What to buy. So confused....

[2013OB]

I dont think there are huge differences between the Forester and Outback. I personally like the styling of the Outback better than the Forester but on paper, there are not many major differences between the 2 vehicles. Outback has the wagon look, Forester has a small suv look.

Compare the 2013 Outback 2.5i Wagon & Other Subaru Models at Truck Trend

Planet Subaru | Vehicles for sale in Hanover, MA 02339

[subiesailor]

By the way one of our regular posters has tried a low slung cot set up in the OB for sleeping in the car and has found it to be a great option. Depending on the new Forester and XV length and if the front passenger seat back can be flipped forward to give you a long flat space - this idea might actually be very appealing to you. Worth contemplating and thinking about for sure

Edmunds has a long term test Subaru Impreza which is identical to the XV minus the off road type stuff. Same interior and car
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...ubaru-impreza/

[eilishp]

Can I get all the bells and whistles with a crosstrek? I need leather as I am brutal with staining seats. Also- how is the gas mileage on them vs outback?

[subiesailor]

Crostrek limited comes loaded to the gills as far as I know. Yes leather and sun roof

I like it for the small compact efficient camping rig.

Reported mileage is hard given there are very few of them on the road yet and they have the all new more efficient engines that probably need to get a few miles on them before you see the true mileage numbers.

These numbers will give you a general idea - most cases people are able to beat these numbers once they get 20,000+ miles on the new cars with the CVT transmission
http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/?ps=new

[subiesailor]

Poster bradze - has the impreza which is essentially the same car just lower to the ground and less SUV type stuff on it. I bet he can give you a good idea on expected mileage.

[subiesailor]

The Russians are Crazy about their Subarus - the XV doing some pretty tough off road stuff

Subaru XV off road - YouTube

Subaru XV off road - YouTube

[Gelacy]

I'd have to try laying in the Outback with the seats down. I'm 5'7 without my heels and I fit in the back of my 2012 Subaru Forester but there's really no room to spare between my head and toes. And the floor with the seats down is not completely flat. It's tilted at an incline since the cushioning on the rear seats keeps the seats just a bit beyond level.

eilishp, you should look at your vehicles of choice at Subaru Research Site- specs, prices, options, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009.. Outback, Legacy, Forester, WRX, STI, Impreza, Tribeca, BRZ, XV Crosstrek or on the Subaru website. Most likely if you really want the mileage and off-road clearance the XV seems more suited for you but that's if you fit in the back laying down. As for towing, the Outback would be the more appropriate choice. I'd go with the 3.6R just because I'd rather have more than enough than not enough.

[edawg]

eilishp, If you car camped in a Prius, that's impressive! The amount of money put into a larger engine and towing capable vehicle is rarely ever returned so think long and hard on that one if you didn't have a hitch on your vans in the past... The math just doesn't work and if the kids are leaving the nest, then focusing on a good road car that's efficient and comfy would pay back daily. I've also car camped a bit and have driven Impreza, Forester, Outback and Tribeca so here's some ideas...

I don't fancy camping in an Impreza or XV Crosstrek... The Forester would be roomier and is actually quick and agile handling with the newer FB25 motor it shares with the Outback and tighter suspension. The mileage on the Forester for long road trips is actually pretty good if you look on fuelly.com or on the Forester forum even with the older (battle hardened and smooth) 4speed tranny... When it adds a CVT next year, it should be really efficient around town as well. The interior is pretty basic, but camping with the big panoramic sunroof on the Limited trim might just be perfect for you.

The Outback is with the 2.5i is quieter and more refined with good acceleration and AWD chops, especially in the 2013 refreshed model. The 3.6 is thirstier and I didn't feel it added much for my driving style anyway... The interior on the Limited is luxurious, but it might not hold up as well on camping/heavy outdoor use IMHO. The surfaces are prettier but not as rugged as the Forester's. Outback is built in Indiana and Forester is built in Japan and exported globally (so the Forester is a bit simpler inside but more rugged).

The dark horse candidate here may be the Tribeca, but the tea leaves say that's going to be discontinued as the market is going away from 6 cyl SUVs and they just don't sell so Subaru is sticking to it's knitting with smaller AWD vehicles.

I'll also throw out a complete darker horse which is to buy a good low mileage Honda Element with AWD. That will have lower wheel base than the Outbacks and you have to adjust to the "suicide doors", but I've owned and camped in one and loved it (especially with the moonroof to star gaze in the rear seats which seems to be perfect). Of course, since I'll be flamed by the Subie faithful, I'll just save them the trouble!

[Looby]

Originally Posted by eilishp

What are your opinions on the following ..

Subaru nav system vs buying my own

Why would anyone want a brain-dead, permanently-out-of-date NAV,
when a far superior high-end Garmin GPS can be had for under $200?

It can also be moved car-to-car -- or into the motel room, or carried
into the home and put down next to the PC for loading updates, &/or
custom POIs, planning/saving routes, etc., etc.

Looby

[hiker74]

Originally Posted by Looby

Why would anyone want a brain-dead, permanently-out-of-date NAV,
when a far superior high-end Garmin GPS can be had for under $200?

It can also be moved car-to-car -- or into the motel room, or carried
into the home and put down next to the PC for loading updates, &/or
custom POIs, planning/saving routes, etc., etc.

Looby

Actually if you want the best NAV just get a big new Android phone. The google maps turn by turn rivals anything I have seen + when integrated with Bluetooth it does everything a hard coded car NAV does. Also in terms of updates the google maps is best. Our old NUVI would lead us to closed restaurants quite often