I picked up an Outback at the PHX airport last month while my car was being detailed. I would add the following comments:
1. Very good driving position for me - I enjoy the upright seating very much, as my personal preference is not to recline too much. YMMV
2. Very nice handling - tight, responsive action to any inputs.
Summary - If I am by myself and not handling any passengers that I care to impress, I would like to repeat the Outback as a rental in the future.
Notes - obviously a day driving around Phoenix in October, I didn't experience a lot of snow and ice. My daily drivers are 90's Honda Accord, CRV, ancient Ford "Gentleman Jim" Ranger from the 60's, and whatever random selection Hertz serves up during the week on the road, so that is my baseline.