2019 3.6 Touring & 2018 H6 Limited. Previously also owned a number of Outbacks.
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I traded in the 2013 2.5i Limited for a 2018 3.6R Limited after some research and a an entire Saturday around few dealerships to test some stats (like emf value that 99% of people don't care, but I do); the emf value for the 2018 is now higher than the 2013 but the driver's side is still the lowest of all cars listed below so don't add a seat massager on the new model, please! Below is a list of vehicles we have rented, driven, tested or considered purchasing, honestly I wanted another bigger car for a change (with in-laws riding once a while) but I went for another Outback. I only considered AWD/4WD vehicles.
Highlander: quiet but handling was vague, road centering require more 'attention' a typical Toyota passenger car trait carried down from Camry. AWD & ground clearance can be better.
Honda Pilot: similar to Highlander with a 4WD that is supposed to be quite capable per review. A good alternative if not going to engineering pass & less concerned about emf.
MDX: same review notes as Honda with less emf but the headroom for the rear seats are atrocious (my wife sits in the Outback middle backseat with 2 fists of space over her head). With the mdx, her hair touched the ceiling.
Grand Cherokee: along with MB GLE have the highest emf values. It was one of my favorite cars & still a favorite rental. Bad brakes & not sure if they 'fixed' the moose test.
MB GLE: I can't believe the emf values are identical to GC; I won't want to sit on the passenger side. Less room than expected, no trunk space. very quiet.
Volvo XC 90: gorgeous car that handles great but Loud & teeth rattling ride even at lower tire pressure. Seats are like rock. It's nothing like the xc70!
RX 350: sea sick ride, no cargo space, loud acceleration vs. 3.6R (very surprised).
Other cars evaluated based on spec with no experience: all Audi except Q7, passenger rooms & cargo rooms are all too small vs. Outback. Historical emf values for Audi were high but I have not tested them myself. Actually I think Q7 cargo rooms maybe less than the outback as well. Traverse & its Buick siblings - pillow like handling, quiet ride but for some reason they tire me out on long rides.
NOTE 1st & foremost Outback's AWD, safety & ground clearance along with the eyesight complete stopping ability beats 80-90 percent of its competition, and that's one of the keys in my decision.
Why 2018 Outback (comparing to 2013 3.6 SAP that I already like):
- driving dynamic is similar with more precise handling
- quieter especially at lower speed & windy condition
- seats are just as comfortable if not more supportive
- unexpected items not on my original wish list back in 2013: tire pressure display with toggle of one button, digital speed with current posted speed limit right in the middle of the dashboard, blind spot indicator light is the BEST I've seen, steering responsive headlight... auto reverse braking.
- kudos on the getting alignment right with absolute zero toes (3.6R no longer pulls to the right).
What I did not like:
- the truck should have a manual override mode require little effort
- fit & finish on certain body panels can be better. I know outside panels do not affect performance but still... it's a hassle at the worst & still an eyesore at the best.
Highlander: quiet but handling was vague, road centering require more 'attention' a typical Toyota passenger car trait carried down from Camry. AWD & ground clearance can be better.
Honda Pilot: similar to Highlander with a 4WD that is supposed to be quite capable per review. A good alternative if not going to engineering pass & less concerned about emf.
MDX: same review notes as Honda with less emf but the headroom for the rear seats are atrocious (my wife sits in the Outback middle backseat with 2 fists of space over her head). With the mdx, her hair touched the ceiling.
Grand Cherokee: along with MB GLE have the highest emf values. It was one of my favorite cars & still a favorite rental. Bad brakes & not sure if they 'fixed' the moose test.
MB GLE: I can't believe the emf values are identical to GC; I won't want to sit on the passenger side. Less room than expected, no trunk space. very quiet.
Volvo XC 90: gorgeous car that handles great but Loud & teeth rattling ride even at lower tire pressure. Seats are like rock. It's nothing like the xc70!
RX 350: sea sick ride, no cargo space, loud acceleration vs. 3.6R (very surprised).
Other cars evaluated based on spec with no experience: all Audi except Q7, passenger rooms & cargo rooms are all too small vs. Outback. Historical emf values for Audi were high but I have not tested them myself. Actually I think Q7 cargo rooms maybe less than the outback as well. Traverse & its Buick siblings - pillow like handling, quiet ride but for some reason they tire me out on long rides.
NOTE 1st & foremost Outback's AWD, safety & ground clearance along with the eyesight complete stopping ability beats 80-90 percent of its competition, and that's one of the keys in my decision.
Why 2018 Outback (comparing to 2013 3.6 SAP that I already like):
- driving dynamic is similar with more precise handling
- quieter especially at lower speed & windy condition
- seats are just as comfortable if not more supportive
- unexpected items not on my original wish list back in 2013: tire pressure display with toggle of one button, digital speed with current posted speed limit right in the middle of the dashboard, blind spot indicator light is the BEST I've seen, steering responsive headlight... auto reverse braking.
- kudos on the getting alignment right with absolute zero toes (3.6R no longer pulls to the right).
What I did not like:
- the truck should have a manual override mode require little effort
- fit & finish on certain body panels can be better. I know outside panels do not affect performance but still... it's a hassle at the worst & still an eyesore at the best.