The steering wheel is a surprise. It's mahogany and leather. Seats are leather. The driver's seat has eight adjustments compared with six on the top Outback last year. The back seat adds a center armrest.
Temperature control is automatic, rather than manual.
Even if you go off-pavement in this Subaru, you'll do it in real style. But even with the Outback's 7.3 inches of ground clearance, an off-road adventure in truly rugged terrain could be limited by the vehicle's lack of a low gear. To its credit, Subaru provides head restraints and three-point safety belts for all five passengers. Side airbags are standard. Seats are supportive, but not noticeably firm as they are in Audis.