2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring Gallery

Subaru has a loyal and vocal following, from the humble Outback through to the most rabid WRX STI. Sit behind the wheel of the 2017 Outback 2.5i Touring for an extended drive and you can understand why, too. Sitting somewhere in the greyspace between "station wagon" and "crossover", the Outback has the practicality of the latter but the driving dynamics of the former.

No, the CVT isn't going to inspire rally car antics, but the 2.5-liter engine is full-bodied and not short on torque. Subaru's race-honed AWD system is justifiably famous, and keeps the Outback steady no matter the road conditions. Even fuel economy is solid.

If there's a flaw, it's the fairly sober and pedestrian cabin. Subaru's driver-assistance tech is a little too readily defeated by heavy rain for comfort, while the infotainment system leans toward basic with its design. Still, everything works, and there's a good reason Outback is the car-of-choice for many focused on moving people and cargo in all weather.