Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Palisade
What's the difference?

Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Hyundai Palisade

$66,800 - $93,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2026 Subaru Outback

2026 Hyundai Palisade

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Flat 4, 2.5L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

6.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Refined ride and handling
Timeless design
Easy to manoeuvre

Dislikes

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

Rear bench-style seats are firm
Safety systems sometimes clunky
More expensive than rivals

2026 Subaru Outback Summary

It’s 2026 and over 30 years and through six generations the Subaru Outback as we knew it… is gone.

Gone is the defiantly wagon-esque crossover style that was one of the first, as well as likely the most-successful, for the boxy beast you see here.

RIP, original Subaru Outback.

But, don’t worry, folks, because, except for a couple of issues, things only get better by and large, with the big new seventh-gen model.

And, in the most important ways, the 2026 Outback is a true Subaru at heart, so let’s dive straight in!

View full pricing & specs

2026 Hyundai Palisade Summary

If you’re in the market for an eight-seat family SUV, the Hyundai Palisade has probably already crossed your radar. But now there’s a twist. Hyundai has taken this well-established large SUV and given it a hybrid powertrain.

That puts it up against familiar rivals like the Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid and Kia Sorento Sport+ Hybrid which are both strong players in the family-friendly space. The version we’re looking at for this review is the mid-spec Elite and we're family-testing it to see if the new hybrid powertrain makes for a winning combo.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Outback 2026 Hyundai Palisade

Verdict

Over 30 years and seven generations of Outback in Australia, the latest might just be the best.

It's great to drive, even better to sit in, very easy to live and willing to go further than most equivalent large SUVs at its price point.

The styling is definitely divisive, with purists unhappy that the long, crossover wagon silhouette is now gone, but what we have instead is a family-friendly vehicle that pleases on so many fronts.

We’d go as far as saying the latest Outback might be the most-rounded Subaru currently available, and great value to boot. And the base AWD is all the SUV most people will ever need.

That’s not bad for something this square!

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The new hybrid powertrain for the Hyundai Palisade is a welcome addition for families looking for an efficient three-row SUV that doesn’t drive like a brick and looks good at the school pick up or client lunch. Overall, the Palisade remains a solid, all-round package that deserves praise and the eighth seat is an added bonus.

Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Palisade What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Palisade
What's the difference?