2010 Subaru Outback at 2009 New York Auto Show
- Competes with: Toyota Venza, Volvo XC70, VW Passat, Saab 9-3
- Looks like: Subaru’s new design was meant for the Outback, not the Legacy
- Drivetrain: 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or CVT, or 256-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder with five-speed automatic; all-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: Late summer 2009
While the just-released 2010 Subaru Legacy may look a bit awkward in the design department, the all-new 2010 Outback appears much more refined even though it features the same lines and styling. Maybe the company started with the Outback and tried to adapt that design to the Legacy sedan. Whatever the case, the new Outback has a roomier interior, new engine and transmission choices, and improved gas mileage.
Passenger room grows by 8 cubic feet overall, while cargo room grows by 6 cubic feet. Check out the photos below to see how wide the cargo opening is, as well. There’s also 3.9 more inches of rear legroom. Speaking as a current Outback owner, that will be welcomed. Subaru says headroom has increased, but doesn’t say by how much. The car is 4 inches taller than the outgoing model, and despite the increased interior room it’s 1 inch shorter in overall length.
There will be just two engine choices for the 2010 Outback, down from three from 2009 and three offered in the Legacy sedan. What gets the axe? The turbocharged four-cylinder in the 2.5 GT. Instead, there will be the base 170-hp four-cylinder engine and a new 3.6-liter six-cylinder good for 256 hp. Subaru hasn’t released official mileage figures yet, but does say they will be improved over the outgoing model.
The 2010 model also sports 8.7 inches of ground clearance, up from 8.4 inches in the 2009 model.
There will also be three trim levels available for each engine option. Both the 2.5 and the 3.6 will get a base version — 2.5i and 3.6R — plus Premium and Limited trims. All Outbacks come with all-wheel drive, four-wheel-disc brakes, stability control, cruise control and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
There are more photos below.
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this thing sure is a lot better looking than the Legacy. Nice job Subaru!
Looks like a Chrysler Sebring from the front, and an Infiniti FX on the inside.
a much better looking sebring, but I agree
you can really tell that there is much more legroom from the shot of the folded seats.
good job Subaru. looks much better than the Legacy
i really wish Subaru wouldve kept the Legacy and outback as separate lines with their own sedans and wagons. the outback shouldve stayed as the larger, roomier, and more comfortable version, and the Legacy shouldve stayed as the smaller, sportier one.
Props on the sleek design, but I don't like how much more prominent the overhangs seem to be. Overall though, I do agree that the front end styling looks better on this application than the sedan. Still looks like a Sebring, though.
I do not like this either. The front end is ugly and the flares are overdone. Interior is the only highlight. Suburu isnt known for beautiful cars and I see that trend will continue.
Looks like a winner to me. My 2001 Outback just passed 280,000 KM, and as soon as this one is available it will be in my driveway. I also own a 2007 Acura MDX, and the Subaru AWD system is far superior to the Acura Super Handling AWD.
Will the New 2010 Outback be available in RED? I would buy one in a minute if it did.