Subaru Outback vs Tesla Model Y
What's the difference?

Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

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Tesla Model Y

$58,900 - $89,400

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Subaru Outback

2026 Tesla Model Y

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Flat 4, 2.5L

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Seriously practical
A seating layout that makes perfect sense
Long-distance driving range

Dislikes

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

Ride might be too firm for some
Compromised vision from driver's seat
Lack of Apple CarPlay a turn-off

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!

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2026 Tesla Model Y Summary

This is the new Tesla Model Y L, of course, but before we even start I need to ask you a very important question.

How often, honestly, do you use all seven seats in your seven-seater? Or if you only have five seats, how often is there a human in every single one?

Rarely, if ever?

Yep, me too. So stick around, because this is, by far, the best family SUV seating layout. And one where there’ll finally be no fighting over who gets stuck with the dodgy seat.

And as a result, the six-seat Tesla Model Y L might just be among the best all-electric SUV offerings around.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Outback 2026 Tesla Model Y

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

If you like the five-seat Model Y, then you'll like the six-seat L version even more. I think this the best example of Tesla's electric SUV to date, and the cabin layout just makes a lot of sense, and would suit plenty of families who don't need to squeeze someone into a compromised middle seat.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Subaru Outback vs Tesla Model Y What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Outback vs Tesla Model Y
What's the difference?