> Most consumers don't actually need a gigantic 4x4 with huge ground clearance ... the very capable Subaru Outback can actually conquer most casual offroad trai

> Most consumers don't actually need a gigantic 4x4 with huge ground clearance ... the very capable Subaru Outback can actually conquer most casual offroad trails these days. This is funny, because after I read "unnecessary ground clearance" the outback is exactly the car that came to mind! Most of the cars in that class (RAV4, Rogue, etc.) have lower clearance. (I totaled a sedan on a logging road due to insufficient clearance and replaced that car with a Forester, which has the same clearance as the Outback. I generally concur that the Forester/Outback/Crosstrek strike a good balance for most off-roading needs, but the extra clearance is unnecessary for probably 99% of purchasers. Particularly the Outback which seems to be a super popular family car.)