We got a fully loaded Outback Wagon at work as a demo. I've wanted to drive "Motor Trends SUV of the year" but it wasnt untill today that I finally had the opportunity.

What a car Extremely comfortable seats: very plush/ supportive! I've yet to find a CVT trans I liked yet this one was great! Very responsive, didnt over rev when gas was applied. The paddles on the wheel were more responsive then any other manual shift I've experienced in an automatic car to date. They didnt feel artificial at all.

Engine performance was good, more power then I would have expected from a heavy car with a 4cyl, on the highway is was very quiet and comfortable. Good nav and great stereo!

Overall, Subaru has done an AMAZING job with this new car I just came back from driving a 2010 Lexus RX450H and enjoyed the Subaru SO much more! Lexus can keep that POS

 

"This here's mah Subaroo Outback!"

 

That is one we were considering, but the wife settled on a 2009 Malibu. Not a bad car, but the 4 cylinder...


I liked the outside of the previous model more than the new ones, but I would not mind having either one.

 

 

The Outback and RX are two completely different types of cars with two completely different target audiences.

If you like driving, you won't like the RX.

If you just want to get from point A to point B with maximum comfort and utility, you'll like the RX.

 

Are there any other AWD Wagons that compete with the outback?

 

Depending on your budget, priorities, etc I think people might cross-shop with the 328xi (compares well though the 3 is more expensive), Venza (competes pretty directly in most ways, but more comfortable/less engaging of a drive), A4 Avant, or one of the Volvo wagons (pretty sure they offer AWD).

 

We have loaded cars from many manufacturers. Simply driving these 2 vehicles back to back- the standard luxuary of the lexus didnt outshine the charm of the Subie

 

They're both car-based tall wagons. I think the 6 cyl Outback and the RX350 both target similar audiences. Sure, the Lexus is a little more on the luxury, pampering side, but there's a large overlap, it seems to me.