The 2022 Outback XT Matches the 2026's Power for $18,000 Less—and the GR86's Shift Gets Smoother
The 2026 Outback becomes an SUV with 2 more cubic feet, a used XT saves you $18k with the same 260 hp, the GR86 gains a 0.5mm shift-interlock chamfer and a $600 Moon Slate Grey, while the BRZ Kiiro arrives limited to 95 in Sunrise Yellow.
The 2022 Outback XT Costs $18,000 Less Than the New One, Same 260 hp
The 2026 Outback's redesign turned it into a conventional SUV, but the wagon-shaped sixth-generation Outback from 2020–2025 still exists on the used market. The 2022 Limited XT is the sweet spot, with the same 2.4-liter turbo flat-four as the new Limited XT, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. It also matches the 2026 model's 3,500-lb towing capacity. The nationwide average price for a 2022 Limited XT is about $26,000, which is roughly $9,000 below the new base Premium's sticker and $18,000 under the 2026 Limited XT's MSRP of $44,365. You get leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, moonroof, and the 11.6-inch multimedia system. The depreciation has already hit, making it a practical alternative that still feels modern.
- Model2022 Outback Limited XT
- Price~$26,000 average
- Power260 hp
- Towing3,500 lb
The 2026 Outback Is Now an SUV: 1.4 Inches Taller, 2 More Cubic Feet
Subaru's Outback has always been a wagon in SUV clothing, but the 2026 redesign commits fully to the crossover look. The new model sits 1.4 inches higher, has a flatter roof, more upright rear glass, and a blunt vertical nose. That raises the driving position and adds two cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats. The awkward portrait infotainment screen is replaced by a 12.1-inch landscape display, and physical buttons and knobs return for climate functions. Storage space also increases inside. But traditional buyers who liked the Outback for its distinct wagon silhouette may find the new one too conventional. The elevated stance and boxier lines make it hard to tell apart from any mid-size SUV, and the base engine's output drops slightly while curb weight climbs.
- Model2026 Subaru Outback
- Height increase1.4 in
- Cargo+2 cu ft
- Display12.1-inch landscape
GR86 Gets Triple-Camera EyeSight and Linear Throttle Response
The 2026 Toyota GR86, arriving in Australian showrooms later this month, gains a suite of technology and chassis upgrades. The Subaru-developed EyeSight driver-assist system now employs a triple-camera arrangement—wide-angle stereo cameras paired with an ultra-wide-angle monocular camera—to deliver a broader field of view than the outgoing two-camera setup. Throttle control settings have been revised to produce a more linear relationship between accelerator pedal input and powertrain response, making the car easier to drive smoothly. Electric power steering calibration has also been changed to improve stability in high-speed corners and on rough surfaces. Inside, the cabin gains redesigned switches and upgraded materials, while the red-and-black interior trim now features more red around the driver's seat, a nod to the previous-generation 86. These refinements aim to sharpen the driving experience without altering the car's core character.
- SafetyTriple camera EyeSight
- SteeringRevised EPS
- InteriorRed accent
GR86 Manual Gearbox Gets 0.5mm Shift-Interlock Chamfer for Cleaner Downshifts
Toyota's update for the GR86 includes a subtle but meaningful change to the six-speed manual transmission. The shift-interlock chamfer has been finetuned and broadened by 0.5mm, which the company says allows smoother downshifts between fifth and fourth gears. The goal is “stress-free, at the limit corner entry” for track driving. This small mechanical adjustment does not change the gear ratios, but it addresses a common complaint about notchy shifts. The finetuned chamfer helps the shift lever glide from fifth to fourth with less effort, providing a more precise and satisfying action. This is particularly useful when approaching a corner at high speed and needing to drop a gear while braking. The GR86 still uses a 174kW/250Nm 2.4-liter flat-four engine, mated to either the manual or a six-speed automatic. The change is part of a broader effort to sharpen the sports car's feel without altering its core character.
- Transmission6-speed manual
- Change0.5mm chamfer
- Gear range5th to 4th
Moon Slate Grey Returns on 2026 GR86 for a $600 Premium
The 2026 Toyota GR86 brings back the Moon Slate Grey paint option, a color last offered on the previous-generation 86 for a limited time in 2017. In Australia, the color is expected to carry the same $600 premium over standard flat red as other optional colours, with the GR86 starting at $43,940 before on-road costs. The grey is a subtle choice that contrasts with more common white, black, and red options. Toyota Australia confirmed the color's arrival with the updated model, which also includes chassis and interior improvements. The paint option is likely to be popular given its rarity—it wasn't available for the current generation until now. For buyers seeking a distinctive yet understated appearance, this colour adds a unique touch without screaming for attention.
- ColorMoon Slate Grey
- Premium$600
- Year reintroduced2017
GR86 and BRZ Sales Drop in Australia: 383 GR86 and 379 BRZ in Seven Months
From January through July 2026, Toyota sold 383 GR86s and Subaru sold 379 BRZs in Australia. That's a year-on-year decline of 21.8% for the GR86 and 16.1% for the BRZ. The sports car segment, which includes the Honda Prelude, Nissan Z, and Mazda MX-5, is led by the Ford Mustang. The two Japanese twins are built on the same Subaru platform at the Gunma plant in Japan, with only minor specification differences. The price gap is notable: the GR86 starts at $43,940 while the BRZ is $47,890, partly because the Subaru comes with 18-inch wheels versus the Toyota's 17-inch. The sales dip suggests the pair faces stiff competition, even with the recent updates. However, the GR86's lower entry price may attract buyers who want a pure sports car without the extra equipment. The BRZ's higher price includes standard 18-inch alloys, which may explain its slightly smaller decline.
- SalesGR86 383, BRZ 379
- Decline21.8% / 16.1%
- SegmentUnder Mustang
BRZ tS Kiiro Limited to 95 Australian Examples in Sunrise Yellow
Subaru Australia hasn't confirmed the latest BRZ updates, but the brand already introduced a limited edition earlier this year. The BRZ tS Kiiro is restricted to 95 examples for Australia and wears a striking Sunrise Yellow paint job. This limited run is part of Subaru's effort to keep the BRZ fresh in the sports car market. The tS version includes track-tuned suspension and other performance upgrades, though Subaru has said little about its exact specifications. The regular BRZ got a refresh earlier in 2026, but the local arm has been quiet about that as well. The standard BRZ is priced at $47,890 before on-road costs, with the tS Kiiro presumably commanding more. The limited run makes it a collectible for enthusiasts, and the vivid color ensures it stands out on the road. Given that only 95 will be available, interested buyers may need to act quickly.
- ModelBRZ tS Kiiro
- Examples95
- ColorSunrise Yellow
Special Editions Add Rarity to GR86 and BRZ Lineups
Subaru and Toyota have each issued limited-run versions to keep enthusiasm alive. The BRZ tS Kiiro, capped at 95 examples for Australia, is finished in a striking Sunrise Yellow paintwork that stands out in any parking lot. Toyota, meanwhile, offered a GR86 Limited Edition in Forest Shadow green as part of its late-2024 update. These special editions are not just about color—they come with unique trim details and are produced in small numbers, making them instant collectibles. Buyers who miss out on the initial allocation will have to search the used market, where premiums are common. For those who want a factory-backed way to differentiate their sports car without resorting to aftermarket modifications, these editions are the safest bet. The limited availability also means that decisions need to be made quickly when dealerships open orders, as the entire Australian allocation can disappear within days. This scarcity, combined with the inherent appeal of the rear-wheel-drive coupes, ensures strong demand despite the overall sales decline in the segment.
- Screen11.6-inch vertical
- TransmissionCVT
- IssueSlower infotainment
