2010 SUBARU OUTBACK Review

Overview

Subaru has completely redesigned the Outback for 2010 with more interior room and a lot of new features. The all-new 2010 Subaru Outback is a smart five-passenger vehicle, featuring a mid-size interior in an easy-to-maneuver and off-road capable wagon body. It is also 2.0 inches wider to improve passenger comfort and has more headroom than the previous model. The 2010 Subaru Outback is available in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited.

Powertrain And Performance

The all-wheel drive 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the base and Premium trims, while a Lineartronic CVT is optional on those trims and standard on the Limited. Manual-override shift paddles are included. When equipped with the Lineartronic CVT, the 2010 Outback 2.5i achieves EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway. The 3.6R models are driven by a 3.6-liter flat-6 engine that pumps out 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic with shift paddles is the only transmission available. They deliver an EPA estimated fuel economy of 18/25 city/highway mpg. The maximum cargo capacity (with the standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded) is increased by 6 cubic feet to 71.3 cu. ft.

Build And Styling

The base 2.5i features standard 16-inch wheels, automatic headlights, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with recline feature, steering wheel cruise control and audio switches, a four-speaker stereo with CD player, overhead console with holder for sunglasses, and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio jack. The Premium models add more new features including a 10-way power driver?s seat (with power lumbar support adjustment) and driver?s auto up/down window, leather-wrapped steering wheel, instrument panel storage bin with door, ambient light for the overhead console, chrome exhaust tip, body-colored side mirrors and 17-in. alloy wheels (all 3.6R trim lines have 17-in. alloy wheels as standard). A power moonroof, a 440-Watt harman/kardon audio system with Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, and the All-Weather Package that adds heated front seats and mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer are the additional comfort and convenience options. The Limited comes with standard dual zone automatic climate control, perforated leather upholstery, the harman/kardon audio system, and a 4-way power front passenger seat (The Outback 2.5i Limited also has the Lineartronic CVT as standard). A voice-activated GPS navigation system with an 8-inch LCD display and rear-view backup camera, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and streaming Bluetooth audio capability is an available exclusive option. The 3.6R trims are similar to the respective 2.5i trims.

Safety Features

The 2010 Subaru Outback further raises the safety quotient with Subaru's Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement safety structure and a new front sub frame (engine cradle) which improves front impact safety. The standard equipment include front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants, stability-traction control, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.