Subaru’s reputation for building “go-anywhere” vehicles gets another boost with the all-new fourth generation 2010 Outback sport utility wagon. The original Outback hit the market 15-years ago and through each new iteration it has grown in features, size, horsepower and style. For 2010, Subaru has mixed in a pinch of luxury into their all-wheel-drive Outback.
I always start reviewing a vehicle by analyzing its exterior design, as it is the first thing we see and often where our first impressions begin as a vehicle pulls up along side or passes by. The 2010 Outback styling follows the sport-action theme of Subaru. The bodylines are clean, wheel wells protrude out with off-road confidence and the overall delivery is more SUV than wagon of past years.
From the front, the lower fascia shows ruggedness, dressed in black with silver fog lamps standing ready for action on the edges. The front bumper is integrated into both the side fenders and around the grille. Large headlamps wrap upward into the fenders. On top, the roof rack calls out for snow boards and the rear windows are dark tinted, protecting the interior and inside valuables from view.
Dimensions on the 2010 Outback have grown taller and wider than previous generations, which has helped to increase the overall interior and cargo space. A combination of a longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs and a wider track all contribute to a more versatile off-road experience as well as a better on-road ride and handling.
The 2010 model lineup goes as follows: 2.5i ($23,690), 2.5i Premium ($24,990), 2.5i Limited ($28,690), 3.6R ($28,690), 3.6R Premium ($29,690), 3.6R Limited ($31,690). All prices include a $695 destination fee.
Performance comes in the form of two engine choices (hinted by the model names) – 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder with 170 horsepower and a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder that cranks out 256 horsepower. The 2.5 is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission (available with optional CVT transmission for $1000) and the 3.6 is joined to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Miles-per-gallon ratings are 19 mpg City and 27 mpg Highway (2.5-liter) and 18 mpg City and 25 mpg Highway (3.6-liter).
The larger overall size of the 2010 Outback creates a roomier interior and improved storage/cargo capacity including an extra 5.9 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seat folded down. The focal point of the front dash is the center stack that stretches upwards and expands out like the wings of an eagle. My test vehicle was a 2.5i Premium wagon with two-tone (gray and white) interior with touches of silver trim throughout.
The seats were very comfortable in both the front and back, with the rear legroom being extended by 4-inches. The gauges illuminated a blue glow in the center, and the steering wheel provided controls for radio, cruise control and Bluetooth phone. The 3.6R offers paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel when teamed with the automatic transmission. The parking brake is electronically controlled and includes a Hill Hold feature.
Room for improvement:
- No navigation system available
Cool Features:
- Blue-Tooth phone connectivity (with All-Weather Package)
- Optional 440-watt harmon/kardon auto system
- The roof-rack crossbars are stored inside the roof rails for reduced wind noise
Safety is always on the top of the list with Subaru and the 2010 Outback have made a number safety features standard equipment including front, side and side curtain airbags as well as Vehicle Dynamics control, ABS with brake assist, and electronic traction control.
In Summary – The 2010 Subaru Outback adds a roomier interior, more stable base, better styling, increased cargo space, improved horsepower, luxury features and of course a Subaru tradition – all-wheel drive. Subaru has a strong customer loyalty because they stay true to what their customers want and adjust their product offerings in accordance with their needs, while providing safer, better packaged and performing vehicles. The 2010 Subaru Outback is a perfect example of meeting and exceeding this goal.
Specifications:
2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium
Base price: $24,595 as driven
$27,780 (with destination)
Engine: 2.5-Liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 170 @ 5600
Torque: 170 pound-feet @ 4000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 36.8 feet
Cargo space: 71.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3428 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
EPA mileage: 27 highway, 19 city
Wheel Base: 107.9 inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Audi A3 Quattro, Toyota Matrix, Volkswagen Passat
Future changes: New for 2010