The long travel suspension is softer than I prefer, but Mrs_T wanted the higher altitude of the Outback over the Legacy wagon.
Please explain that soft "long travel suspension"... is the Outback softer than the Legacy? Dealer told me they drive the same as they're the same vehicle except one is raised slightly.
I think I also prefer the higher altitude of the outback, mainly for its better ground clearance, as on occasion I find myself on winding rough dirt/gravel roads.
Well, to tell the truth, it felt like longer suspension travel, but that might have been more perception than reality. The damping rates (how forcefully the struts react to impact) are definitely softer than the Legacy Touring, which felt more buttoned down (my preference). In any event, I really like the ride/handling compromise, much more entertaining than SUV/CUV fare.
Ground clearance is pretty darned good, at least as much as the rest of the CUV class, but the car doesn't roll in corners nearly as much.
The biggie for me was I wanted a wagon with a manual transmission. The one in the Outback is very smooth and precise, not too long or too short throws too. Mrs_T tried out the auto as there weren't any manuals in stock at first, and considering it's a four speed, it worked perfectly well.
Trying to be cool is something I gave up on a long time ago. Like Snowman, though on a more meagre budget, I buy what I like. You should see my white belt and matching patent leather shoes. Dead sexy!
![Grin ;D](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/grin.gif)