Funny seeing this thread today, as I got back a few hours ago from my duck club, driving in my 2011 outback. When I was looking for a new vehicle about 18 months ago, I wanted a rig that would be a "do anything vehicle." I was on this site ad naseum researching (ask my wife and kids!). I went with the Outback, primarily for the gas mileage and awd capability. I looked hard at the Honda Ridgeline, but the mileage is lousy. I dont hunt big game, but do hunt waterfowl, pheasants, doves, and other small game. My plan is to get a small enclosed utility trailer to haul my gear. Summertime is fishing, camping, abalone diving at Fort Bragg.
Today, during a major winter storm here in Northern Ca, the need for the trailer was clear.... All my wet gear piled into the back of the car, and I don't want to trash the interior. But, again today, had I been in my 2wd Chev Silverado, I may have gotten stuck in the wet and mud at the club. Had I needed my decoy cart, I would have had to take my truck.
The main drawback?.... My hunting buddies making fun of me in my less than macho Subaru. Round trip from home to club is almost 200 miles. My truck gets 13 mpg on the freeway. My Outback gets around 30 mph. That part I LOVE!!!!
I feel safe and confident in the Subie. Muddy and slick roads on the club, feeling the awd system work. The car is nimble. Last spring I was scouting turkey hunting areas in the foothills of the Sierras. I was going up fire trails that were sometimes muddy. I wished I had filmed it for this site.
Anyway, I plan on getting a small trailer, primarily to keep the interior of the car nice, and add room for bulkier items (decoy cart, decoy bag, fishing gear, wetsuit). I also plan on pulling my 14 ft aluminum fishing boat with the Outback (btw....Subiesailor, I read your posts frequently about your trips pulling your sailboat when I was researching).
I have complete confidence in the car and it's capabilities. Someday I may be brave enough to sell my pickup!