Subaru's Barkley Family Back on the Road
Subaru of America recently launched a fresh series of commercials as part of its popular "Dog Tested. Dog Approved." campaign. This campaign features the beloved Barkley family of dogs, who have been family favorites for years, as they embark on new adventures in Subaru's latest line-up of vehicles. With an engaging blend of humor and heartwarming moments, the ads shine a spotlight on both the joys of dog ownership and the experiences that define Subaru's target audience.
The new campaign includes seven ads, each centered around relatable scenarios that easily connect with Subaru's owner base. Among these is
"The Chase", which debuted during a primetime football game, where the Barkleys are seen chasing down the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in the new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. This vibrant scenario not only highlights the vehicle's new powertrain technology but also showcases the playful spirit of the character-filled Barkley family.
The Barkleys are also featured in another ad titled
"Handwash", where they humorously battle a mischievous pigeon while trying to wash off their rugged and redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Such moments encapsulate the typical adventures that dogs and their families experience during their everyday journeys, resonating strongly with Subaru’s promise to create vehicles built for life’s adventures.
In the ad called
"Squeak", viewers witness a peaceful family ride disrupted by baby Barkley's playful antics, echoing the ups and downs of traveling with children and pets. Similarly, the
"New Look" ad depicts neighborhood dogs in awe as they see the Barkleys cruising in the redesigned Outback. Subaru carefully crafts these narratives to reflect their commitment to celebrating the bond between dogs and their owners, positioning their vehicles as integral to those experiences.
Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America, noted that the inspiration from pet ownership continues to shape the brand's marketing efforts. He emphasized that Subaru owners share a deep love for their pets, particularly dogs, creating a natural synergy between the Barkley family's joy and the adventures that Subaru vehicles facilitate. Furthermore, Subaru aims to be more than just a car company; they intend to be part of their customers' everyday lives.
Additionally, the new ads not only entertain but also promote a positive cause. Subaru has partnered with Animal Planet for Puppy Bowl, marking their sixteenth consecutive year as the event's exclusive automotive sponsor. The Puppy Bowl showcases a variety of adorable puppies up for adoption, reinforcing Subaru's commitment to pet welfare and community involvement.
The ads are accessible to the public through various platforms, including Subaru's official YouTube channel, inviting viewers to join in the fun and look out for the ongoing adventures of the Barkley family. With innovation in mind, Subaru also aims to educate its customers on the latest technologies incorporated into their vehicles, making every journey as exciting as the last.
To explore the full collection of ads and learn more about Subaru's pet-friendly initiatives, visit the dedicated campaign page at
Subaru.com/pets and follow the hashtag #SubaruLovesPets on social media for the latest updates and heartwarming stories. Subaru’s commitment to pets reflects a broader philosophy of love and respect, extending from their cars to the communities they serve.
As Subaru continues to innovate while embracing the joy of pet ownership, the Barkley family remains a delightful reminder of the adventures that await in every Subaru vehicle. Whether they are on a family road trip or a simple drive around the neighborhood, every journey with Subaru promises to be filled with joy, adventure, and a whole lot of fun.