THERE is a reason why Subarus dominate the rural landscape. For many, the economical "boxer" engines and all-wheel drivetrain provide just the right combination for soft-road duties. Outbacks have established themselves as the preferred snow vehicles, wagons for young farming families and must-haves for urban types that want a getaway vehicle at weekends but cannot abide large SUVs. Reliability and durability are also key Subaru traits. Based on the Liberty wagon, the Outback is beefier, offers 200mm of ground clearance and the lower body plastic panels offer a reasonable degree of protection for modest off-road jaunts. The choice of either a smooth, free-revving 2.5-litre four or 3.0-litre six also gives buyers a broad spread of power options. But is it as good as the Liberty wagon? Read on.