Yet the Outback retains its versatility: part sport-utility, part car. Subaru's Outback is a hybrid that handles both on-road and off-road situations with style.

It's arguably the best of its type. The Outback provides more power and better handling than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It is smoother and more pleasant on the highway than truck-based sport-utility vehicles. A brilliant all-wheel-drive system offers sure-footed traction in all conditions. A generous ground clearance makes it a good vehicle for venturing off paved roads. And there's plenty of cargo space for long treks into the backcountry.

The market is flooded with four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicles. But most are based on trucks and trucks do not make good cars. Compared with cars, they are slow, don't handle as well and are harder to stop. Because of this, industry observers predict future SUVs will be based on cars. Subaru is a forward-thinking company. Several years ago it decided to fit all cars sold in the U.S. with permanent all-wheel drive. The gamble paid off. Subarus have become increasingly popular, even in warmer parts of the country. Not just for snow, Subaru's all-wheel-drive system provides stable handling on wet and dry pavement.