We didn’t consider any other makes, but we did think about different crossover models in the Subaru lineup: Crosstrek, Forester and Outback (the Ascent was a little too big and unnecessary for my parents as they still have a Toyota Sienna minivan). Everyone’s situation is different, but we were shopping for a replacement vehicle for my mom’s 2002 Toyota Camry (the last car she ever bought brand new in 2001). We were a family with a deep history of Toyotas, with a Mazda or 2 (and even a Chevy conversion van for a brief amount of time) sprinkled in the 38 years my parents have lived here.
Anyway, it was my love for Subaru that started the whole conversion process from Toyota to Subaru. I’m on my 2nd WRX with the first one being totaled following 2 major accidents a rear-end hit and run who managed to successfully escape, followed by a jackknife accident by a truck whose driver was not paying attention to a red light before careening into my WRX turning on a green arrow. Now, anyone who has been in any sort of major accident in their Subaru will probably tell you that they believe their car saved their life. And I have seen some of the gnarliest accidents where drivers should not have survived who did. I think that coupled with the fact that I haven’t had any other major issues with either of my WRXs, that the engine layout is the most advantageous between inline, flat, V- and rotary leading to the most balanced one with some of the lowest centers of gravity, the AWD system is a real AWD system and not just a system in name alone (i.e. not a FWD-based system that decides to send power to the rear axle like most common ones outside of Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, etc.), the Subaru community is one of the most unique and charity-oriented, and that it’s not the most common car down (like Toyotas and Hondas and others) here in FL all lead me to push my parents toward the brand. That being said, their cars are not perfect (i.e. Stop/Start and CVT programming to mention just a few). And while most of us Subaru drivers recognize that, a lot of us will put up with their quirks anyway.
Sorry for that essay above, but between the Crosstrek, Forester and Outback, my mom posited that this may be her last car purchase ever (as we tend to keep our cars until the wheels literally fall off or someone totals them and don’t want to keep having a monthly car payment every month) that may eventually just be the only car my parents would own (if the Sienna were to be gone). So she wanted a change, not only from Toyota, but also to an SUV/Crossover from a Sedan. So I got to thinking that the current generation 2020 Outback Touring XT would be the best choice for her. The FA24DIT motor in that vehicle and the Legacy (as well as the Ascent) are punchy and allow for passing and merging with ease. Also, the Outback is probably the most unique shape as you do not see what essentially is a big station wagon in the market (except in more luxury car brands like Volvo or Mercedes and BMW). That being said, it has impressive interior and cargo room and for a car that would potentially need to be the only car in an middle-age/elderly couple’s garage, it’s the best one in their lineup, barring the Ascent. Also with the 2020 Outback Touring XT, Subaru included some features not found on other models in their lineup, which some people may also find gimmicky, like their DriverFocus system, power-folding side mirrors (also found on higher trims of the Ascent), front view camera (also found on higher trims of the Ascent and new Legacy) and hands-free power rear gate. On that note, I do wish that they did include a 360-degree camera like Toyota and other makes have started introducing in their lineup, but that’s neither here nor there. So, features alone, I think the Outback compared to the Crosstrek and Forester was the natural choice. Also, just for comparison between Forester and Outback (as that was the main decision my mom had to make), the Outback is not as tall and top-heavy (although it does maintain the same 8.7” of ground clearance) due to its design as a wagon and not a traditional SUV, which actually makes it ride and handle more like a sedan like she was used to prior. The roof rail system is also unique on the Outback than any of their other models as it is built-in.
I hope this helps. I apologize for some of the rambling of this post. But whatever you choose, I know you’ll make the right decision for you.
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