*SNIP*
To the OP, I don't think there is anything quite like Outback. A lot of diehard outback fans whined about 4th (and soon to be the 5th) gen outback becoming bloated CUV and moving away from its wagon grassroots. While I acknowledge that Outback has moved into the CUV category, I do like the fact that it managed to retain it's car/wagon like looks. If you want AWD with high ground clearance and car/wagon like looks, there is nothing like outback out there. Every other car either lacks ground clearance - TSX, Jetta Sportswagen, Toyota Venza, Audi Allroad, BMW, or looks like a mini SUV/truck with high roof, high seating position, and bulky design - CRV, RAV4, and to a lesser degree CX-5. If you're willing to drop either one of those three - AWD, or car/wagon looks, or high ground clearance, then there are plenty of competitors, but direct competitors, I don't think there are any.