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What are the best cars for going to the beach this summer? According to Kelly Blue Book, the 2022 Outback midsize SUV and 2023 Subaru Solterra EV are among the ten best models for a trip to the sandy beach. The Outback and Solterra won't just get you to the beach; you can drive in the sand, and you won't get stuck like some SUVs.
Kelly Blue Book's 10-Best Beach Cars
1. Ford Bronco Sport
2. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
3. Ford F-150 Raptor
4. Hyundai Santa Cruz
5. Land Rover Defender
6. Mazda MX-5 Miata
7. Ford Mustang
8. Subaru Outback
9. Toyota Sienna
10. Subaru Solterra
What sets the Subaru Outback apart?
The Outback midsize SUV rides higher with extra ground clearance than most family haulers. The Outback comes with 8.7-inches of deep sand-clearing clearance, and it also comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive.
Which Subaru Outback trim level is best for the beach?
We recommend the Outback Onyx Edition XT trim. Seats are wrapped in a new water-repellant durable StarTex material and perfect for cleaning after a day at the beach for active customers. It also has a hands-free power gate, a front view monitor, and a full-size spare tire.
The Onyx Edition XT also has a new dual-function X-Mode for added off-pavement capabilities. The new system has settings for Snow and Dirt mode to the new Deep Snow/Deep Mud Mode and is best for sand where traction is compromised. KBB says, "When not driving on asphalt, the Subaru Outback has no problem tackling whatever ground is beneath it."
For those who want to get into deep sand and water, the 2022 Outback Wilderness is the best pick for beachgoers. Wilderness has 9.4-inches of ground clearance and suspension upgrades for off-pavement activities.
What sets the new Subaru Solterra apart?
One often overlooked feature is the 2023 Subaru Solterra's 8.3-inches of ground clearance. The all-electric Solterra has better ground clearance than the Mustang Mach-E (5.7-inches) and the Tesla Model Y (6.6-inches), the Mazda MX-30 EV has 5.4-inches of ground clearance, and the Volkswagen ID.4 has 6.7 inches.
Another advantage of the Solterra is its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode all-terrain management. Both are standard equipment and a new Grip Control function to improve stability on rough roads. The all-terrain technology provides additional capability in deep wet sand and offers hill ascent and descent assist in maximizing control in extreme terrain.
KBB says, "Along with being great for the planet, the Solterra works well for the beach. With a standard all-wheel-drive on every trim level, you will have no trouble getting to your destination, whether on or off-road."
The 2022 Subaru Outback adds the all-new Wilderness trim with even more deep sand-clearing abilities. This summer, the new all-electric 2023 Solterra is a top pick among beachgoers' looking for an electric vehicle.
You Might Also Like: CR’s 10 Quietest Midsize SUVs - Subaru Outback Now Ranks 7th Best
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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