With so many families riding around in crossovers and SUVs, it’s easy to forget that the station wagon was the original family car. Though the 2012 Subaru Outback has some crossover qualities, including standard all-wheel drive and a slightly higher stance, reviewers love that its performance stays true to its car roots. While crossovers can feel big and tippy, the Outback wins praise for feeling planted and occasionally sporty on the road. Inside, there’s more cargo space than you’d find in some SUVs, along with spacious seating for five.
But what really sets the Outback apart is how customizable it is. Go for the base model at $23,295 and you get a basic, roomy and practical wagon. Go for the $31,695 top-of-the-line model and start adding options like leather seats and Bluetooth music streaming and you have a near-luxury car that can handle almost anything your family can throw at it.
