Review – 2012 Subaru Outback Is Favorite Car of Rocky Mountain Drivers

Posted by Michael Waterman on February 3rd, 2012

2012 Subaru Outback Comparison

If an award existed for favorite car of the Rocky Mountain area, the Subaru Outback would be a top contender. Want proof? Simply visit any ski resort in Utah or Colorado and count Outback wagons in the parking lot. Trust me; you’ll see plenty. Some new. Some old. All of them well used.

I recently spent a week driving the V6-powered 2012 Subaru Outback in Utah’s canyons and my test car fit perfectly into that Rocky Mountain script as I found plenty of Outbacks no matter where I turned.

Read: 2012 Subaru Outback Review

The first canyon drive was on a mid-January weekday and when I arrived at a popular snowshoeing spot on an overcast afternoon, I spied only two cars in the parking lot—a 2000 Subaru Outback and a 2005 Subaru Outback. I quickly parked the 2012 model alongside the older models and it was immediately apparent how much the Outback has grown over the last dozen years.

The latest Outback is only one-inch longer than the 2000 model. But it’s three-inches wider and taller. Add it all together and it looks and feels like a much larger vehicle.

In fact, the current Outback is larger than the Honda CR-V, which is consistently one of the best-selling small crossovers in the land.

The Outback is 10-inches longer than the CRV at 188.2 inches and the same width and height at 71-inches wide and 65-inches tall. That translates into a few more inches of headroom and legroom in the Outback compared to the CR-V. And a few more reasons why Vehix editors strongly recommend buyers look closely at the Outback as they cross-shop small SUVs and crossovers.

2000, 2005 and 2012 Subaru Outbacks

Driving the 2012 Subaru Outback

The latest Outback is comfortable and competent on city streets and mountain roads—especially when those roads are covered with snow. The standard all-wheel drive of the Outback imbues confidence on wet and sloppy roads.

My second canyon drive was a trip to Brighton Ski Resort with a base elevation of 8,755 feet. During the 15-minute trip up the canyon, I counted 41 Subaru vehicles. More than half of them were Outback wagons.

2012 Subaru Outback above Brighton Ski Resort

Fresh snow had fallen during the two prior days, which meant the parking lot was a mix of snow, ice and some exposed pavement in sunny areas. The Outback moved across the slippery surfaces without issue and as the resort workers guided us into a parking space, I noticed a Subaru Forester directly in front of me and, not surprisingly, a mid-2000s Outback to my side.

The sheer volume of Suburu vehicles and Outbacks in particular speaks volumes about how well Subuaru vehicles fit the environment and needs of Rocky Mountain owners whose idea of winter fun typically includes skis, snowshoes, snowboards, sleds or anything else that moves you out of the office and into the fun.

Consider the fact that the 2012 Subaru Outback was named the best crossover under $25,000 by Vehix editors in our 2012 Crossover Buying Guide as a strong endorsement. But consider this one even more: the Outback is the vehicle I plan to purchase for my kids as they become young drivers in a state that sees plenty of snow.

The Outback is safe. It’s roomy. With the four-cylinder engine it’s not too fast. Yet critically important for young drivers, it’s exceptional in the snow.

No wonder the Outback remains a top choice of Rocky Mountain and Northeast drivers who know a great all-wheel drive car when they drive one.

Read: 2012 Subaru Outback Review