Today’s Drive: Aussie SUV shake-up, a safety siren from BMW, and a minivan that went full Type R

I’ve spent this week shuttling between school runs and press briefings, and the headlines are as mixed as my playlist. Big new SUVs for Australia, a beloved ute engine bowing out, a tidy AMG spec that actually saves money (hallelujah), and, yes, a Honda Odyssey that’s sprouted a six-speed and a wing. Let’s unpack it all with coffee in hand.

Australia’s SUV moment: new metal, familiar priorities

2026 Hyundai Palisade: family first, still

CarExpert has the fresh review of the 2026 Palisade, and if my time with previous Palisades is any guide, Hyundai knows its audience: space, serenity, and the sort of ride that makes corrugations feel like gentle murmurs. When I’ve run these big Hyundais on rough regional roads, they prefer a calm, unhurried rhythm—think flying business class, not chasing apexes.

• Cabin likely remains a strong suit: quiet, cleverly packaged, kid-proofed storage.
• Tech-forward without feeling like a tablet taped to a dashboard—Hyundai usually nails the ergonomics.
• If you road-trip the Hume or the Bruce on the regular, this is the sort of SUV that lowers your pulse rate.

2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS: the driver’s family bus

Skoda’s Kodiaq RS has always worn its “dad’s hot hatch” energy well, and the 2026 iteration reviewed in Australia suggests the formula remains intact. I’ve liked the RS because it doesn’t punish you for enjoying a backroad—light steering, tidy body control—while still swallowing prams, scooters, and that awkward IKEA box you swore would fit.

• Sporty stance without turning brittle—Skoda tends to keep some compliance in its tuning.
• Sensible features: practical second row, easy-fold third row, rubber mats that laugh at muddy footy boots.
• Expect the usual VAG infotainment smarts—just hope for fewer laggy moments than in some cousins.

Powertrains in flux: Ford Ranger and Everest drop a popular engine

Bookmark this if you’re speccing a 2026 Ford Ranger or Everest in Australia. CarExpert reports a popular engine is on the chopping block. Which one? Ford’s local comms will have the fine print, but here’s the takeaway from years of buyer chats in dealership carparks: if there’s a specific powertrain you love for towing, touring, or simply its relaxed swagger, lock in a build or find a dealer allocation sooner rather than later.

• Check your must-haves: towing capacity needs, fuel type, and service intervals.
• Plan resale: outgoing engines sometimes gain cult status—sometimes they don’t.
• Do a back-to-back drive before deciding. Your right foot will know.

Facelifts and pricing: Solterra arrives, X-Trail gets dearer

2026 Subaru Solterra: facelifted and priced for Australia

Subaru’s updated Solterra EV lands with fresh styling and a clearer value pitch. I’ve appreciated the Solterra’s easygoing demeanor in city slog—quiet, unflustered, with that SUV seating height that makes peak-hour feel less claustrophobic. If Subaru has sharpened charging and range this time, it’ll be a more convincing weekend companion, too.

• Typical Subaru vibe: friendly controls, visibility that makes tight carparks less of a yoga session.
• Expect Subaru’s focus on traction confidence—handy in wet coastal weather or gravel driveways.
• Charging cable storage still matters. Keep it clean and accessible, please.

2026 Nissan X-Trail facelift: locked for Australia, prices up

The facelifted X-Trail is confirmed for Australia with range-wide price hikes. The current X-Trail strikes a balance—family-focused, with a tech suite that doesn’t overwhelm. If the refresh adds nicer materials and smarter safety, it could justify the premium. But, yes, budgeting families will feel it.

• Multiple powertrains remain a draw, including electrified options in the broader range.
• Cabin practicality stays a strong suit; watch for any updates to the second-row slide and cargo floor shaping.
• Tip: ask dealers about model-year runout stock—sometimes you can dodge the hike.

Solterra vs X-Trail at a glance

Market pulse: VFACTS October 2025

The headline is simple: Chinese brands and hybrids keep climbing. The nuance? Buyers aren’t just chasing price—they’re responding to long warranties, modern cabins, and the promise of lower running costs. Out on the freeway last weekend, I counted a convoy of new Chinese-badged SUVs towing jet skis; the mainstream has officially moved on from curiosity to common sight.

• Hybrids continue to win in suburbia: easy refueling, lower fuel bills, minimal lifestyle compromise.
• Utes and SUVs still dominate—Australia’s love affair with cargo room and ground clearance isn’t fading.
• EV uptake is steady where home charging is easy; slower where street parking rules the roost.

AMG value shock: 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Carbon Edition

Rare sentence: “more for less.” The new GLC43 Carbon Edition folds in extra kit—think carbon trim and desirable options—while undercutting the previous spec. I’ve always liked the GLC43 as a real-world AMG: quick enough to entertain, comfy enough for the Monday grind. If the package pricing truly sharpened, it’s a compelling way to get the badge without going full milkshake maker.

• Expect bundled performance and cosmetic goodies—less box-ticking, more driving.
• Wallet-friendly for the segment, but still an AMG: tires and brakes are not budget items.

Safety first: BMW raises the flag on Takata airbags

BMW has sounded a fresh alarm on certain vehicles still fitted with Takata airbags that can rupture without warning. If your BMW is older and you haven’t checked, now’s the time. I’ve spoken to owners who assumed their car was already fixed—until a VIN check said otherwise.

• Action items: check your VIN, contact a dealer, book the free fix.
• Don’t delay—these are safety-critical components.
• Spread the word to family members with older cars; many affected vehicles are on their second or third owner.

Enthusiast corner: the minivan hero and a Fox-body fever dream

Honda Odyssey Type R (manual) build

Some magnificent madperson created a manual, Type R-flavored Odyssey and the internet is right to lose it. I’ve hustled a minivan through a mountain pass before (journalist life), and there’s something liberating about big glass, thin pillars, and a gearbox that lets you surf torque. Every school drop-off becomes a qualifying lap—allegedly.

Fox-body Mustang restomod

This Fox-body hits like your favorite ’90s mixtape—nostalgia with modern bite. The stance, the rumble, the subtle aero… it’s the sort of build that makes you hunt for empty industrial estates at dusk just to listen to the overrun. Tasteful, punchy, and very wearable with today’s traffic.

What it means for your driveway

Australia’s SUV landscape is getting fresher—and pricier in spots—while powertrain choices are evolving quickly. If you’re cross-shopping family haulers, weigh your use case: EV serenity (Solterra), flexible practicality (X-Trail), luxury speed (GLC43), or maximum lounge-on-wheels (Palisade). Keep an eye on Ford’s engine shuffle if you tow, and if you—or your parents—run an older BMW, make that airbag call today. The fun stuff? It’s alive and well, whether you prefer a winged minivan or a squared-off Mustang from the glory days.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 Subaru Solterra a good family EV for Australia?
  If you mostly do urban and suburban miles with weekend getaways, its quiet ride and SUV packaging make a strong case. Check charging options at home and compare dealer pricing against rival midsize EVs.
• What should Ranger/Everest buyers do about the engine change?
  Confirm availability with your dealer, drive the alternative powertrains back-to-back, and secure an allocation if you’re set on a specific engine—don’t assume it’ll linger in the catalog.
• Are X-Trail price increases worth it?
  Depends on the spec gains you value. If the facelift brings better materials and tech you’ll use daily, it can be. Otherwise, look for runout deals on current stock.
• How do I know if my BMW has a Takata airbag?
  Run a VIN check with BMW and book the free replacement if affected. If you’re unsure, call a dealer—five minutes could save a life.
• Kodiaq RS or Palisade for a growing family?
  Palisade: space and serenity. Kodiaq RS: space with a driver’s edge. Test both on the same loop—kids, pram, and all. Your spine and ears will tell you which one wins.