2012 Outback vs 2013 Outback ride quality...

[greenvalleybob]

I heard the 2013 model has built-in traffic in the nav system. This is essential in LA. Am I correct? Anyone know if it works well?

[hiker74]

My suggestion is to drive both. FInd a dealer that will let you pick one up for an extended test drive, i.e. a full day. Some like the more planted feel of the 2013 while others like the more floaty feeling of the 2012. It truly is a driver's decision. We went with the 2013 as the discounts being offered on the 2012 were not very much in comparison to the 2013. We liked the more firmly planted feel as well in the 2013.

[mparker762]

Originally Posted by greenvalleybob

I heard the 2013 model has built-in traffic in the nav system. This is essential in LA. Am I correct? Anyone know if it works well?

It does. My commute doesn't take me down any major freeways so I've only seen one accident show up on it, but that one was correct.

[Boonemtneer]

This is my first post and it maybe in the wrong place, but does anyone know if the 2011/2012 HD outback radio fit the 2013. I bought the premium without the HK upgrade and now I am looking for the upgraded radio (and speakers if possible). Thanks for any help.

[outbackpacker3]

Originally Posted by ob_buyer

Folks-

I had initiated another thread asking about OB vs Acura TSX. It looks like I'll be leaning more towards the OB now, one of the major factors being the future of the TSX line in Acura.

Today, I went to the dealer to test drive a 2013 OB. (Previously, I had test driven only a 2012 model). The dealer didn't have any 2013 2.5i that I could test drive. He had the 3.6 versions though, which I'm not interested.

And the *WORST* part, the helper guy in the dealership kept on saying that there is ABSOLUTELY no difference between the 2012 and 2013 models. When I told him it is a slightly different engine and CVT, he kind of laughed at me :-( I think he felt that since I've already test driven a 2012 model, I should base my decision purely based on that.

But, I just can't curtail my curiosity. I'm sure there are folks here who have driven both the 2012 and 2013 models... Waiting to hear from such folks.

Thanks.

I just don't know how the guy that said the '12 and '13 are the same got and kept his job. The 2013 has a different engine and transmisson those are pretty important changes if you ask me.

[sleze]

What would it take to upgrade a 2012's handling to that of a 2013? RSB has got to be one of the things but what else would be required to do it? Also, is it feasible to do so?

[jogosub]

Aftermarket Tokicos (shocks) as elsewhere posted on these pages....