Although I am new to geocaching I am a veteran to the great outdoors. I am currently on my 3rd Subaru and have always found myself very well with them. I take them through pouring rain, foot and a half of snow, ice, creeks, mud, dirt... you name it. I have never gotten stuck once (knock on wood). My current Subaru is a '96 Legacy L, before that was a '91 Loyale, and before that an '83 GL. If you want a little more kick, go with the Outbacks, but in all honesty, the standard versions have always suited me fine.