The Outback shines in terms of ride comfort. It's surprisingly tame and confident at 70 mph and higher, and it definitely feels like a car rather than an SUV. Its wagon style doesn't harm the Outback's offroad capability, though. It includes all-wheel drive that requires no intervention from the driver. Whether it's snow and ice, gravel or dirt roads, the Outback is unfazed. I've driven it on modest offroad trails (legit ones, not just off-pavement), and it can handle more than the vast majority of buyers would put in its way. If the Outback were a person, it would be your outdoorsy friend who always seems to be tan and fit, dressed for action and on his way to climb or ride something, or otherwise involve himself with exertion and dust. Odds are this friend is named Todd or Chad.