2010 Subaru Outback: Up Close
The last time Subaru restyled the Outback, I was very surprised it didn't get larger. First off, every car, SUV and minivan had been growing with each successive update, whether it needed to or not. Second, the Outback actually needed it. I didn't want the first "sport-utility wagon" to become an SUV, but its backseat had been too snug for too long, and so it continued. The 2009 Outback has less backseat space than many smaller cars do, but Subaru has improved matters markedly in the 2010 version.
The 2010 is fractions of an inch shorter from bumper to bumper than the 2009, but the wheelbase is longer and the backseat gets almost 4 more inches of legroom. It's not hard to tell. I moved the driver's seat all the way back and reclined the backrest more than I would to drive, and in the backseat my knees weren't touching the backrest. There's still a pretty high center floor hump, but the center console between the front seats doesn't intrude as much.
Another plus is a reclining feature on the 60/40-split backrest, which you release using a plastic lever on either outboard side, where the backrest meets the seat cushion. It's easy to reach here; we often complain when the only release is atop the backrests because you can't reach it when seated without contorting yourself. Unfortunately, now I know what it's like when the only release is a low one: It doesn't make it as easy to fold the backrest flat from outside the car.
We recently noted in comparing midsize cars that the Outback's sister sedan, the 2009 Legacy, has one of the narrowest backseats. The 2010 Legacy and Outback are a couple inches wider, which helps a bit, but it still didn't feel as wide as some. The front seat gets a bit more hip room, while the backseat's gain is in shoulder room.
The Limited trim level on display at the show was well-appointed, with leather upholstery and wood trim. I think the 2009 is pretty nice already, and this one's no worse, in my opinion. Some of the trim is better, including convincing faux metal (a rarity) on the center control panel, console and the steering-wheel spokes. If there's a problem, it's that there's too much of it. I must confess that I like the soft-blue glow of the bezel at the center of the stereo controls, even though a similar treatment looks cheesy on the Toyota Camry.
The exterior looks good to me, and you definitely notice the increased ground clearance in the Outback's overall presence. The cargo area is wider and deeper. The innovation comes on the roof rack, which has hinged cross-members that swing 90 degrees to tuck into the side rails. The point is to reduce wind noise and improve the aerodynamics. It's very easy to operate -- more so than removing conventional cross-members, and you don't have to worry about storing them somewhere. Clever idea, and long overdue.
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This is a nice revision of one of the most useful cars on the market. Who needs the Volvo cross country when the Outback is a better package at a much better price.
I like it. It is solid-looking and in keeping with what I think an Outback ought to look like. When a diesel with an automatic is available I'll trade in my 2000 Outback. If the stock market improves enough, that is.
What is with this new trend where the taillights look as if one person designed those on the body of the car, another designed those on the tailgate/trunklid; They weren't introduced until the two were put together and didn't match.
I think the worst example is the new Chrysler Sebring.
YES!!! I Like it! as I commented on the Legacy, I've always been a fan of their wagons. with the front end like that and a nice looking hatch, I know I will love this incarnation or the Outback.
however, just as GR said the tailights being different on the hatch than on the body does bother me quite a bit, and I think that the reflectors are a bit too attention getting. I think they would look better length wise on the lower center of the bumper symetrically.
There was a lot of talk on subaru boards about a new 2.0 base engine with close to 200hp but according to edmunds this still has the same 2.5 with 170hp as the out-going model. Also it was expected there would be a new 5-speed auto but it doesn't look like that has happened either.
It does appear to have a 5-speed auto now.
It's a 5AT in the H6 and a CVT in the H4.
As we reported in the auto show write-up, the powertrain offerings will be a 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or CVT, or a 256-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder with five-speed automatic.
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2009/04/2010-subaru-outback-at-2009-new-york-auto-show.html
I don't know. That roof rack could be a deal breaker for me. I have a Volvo XC70 and that very simple roof rack is super strong and extremely versatile. These gimmicky, proprietary roof racks drive me nuts. They're designed for looks more than function and many people who buy these cars really use the racks. I was hoping for better thinking from Subaru as I was hoping to by an Outback next time. I had a '98 and loved it...except for the crappy seats.
I drive the 06 limited ... in a manual. WHY is the manual going away, or only available in the basic models. UGH. As for all of the seating information. I am a slim/petite woman of 5'2 and my outback is one of the only cars that I feel REALLY comfy in ... I drive it for long distances (950 miles in a day) to visit family and I am "snug as a bug" in the drivers seat. So, not all of us fault the seating. Is it a car for the overstuffed masses, nope. And, that's ok.
I'm glad they changed the gear shift on the 2010 Outback. I recently rented a 2009 Outback and the configuration was awkward for me. Is the 2010 Outback Wagon available in the color RED??? I would buy one in August.
I own a 1995 Subaru Legacy wagon and I love it. However, due to recent changes in its lineup, I don't see Subaru as a contender for my next AWD wagon when the current one is up for replacement.
First, Subaru dropped the Legacy wagon from its lineup in favor of just the Outback. Now, with the 2010 model, the Outback become higher, bigger, and uglier with the loss of frameless windows and glass d-pillars.
It looks like it is time to look towards Audi and others for my AWD wagon.
I just bought my 4th Outback, a 2010 2.5i Limited this time. As each Outback model revision has appeared, I bought it. I'd have to say that this one really appeals to me... a lot. The slight increase in interior space and longer wheelbase, while not becoming any longer is one great thing, and the CVT (transmission) is something that I'd hoped that Subaru would introduce.
John, Congrats on the new car! What'd you pay for the 2010 Limited?
Subaru needs to figure out who is really using the roof racks rather than assuming customers want their silly pivoting gimmick. I work for an automotive accessory store that specializes in car racks and we've seen more disappointed '10 Outback buyers than you could imagine.
For people who actually use their roof rack, these are almost worthless.
http://rackattackportland.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/new-series-cars-of-the-future-a-rack-installers-opinion-part-1-2010-subaru-outback/
nice car but awful roof rack if you are seriuous about carrying anything on the roof. The roof is only rate for 100lbs and the bar 150lbs(according to Subaru). The bar spread is only 30 inches and so to spread the load of something heavy is very difficult - there is very little support. After market bar systems wont help much and would certainly increase wind noise and cost. An expensive custom installation might solve the problem.