outback reviews Page 5

The Subaru Outback is the wagon that pretends it’s an SUV and, frankly, pulls it off better than most.

Standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance and a calm ride make it unstoppable for school runs, beach tracks and the odd Bunnings expedition.

Inside, it’s spacious, comfy and loaded with driver assists; the big touchscreen is keen, if occasionally bossy.

The 2.5 petrol is adequate rather than exciting, while the newer turbo adds the shove many wanted, at the cost of a thirstier appetite.

It’s not a rock-crawler or a hot hatch, but as an all-round family tourer with real rough-road chops, it’s a peach.

If you want reliability, resale and stress-free road trips, it’s very hard to fault.