True but the H6 has enough power to climb any of the Ouray/Silverton 4x4 passes.

One thing I forgot to add though:

Speaking of bikes, Subarus squat a lot when loaded. Carrying one bike will be fine with moderate load inside, but carrying a full load over rough terrain on stock coils will be an issue. Also, an Outback can handle some 4x4 terrain with a light load, but I never took a loaded Subaru on anything beyond a muddy dirt road or very easy trail in my 9 years of offroading Subarus. It just cannot.

By contrast, so long as it is not "leveled," the 4R excels at carrying stuff inside and out. I was "leveled" for a couple months as I had not purchased rear coils yet, and that got me back into the dreaded Subaru squat situation. But a stock or evenly lifted 4R carries loads with aplomb.

To sum it all up:
If you go for the Outback AND expect to travel at anything close to GVWR, you are giving up any actual 4x4 terrain. It will still perform a lot better on road than a loaded 4R and will handle muddy dirt roads fine.

If the OP will remain on the East Coast, a Subaru should be just fine. If moving West, it would depend. Fine in Montana, not so in Colorado, etc.

Yeah I guess but the GX just seems bigger. Whatever. Not my thing.

I think you’re right about the predator grill but it’s a showstopper for me.

Re Hyundai, I think it’s abkut the same as the OB capability wise. I also lie the look like I do the RAV4 but the RAV4 engine is too slow and loud. Light off roading is all I need.

I’ve had Honda’s and agree. They’ve always treated me well but the Pilot is too big and the Passport needs more rubber on the tires. Hate skinny tires and I can’t buy something i’m not at least a little excited about.

I’ll probably do nothing and try to fall in love with the 4runner again and try to make it more comfortable somehow.

I’m biased but I have lived all of our Subarus. I was brought home from the hospital in a 1980 Subaru DL 4x4 wagon 38 years ago, we’ve always had them in the family and both of my kids were brought home from the hospital in our 2012 outback (we’re a friggin Subaru commercial dog and all). Our 2012 CVT 4banger has 130,000 mostly trouble free miles (only issue was a passenger side window actuator and now a couple of rattles are showing up). It’s been cross country twice, fully loaded, once when moving from MD to California and then from our move from CA to South FL, and is still my wife’s DD. It is a perfect boring but reliable family/adventure vehicle.

We got the 4 cylinder because when we bought we were moving to CA and gas prices were $4.50 a gallon. I didn’t even drive the H6 because I knew I would love it too much. Fast forward and my parents traded in their 06 6 cylinder for a 2017 H6 touring two years ago and that vehicle is awesome! This past summer we caravanned with them out to New Mexico and then back to Maryland. I’m currently trying to convince my wife to trade in our 2012 for an 2019 to get the last year of the H6.

I love our 4runner and honestly with two kids and a dog it has turned into our road trip vehicle because of the room and cargo capacity, but my parent’s Outback is so much more pleasant and fun to drive.

Pic of my Dad following me on some light off-roading expeditions this summer.

Attached Images

 

What you describe is a pretty common theme from all i’ve read. I may give it another month to think over and find the right deal. I agree that the H6 is what I want and they are in shorter supply as the days pass.

Yes, but they are mostly 4 cylinder engines. They are simple transportation. Reliability is key, not fun.
With that said - The new RAV4, as others have mentioned, has fairly off road capable version now.

You can’t go wrong with the 4Runner. I’ve driven BMW and yes they are obviously nicer *in some ways* than the 4R, but overall you are far better off in the 4R. Use the extra $ you save on some nice vacations and meals I say.

The wife thinks the OB looks “farty”. No way I can move forward with one under those conditions no matter how well it rides.....and it rides quite nicely. This thread is officially closed as per marital commentary. 🙄

Reopened. Pulled the trigger on an OB. Great price, great ride, and no more 5th gen. Ultimately wanted something more comfortable to ride in, with the utility I need, and not all the features the 4runner has that I never used and sacrificed ride quality for. Great truck but just not for me at this point in my life.

Still have my 4th gen though so will spend more time there.




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Highlander?

Outback

Surely it will. I can probably get $15-20k for my 07 runner with v8 with only 65k on her. Perfect shape inside and out.

I've been looking at hybrids all weekend and fell in love with 2020 ford explorer that can go 500 miles between fill-ups for some serious playtime, but can't afford it.

Why hybrid when gas is so cheap?

Especially considering the $15,000 uptick in base price for the hybrid. It would take probably 10-15 years to make up for that in fuel savings. Heck, I get 400+ miles per tank on my TRDOR.

came from a bmw x3. Loved driving it on paved roads but its low clearance made trailheads and forestry roads almost impossible if there was any moisture on the road but if it was dry it was ok. And in snow it was horrible. I also found the interior to fragile for hauling things like recyclables bikes, and camping stuff.