Subaru: Legalese spoken here

Let’s say you wanted to do something crazy like see the interior clock in your Subaru B9 Tribeca or the nomenclature overload that is the Subaru Outback 3.0R VDC Limited. In these vehicles, the only place the clock appears is in the standard navigation system screen. In order to see the clock, trip computer, or even the outside temperature display, you need to agree to a disclaimer on the opening screen. 

We agree that programming any navigation system, or staring too intently at the on-screen map while driving, is a bad idea. Like many other systems, the Subaru’s blocks address inputs while the car is moving. This well-intentioned feature turns out to be a double-edged sword, being safer when the driver is traveling solo, yet it keeps a front-seat passenger from programming the system when you’re on the move.

Still, agreeing to this disclaimer just to see a clock or outside temperature--functions that are generously displayed free of legal verbiage in most other cars--seems a bit much.

Speaking of a bit much, our (deep breath in) Subaru Outback 3.0R VDC Limited (deep breath out) cost us over $34,300, even after a $1000 rebate. (We found these six-cylinder models to be somewhat sparse at dealers--even here in Northeast Subaru country.)

Previously tested Legacy/Outbacks have exhibited less-than-ideal emergency handling, due to their tendency to swing their rear end if you abruptly lift off the throttle or brake in a turn. Hence, we’re interested to find out if our loaded 3.0R model--the only Legacy/Outback version offering much-needed stability control--will improve the at-the-edge handling. We think the 3.0R’s price tag represents a massive premium over a base Outback wagon (retailing for $25,420), especially to acquire an increasingly common safety feature found on less expensive vehicles.

We’ll have a test of the Outback 3.0R (sorry, the full name is too long to type again) with a Volvo XC70 and a 2007 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 4Motion wagon later this year.

--Tom Mutchler