Australia’s obsession with medium SUVs shows no signs of slowing, but which hybrid family hauler deserves a place in your driveway? That’s the question at the heart of the July 2026 issue of Wheels, where three of the nation’s biggest-selling and most trusted nameplates – the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V – face off in a comprehensive comparison test.

Hybrid power has become the default choice for many family buyers chasing lower fuel bills without the commitment of plugging in, and all three contenders promise efficiency, practicality and everyday usability. But when put through a rigorous real-world fuel economy challenge and judged across comfort, performance, technology and value, only one emerges as the winner.

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Elsewhere, Wheels sits down with Australian engineering legend Ron Harrop. From his formative years in motorsport to his close association with Peter Brock and Holden Special Vehicles, Harrop reflects on a remarkable career spent making fast cars faster – and the lessons that shaped one of the country’s most respected automotive minds.

The July issue also travels to Germany for a fascinating look inside the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. More than simply a collection of historic vehicles, the spectacular facility tells the story of technological progress, world events and the role the automobile has played in shaping modern society.

Performance fans won’t want to miss our drive of the Aston Martin Valhalla. The British brand’s first plug-in hybrid supercar combines a twin-turbo V8 with electrification to create an Aston Martin unlike any before it, while still aiming to retain the character that defines the marque.

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Our Modern Classic feature revisits one of BMW’s boldest creations, the E60 M5. Armed with a naturally aspirated V10 inspired by Formula One, it remains one of the most outrageous performance sedans ever built.

In First Drives, we get behind the wheel of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA, Mazda CX-5, BMW iX3, Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid, Lexus RZ, BYD Shark, Ford Ranger and MGS6.

Regular sections include Dashboard, Inbox, Marketplace, Garage, Wayback Machine and the comprehensive Buyer’s Guide, featuring more than 1900 vehicle prices, specifications and reviews.

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The July issue of Wheels is on sale now.

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