Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

We're charging into new EV territory in the Subaru Trailseeker... Then, it's all gas and wave breaks with post-war hot rodders... We're looking back at a carbon-crazed, once-a-century Lamborghini... Then, it's a liftback throwback in the all-new Honda Prelude... So, come drive with us, next!

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JOHN: After showing up a little late to the EV party, Subaru has quickly expanded their battery roster to three models, with a fourth on the way.

The latest to go on sale is this Trailseeker.

It not only delivers everything Subaru buyers look for, but it does it faster than any production Subaru ever.

Has Subaru traded in their hiking boots for running shoes?

Well, let's find out.

♪ ♪ The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is the highest-ranking member of Subaru's BEV brigade, a 5-passenger utility with a size roughly comparable to the midsize Outback.

And like all Subaru EVs so far, Trailseeker shares its platform with Toyota and their similar bZ Woodland.

So, if you're seeking to find some trails out back in the Subaru woodlands, your vehicle has finally arrived.

But, you should always make sure you're fully charged before heading out.

On that front, the Trailseeker's 74.7 kilowatt hour battery charges to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes with 150 kilowatt DC Fast Charging through the standard NACS port.

Trailseeker gets a maximum range rating of 281 miles, though our test car was outfitted in Touring trim with 20 inch wheels that drops it down to 274.

It didn't seem to matter in our drive loop as we were on pace for an impressive 300 miles.

And using 30 kilowatt hour of electricity per 100 miles, it earns a "good" efficiency rating.

Subaru began its EV journey with the Solterra of course, and behind the wheel, the Trailseeker feels much like driving a bigger Solterra, which it essentially is, adding about 6.0 inches of overall length onto the same 112.2 inch wheelbase.

And that's not a bad thing.

Our Trailseeker did feel a bit more tightly sprung, a little more solid and definitely more powerful, getting a combined 375 horsepower from its standard dual-motor Symmetrical all-wheel-drive setup, 37 more than the top Solterra.

Dual-Mode X-Mode AWD comes with multiple off-road settings as well as Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control.

With its modern, rugged style, it certainly looks like a Subaru, and with the latest Outback taking on more of a boxy SUV posture, it's the Trailseeker that remains truer to the original Outback wagon theme.

There's 8.5 inches of ground clearance, slightly more than the Solterra, and towing capacity is listed at 3,500 pounds.

The highlight inside is the standard 14 inch touchscreen infotainment setup; it works well, with nice large icons and easy to read graphics.

The easy-to-access wireless phone charging pads located at the front of the console are just one example of the highly functional space.

Though, some of our drivers found the oddly shaped steering wheel and forward mounted gauge pod a bit awkward.

Top Touring trim gets a camera display rear view mirror, a panoramic sunroof, radiant leg heaters for front seat passengers and gloss black hood accents.

There was good comfort in the front seats, as well as in back, with legroom and headroom plentiful for adults.

The cargo area looks plenty durable for hauling all your adventure gear; the 30.4 cubic-feet of space is accessed through a standard power liftgate, with 60/40 split-folding seat backs for expanding the space to 71.8 cubic-feet.

Firing this speed-seeking Subi down range at our test track, it didn't feel overly aggressive with power delivery, but we saw 60 in just 4.1 seconds.

Power remained consistent throughout the quarter-mile which we completed in 11.4 seconds at 108 miles per hour.

Steering was very good, not too light and very responsive, helping the Trailseeker drive smaller than it is through our cone course.

Still there was no hiding the 4,500 pounds of weight transfer through the tight turns.

It felt great in our panic braking runs; lots of initial bite triggered some immediate nosedive, but stops were straight and true: 112 feet on average from 60.

Long before Subaru was seeking EV trails, they built a reputation for road rally racing success.

And as they were looking to capitalize on that pedigree back in the early 2000s, we were thrilled to get our hands on a Japanese market 22B before the first WRX went on sale here in the U.S.

And more than 25 years later, that test remains a highlight for many of our crew.

The base Premium Trailseeker starts quite reasonably at $41,445, midgrade Limited comes in at $45,445, and Touring tops the lineup at $48,005.

If you're a Subaru fan interested in making the switch to an EV, but have been waiting for an all-electric version of the Outback to arrive, the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is as close as you can get right now, as it stays truer to that proven formula than any Subaru EV yet.

It's also fast!

Something modern Subaru buyers will probably, and happily, get used to in a hurry.

♪ ♪ JOHN: If you could choose any era to be an American automotive enthusiast, which would it be?

Well, muscle car fans would say the late '60s, early '70s.

Tuners would point around Y2K.

But for Hot Rodders, it really got cranking post-war.

Well this week, Greg Carloss goes "Over the Edge" to an event where the faithful don't just celebrate that time, they live it.

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: There's vintage racing, and then there's vintage racing.

And that's exactly what this is.

It's "The Race of Gentlemen."

Let's go check it out!

♪ ♪ MEL STULTZ: Boy, T.R.O.G...uh, T.R.O.G.

is short for "The Race of Gentlemen."

Also short for "Troglodyte," which is a caveman.

I believe in being a gentleman, yet...I like my life wild.

♪ ♪ GREG: Wild: It's the only way to describe T.R.O.G, a weekend-long immersion into the post-war era celebrating its motorcycles, hot rods, music, and even fashion, taking place just about every fall since 2012 in Wildwood, New Jersey.

And it's all the vision of Mel Stultz.

MEL: I was sitting at this old 1920s, you know, brick convention center, looking down the...the beach and it dawned on me that it looked like a beautiful dragstrip straightaway.

And so, I kind of just invented it by accident.

And we ran with it.

You know, like all my loves, uh, in one, one big, you know, art project of sorts.

GREG: Art can be uncompromising.

So is T.R.O.G.

's dedication to authenticity.

So, every hot rod and motorcycle that hits the sand must go through Mel.

Car bodies need to be American-made before 1935 with 4- or 8-cylinder engines that predate 1954, also American-made.

Motorcycles need a similar period-correctness and have to be bobbed.

The only modern exceptions are in the name of safety: Helmets and harnesses.

With such demanding guidelines, it's no surprise that everyone I meet exudes intense passion and inspired individuality.

- My name's Erik Hanson.

I came from Omaha, Nebraska, to get here.

I don't know, just, uh, something's wired in my brain to...to like old cars and it's all I know.

- I'm Natasha Hollis from McPherson, Kansas, and this is "The Irish Sausage."

Been raised on a farm and ranch, and worked on vehicles, tractors, everything, and I like to go fast in cars.

- I'm Rob Ida, Rob Ida Concepts in New Jersey.

I build custom cars.

I...I brought this, uh, 1957 Porsche and this 1954 Corvette Racer.

GREG: Rob's cars clearly don't meet T.R.O.G.

's rules for entry.

So, how did he make it down to the pits?

ROB: Good question.

So, we don't really have a class.

Mel lets me come in and...and race some of these later sports cars, but he is thinking of adding a sports car class to The Race of Gentlemen in the future.

GREG: Trust me.

No one is complaining when these cars hit the starting line.

And, how could you?

Two days of racing from the moment the tide goes out, all the way until mother nature says it's time to go home.

Shades on, eyes toward the ocean.

Soaking in all the sights, sounds, and smells these unruly machines have to offer.

Who's to say it's not actually happening in the 1950s?

ROB: So, I've been to automotive events around the world.

Some of the greatest events there are.

This is the one event I've never missed.

Right?

The Race of Gentlemen.

There's just something about this that no other event gives you this feeling.

NATASHA: It's the beach.

You're racing.

And you kind of get to step back in time and experience the sand in your face and the wind in your hair.

And you just can't go home without a smile on your face.

GREG: Beach racing is messy...loud...unpredictable.

But if you look at all the chaos from the right angle, there's beauty.

The art of T.R.O.G.

♪ ♪ JESSICA RAY: Did you know your vehicle's tow rating is more complicated than you might think?

Yes, manufacturers set maximum tow ratings for their vehicles, but that doesn't account for the weight of any passengers or cargo in said tow vehicle.

It's not just all about the trailer.

The gross combined weight rating along with curb weight, which is how much your vehicle weighs when empty, are two important numbers to know.

They can be found either on the driver's door label or in your owner's manual.

Subtract the two and add the weight of any passengers and payload, and that will give you your safest towing capacity.

And remember, the weight of any mods or part upgrades also need to be included.

So, if you want to make sure you're towing safely, do the research before you travel.

JOHN: About a decade ago, we drove a Lamborghini so unique, it only comes around once a century.

And to this day, we're still dreaming about it.

♪ ♪ You may have gotten a clue from the name, but this 2017 Lamborghini Centenario was conceived to celebrate a 100 year anniversary, not of Lamborghini the brand but of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini's birth.

A host of colors are available, but we like the exposed carbon-fiber look just fine.

The rear wing has been extended to provide additional downforce when approaching this car's 217 miles per hour top speed.

Reminds you of a Batmobile, doesn't it?

Yet, through it all, it still retains that classic Lamborghini shape that every car crazy kid loves.

(engine starts and revs) Aventador bones also means there's a screaming, naturally aspirated 6.5 liter V12 engine located in the back, producing 759 horsepower thanks to Lambo boosting max revs a bit to 8600.

Zero-to-sixty is 2.8 seconds and less.

The trio of exhaust tips mounted dead center in the rear trumpet exhaust notes that are truly magical.

BRIAN ROBERTS: Now, if this car doesn't get your heart pounding instantly, I don't know what would.

I've been driving it maybe 30 miles so far this morning, and the one thing that I really notice is when you mash on the throttle, the power is instant.

Feels like you're going 200 miles-an-hour.

It is insane.

JOHN: MotorWeek had a rare opportunity to experience the heck out of this one, and it was extraordinarily magical.

Lamborghini's new rear-wheel steer system is included, as well as all of the basics of the Aventador, including the independent shifting rods, transmission, and magnetic shocks.

A serious lack of sound deadening material and a cabin full of hard surfaces can either be a detriment or quite possibly the greatest thing your gearhead mind could conjure up, as the aria of power surging from the V12 echoes throughout the space like an Italian concert hall from hell.

The 2017 Lamborghini Centenario is a truly unique piece of automotive art that will be talked about for years to come, and a fitting tribute to Lamborghini, the man who believed nothing was impossible.

♪ ♪ JOHN: For many, the collector car industry is more than just a hobby, it's a passion.

It certainly has been for car enthusiast Greg Stanley, and in his new book, "The Enthusiast's Guide to Collector Cars," Greg invites you to share his enthusiasm, knowledge, and, yes, passion for historic automobiles.

More than just an introduction to the hobby, it's a veritable resource guide packed full of information covering significant collectible cars from every era of automotive production.

So, whether you're looking to get into the hobby or just want some new facts to pontificate on at the next cars n' coffee, this Must Read has all the info you need!

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: You may recall our most recent Long-Term Road Test addition is this 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid.

It arrived in May, so we have a lot to say for its first update.

Not surprisingly, most of our staff's comments are similar.

It has a comfortable ride, aided by unexpectedly plush materials and supportive seats.

Space is in abundance for people and parcels alike, and for those long commutes, the onboard driver assists are, log-book quote, "spot on."

In fact, the only thing we dislike here, like other recent Kia's, is the dual-purpose climate and media touch controls.

We've gotten used to them again, however, and it's hard to not admire the efficient use of space- a solid descriptor of the Sportage as a whole.

As much as we love to talk about speed and handling, we realize most people are interested in comfort and technology, which is exactly what most of our staff have been commenting on in this Sportage Hybrid.

The seats have proven to be great fatigue-fighters on long hauls; and the screen setup not only looks modern, the system is fast and intuitive.

A premium experience for a not-so-premium price.

And those impressions have formed over 6,000 miles, mostly highway, which has given an average fuel economy of 32.9 miles per gallon of Regular.

That's a bit under the EPA's 35 MPG combined, but still within expectations.

And we've noticed surges of efficiency.

One staffer calculated over 34 miles per gallon for a recent road trip.

We've been doing plenty of road-tripping in this Acura ADX too, which has been with us for three months now, and more than one of our drivers have dubbed it just about the perfect entry-level luxury SUV.

What makes it so?

Well, it looks both sophisticated and sporty outside, while inside everything oozes with high-quality feel, yet, remains simple and straightforward to operate, including the 9-inch Google-based infotainment setup.

While its overall layout is very similar to Honda's HR-V, dash materials and the entire center console are much different and a big upgrade, as are the seats.

So far, everything is holding up very well.

The ADX's 1.5 liter 4-cylinder engine may be small, but with turbo assistance it cranks out a more than adequate 190 horsepower, running smoothly and vibration free.

Our logbook comment section is even surprisingly free of complaints about the CVT automatic.

Over our first 5,000 miles, we're averaging a good 28.2 miles per gallon.

We'll drop in on our Subaru Outback on the next MotorWeek Long-Term Road Test Update!

JOHN: A prelude is generally considered an introduction, or something that comes before.

But musically speaking, this 2026 Honda Prelude is more of a segno, or a repeat, as after a quarter of a century, Honda has returned to making this very special type of sweet sport-coupe music.

So, let's find out if that means we're in for an electrifying performance.

♪ ♪ Electrifying indeed, as you may have heard by now this reborn 2026 Honda Prelude comes exclusively with Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain.

This may seem odd, but if you recall from our review of the latest Civic Hybrid, its 200 horsepower was exactly the same as the Civic Si's turbo-4, yet, the Hybrid cranked out 40 additional pound-feet of torque.

That's also what you'll find here in the Prelude: 2.0 liter Atkinson-cycle I4 with 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.

And since the transmission is made up of electric motors instead a planetary gearset, an S+ Shift system is in place to "provide a performance transmission experience."

This means, eight virtual gear ratios, which you can select via paddle shifters, with engine RPMs adjusting accordingly to provide the feel of an actual gear shift.

It will hold its virtual gear, as well as blip the throttle on downshifts, and it even has rev-matching.

Honda employed a similar tech-minded approach back when the Prelude's previous run came to an end 25 years ago.

That 5th gen arrived as the 20th Century was coming to a close and sporty coupes were falling out of favor in the American market.

Honda's innovative Active Torque Transfer System attempted to eliminate understeer in corners, but in our Road Test, we put more credence in the well-sorted suspension and grippy tires.

Then, as now, Honda pitches the front-wheel-drive Prelude as more of a mature grand touring style sport coupe instead of an outright track performer, but the fact that it gets most of its chassis and suspension components from Honda's Civic Type R indicates it's plenty capable.

We experienced plenty of grip in our handling course.

Much like the last Prelude, the suspension is well sorted even in its Comfort setting.

But, sportier GT and Sport tunes are available with the standard Active Damper System which has been tuned specifically for the Prelude.

Steering feel was spot-on as well.

While, not quite as thrilling in acceleration runs, it felt plenty quick for a sporty coupe, getting us to 60 in 6.5 seconds.

There is a nice little jolt of torque off the line, but things mostly stayed smooth and steady down the track as we completed the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds at 91 miles per hour.

No sense in employing the S+ shift here, as that's more about a feel, not necessarily improving performance.

Type R brakes were more than up to the task, bringing us to smooth and stable stops from 60 in a very short 90 feet.

While, the sheet-metal of this liftback is probably the most dynamic we've seen from Honda in some time, its looks are not a total departure from the Civic family.

The rear doesn't appear as tall as the last Civic Coupe, which has been out of the lineup since 2020, so there's a steeper rake to the roofline, leading to a wide tail accentuated with a Porsche-like full width light bar.

Standard wheels are 19s.

The Civic influence is ever stronger inside with familiar patterns, materials, and controls, but with a rising center console that incorporates Honda's gear selector.

Two themes are available, blue and white two-tone or basic black.

Front accommodations are sporty feeling without being tight, while the two rear seats are best left to children.

There's a nice 15.1 cubic-feet of storage space beneath the liftback, with 60/40 split seat- folding flexibility.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 46 city, 41 highway, and 44 combined.

We averaged 44.9 miles per gallon of Regular.

That's a much better than average Energy Impact Score, using 6.8 Barrels of Oil Annually with 3.4 Tons of CO2 Emissions.

For now, it's a one size fits all approach for Prelude, starting at $43,195 with just a few option add-ons.

Small sporty coupes used to be a big deal, but when you combine the ongoing SUV takeover with all kinds of modern tech that can turn just about any vehicle into a great handler, it makes us wonder why now?

But one thing we do know is Honda is committed to significantly expanding their hybrid profile; and to us, the 2026 Honda Prelude is the perfect spoonful of sugar to help that go down.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek, including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time when we pony up for a test of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and team up for a review of the new Jeep Cherokee.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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