2010 Subaru Outback

2010 Subaru Outback — Review

Rating: 8.2

Bottom Line:

The Outback has always had a split personality — self-assured commuter and adept trail runner. The vehicle has only been enhanced its larger size, more refined interior, and more powerful and fuel-efficient engines. This is a real winner.

Pros:

• Split personality, on-road/off-road
• Cavernous, usable 71.3 cubic feet of storage
• Good mpg, big tank equals 444-mile range

Cons:

• 3.6R Limited starts at pricey $30,995
• Looks like wagon in mid-morph to SUV
• Wheel arches dwarf base rolling stock

Perhaps one of the most versatile vehicles on the road, the Outback is a Swiss Army knife on wheels; there is a blade or other useful utensil ready to handle whatever task you throw its way. Commuters will be comfortable. Hikers will be confident. The frugal will like the respectable fuel economy. The Outback sports a well-appointed interior and supple suspension for the workweek, plus 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru's ready-to-rumble all-wheel drive for weekend adventures. What's not to love?

Model Lineup
The Outback comes in a six-pack of possibilities that encompasses three trim levels and two engines. Outbacks with 2.5-liter engines are designated as 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited. Those with 3.6-liter engines sport 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited badges.

The base 2.5i is a good starting point, featuring a 6-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, 4-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch wheels, power windows and locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel as standard issue. The 2.5i is priced at $22,995, and its only option is Subaru's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

Stepping into a Premium-trimmed 2.5i adds a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel, auto up/down driver's window and fog lights, and raises the sticker price to $24,295. Optional fare includes the Lineartronic CVT, all-weather package, a 440-watt Harman Kardon stereo and a sunroof.

The 2.5i Limited is priced at $27,995 and adds a 4-way power adjustable passenger seat, all-weather package, CVT, climate control, the Harman Kardon stereo and a leather-trimmed interior. Going with a Limited opens the door to options such as a navigation system and a sunroof.

The 3.6R line has a bigger engine and 17-inch rolling stock as standard equipment, and beyond that, its Premium and Limited trims add the same equipment as seen in the 2.5i trim, except for the CVT gearbox, which is available only in the 2.5i. The base 3.6R is priced at $27,995. The Premium 3.6R adds $1,000 to the base trim, while the top-of-the-line Limited checks in at $30,995.

Under the Hood
The 2.5i trims are powered by a 2.5-liter boxer four rated at 170 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The 2.5i is outfitted with an all-new 6-speed manual transmission from the factory. But for $1,000, you can add Subaru's Lineartronic CVT, which selects any ratio between its highest and lowest available ratios at any time. This means a more efficient use of power and better fuel economy. In the past, manual gearboxes got better mileage than their automatic counterparts, but in the Outback the 6-speed delivers 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway, while the CVT posts 22 mpg/29 mpg.