's celebrated past and a chance to own a piece of it.