What's the difference?
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!
In the eight years it’s been in our market, the Skoda Kodiaq large SUV has only seen modest updates, but the second-generation seven-seater marks a firm step forward.
You still get all of the clever practicality that Skoda is known for, but it now features a (slightly) sharper design, a raft of new features, improved technology and more room inside.
This week, my family of three has been living with the base 140TSI Select variant to find out whether this understated contender deserves more attention and if its rivals should start to worry.
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.
The new Skoda Kodiaq Select 140TSI is a quiet achiever. It may not be as flashy as some of its rivals, and the engine won’t knock your socks off, but it delivers where it counts. This is a well-rounded seven-seater that’s comfortable, practical and cleverly equipped with more standard features than you’d typically expect from a base grade. If you’re after a family SUV that flies under the radar but ticks all the right boxes, the Kodiaq deserves a close look.