Subaru Outback 2015 Problems

I've just driven the latest Liberty and Forester and can report Subaru's CVT is vastly better than past versions. The cars are also a step up in quality and refinement. I recommend getting the EyeSight safety package.

The Sorento has just been voted the 2015 Car of the Year so it gets The Tick from me. There is an all-new CX-9 next year and a Santa Fe update soon. Today, the order is Sorento, Outback, Santa Fe and CX-9.

With modern stability control systems and on-demand all-wheel-drive you are far less likely to get caught out with understeer (where the nose of the car pushes wide) than you once were. Having said that, the Kluger — and the LandCruiser for that matter — aren't city-friendly vehicles. If you no longer need to tow but still like the safety net of all-wheel-drive, why not look at a Subaru Outback or Forester?

Subaru is well out of step on service support in Australia but the orders come from Japan. You will save money by going outside the dealer network for logbook servicing.

Unfortunately, to keep the warranty in force you need to service to a maker's schedule. But we agree the Subaru numbers are far too low.

A well-designed seat should not need extra lumbar adjustment. I've spent the past week in an Outback and found the seats excellent in their shape, support and padding.

That's an interesting group. All three are good, but I'd say the CX-3 is too small and the A6 is too costly, leaving the Outback for family duties.

There are dozens of boxy SUVs but if you already have an all-wheel drive wagon then I'd recommend the Subaru Outback. It's the bigger brother to the Forester, close in size to your Volvo, but cheaper to run.