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!
It’s been in Australia since 2019 and despite the arrival of a comprehensively upgraded version in late 2023, the Tesla Model 3’s once gargantuan popularity has been declining in recent years.
A seemingly never-ending influx of pure-electric alternatives, primarily from China, has eroded the mid-size sedan’s positioning as the go-to, best-value EV choice.
But to its credit Tesla has again evolved the Model 3 proposition with the introduction of this Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive grade in October last year, at the time positioning it as “the longest-range EV in Australia”.
Since then, Tesla has adjusted the model grade name to Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive.
Some additional tweaks, made in response to customer feedback, also illustrates the EV pioneer’s determination to step up in the face of increasingly fierce competition.
So, does this latest Model 3 do enough to earn a spot on your electric vehicle shopping list? We spent a week behind the wheel to find out.
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.
Tesla has done enough with the introduction of this Premium Long Range RWD variant to keep the Model 3’s head well and truly above water in an increasingly competitive segment. After more than six years it still looks good, with a pleasant cabin environment, plenty of performance and leading energy efficiency. Safety is top-shelf and it stands up well in terms of practicality and driving dynamics.
That said, the ownership proposition is average, the determination to make so many functions screen-based is frustrating and the optional Full Self-Driving system is unconvincing. With the Model S and Model Y now discontinued globally it will be interesting to see how the Model 3 continues to evolve.