Trying to Decide Between 2020-2025 Trims - X-Mode Differences?
I'm pretty settled on a used "XT" trim Outback as my next vehicle. It will be replacing an X-level (gutless) 2005 Forester as my daily driver and winter road trip vehicle and augmenting a 2005 Dodge Durango (truck based, low range, oversized AT tires, 9.4 inches of clearance as-is) I use for my work as a fly fishing outfitter. I am looking for advice on choosing a trim.
Besides normal commuting stuff, including longer winter ski trips (with snow tires), I need this vehicle to:
- Get the best MPG possible
- Handle rough gravel and forest service roads, though I am not going to do any true off-roading and intend to use the Durango on the worst boat ramps.
- Comfortably pull a 1000lb boat/trailer very often even with a driver and two passengers, often while traveling over mountain passes at interstate speeds. I am aware this is a light boat and trailer, but probably 90% of my summer driving involves towing it.
On paper, the Onyx XT trim looks perfect for this, but they are also rare. Will the Touring or Limited XT hold me back with their lower-level X Mode systems, assuming I can find one with a hitch? The Wilderness is much more common than the Onyx, and I could probably use the Wilderness for everything I use the Durango for, but I don't really want to take the MPG hit if I can help it.
I'm also looking at the Toyota Highlander and non-Tremor/Timberline Ford Explorer, but I suspect the Subaru will be almost as reliable as the Highlander and have better rough road performance than either.
Thanks!