The 2010 Subaru Outback ranks 1 out of 5 Affordable Full Size Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 10 published reviews and test drives of the Subaru Outback, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.”Sharing many structural and mechanical elements with the also-new-for-2010 Legacy sedan, Subaru’s contemporary AWD crossover gets an extra measure of everything that really matters to the active-lifestyle buyers it’s seeking: bolder character, enhanced functionality, and improved performance.” — Motor Trend
If you’re looking for the practicality of an SUV without all the negative associations, you should consider the newly-redesigned 2010 Subaru Outback. It features all-wheel-drive, an excellent ride and lots of room for your cargo.”The 2010 Subaru Outback is an excellent vehicle. Now it goes toe-to-toe with the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Venza instead of the Audi A4 Avant or Volkswagen Passat 4Motion. But if you were hoping this new Outback was going to remain a tidy AWD wagon made smarter for you and roomier for guests, you’ll be disappointed with Subaru’s newest SUV.” — Edmunds
The Subaru Outback continues to offer a solid value for car buyers looking for an alternative from the mainstream car market. It is functional, practical and represents an outstanding value proposition, especially at the lower trim levels. The Outback is cross-shopped against both wagons and SUVs, as it falls somewhere in the middle of those two categories. In many ways, it’s the ultimate split personality: the convenience of an SUV, thanks to its large cargo area, and the drivability of a sedan, thanks to its nice ride. In fact, Motor Trend has named it Sport Utility of the Year and Popular Mechanics has named it their Most Versatile Car for 2010.
Completely overhauled for 2010, the Outback has more space for passengers and cargo, as well as a new optional 3.6-liter V6 for more power. While Subaru owners have a reputation for being “alternative,” the new Outback is sure to expand the Subaru fan base beyond the usual stereotype. The value on the lower trim models are impossible to ignore. Popular Mechanics says: “Subaru owners may be odd in some ways, but they’re nothing if not practical about their vehicles and determined to wring every last ounce of value from their purchases. And there’s plenty of value in the new Outback — as long as you stay near the bottom of the price ladder.”
The Outback is available in the following trims: the base 2.5i, the 2.5i Premium, the 2.5i Limited, the 3.6R and the 3.6R Premium.”The 2010 Outback is bigger and better than before, but it’s still a proudly eccentric and weirdly wonderful mashup of station wagon, SUV and Australian off-road pretense. ” — Popular Mechanics
The Outback drives like a car — a tough car. With its standard all-wheel drive system, the Outback can handle poor weather conditions without breaking a sweat. Reviewers enjoy the optional CVT transmission that is available on trims with the 2.5 liter engine. The 2.5-liter engine has more than enough power for everyday driving, but those looking for a little more get-up may prefer opting for the 256-horsepower in the 3.6-liter V6. The EPA gives the 2.5-liter gets 22 MPG in the city and 29 on the highway when paired with the CVT and 19 city /27 highway with the manual transmission. The V6 only comes with an automatic transmission and it gets 18 city / 25 highway.
