Subaru Trailseeker Ergonomic Thoughts From Forester / Outback Owner

We have a newer Outback and Forester. Our teen is getting close to driving age, so we’ve been thinking about handing down the Forester and having me use a Trailseeker for city commuting.

Sat in one recently and a few things bugged me right away compared to our other Subarus. Up front, the center console felt like a solid wall, so the cabin felt narrower and more closed in than I expected. In back, the floor seemed high enough that your knees are up more than in the Outback or Forester. And I’m still not a big fan of having so much stuff on touchscreens instead of real knobs and buttons.

For people who own one or have spent real time with one, did that stuff fade once you got used to it, or does it still annoy you? Just trying to figure out if these are first impression things or actual deal breakers.

Not trying to hate on it, just honestly curious.

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u/Rude-Ad-9771 — 1 day ago
▲ 3 r/Honda+1 crossposts

Best way to add Apple CarPlay to a 2012 Odyssey EX-L while keeping factory controls/display?

I’m trying to modernize my 2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L and add Apple CarPlay, but I’d really like to keep the factory look as much as possible. The van is otherwise in good shape and I actually like the OEM layout, knobs, steering wheel controls, etc.

Main goals:

  • Keep factory knobs/buttons if possible
  • Retain steering wheel controls
  • Avoid a giant laggy touchscreen if I can
  • Prefer something reliable and OEM-feeling over flashy
  • Backup camera compatibility would be nice
  • Wired CarPlay is fine, wireless is a bonus

I’ve seen a few approaches:

  • Full head unit replacement (Sony/Alpine/Kenwood/etc.)
  • Add-on CarPlay modules that integrate with the factory screen
  • GROM/VLine-style systems
  • Chinese Android retrofit kits
  • Using the upper factory display somehow

Has anyone here had genuinely good long-term results with one of these on a 2011–2013 Odyssey EX-L?

Especially interested in:

  • Sound quality changes
  • Boot time / lag
  • Whether factory HVAC/menu functions still work properly
  • Any install headaches
  • Whether it still “feels OEM” afterward

Would appreciate photos or model numbers if you’ve done this successfully. Trying not to spend a fortune, but also don’t want a janky setup that makes the van worse.

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u/Rude-Ad-9771 — 1 month ago