2010 Subaru Outback Waterville ME

2010 Subaru Outback By Jon Alain Guzik, Editor-in-Chief

DriverSide Overview
Subaru has taken the knife to its go-anywhere wagon, the Outback, for 2010. With an all-new interior and a similarly reconstructed exterior, the car has a bold face to help fend off the ever-rising tide of crossovers and CUVs. While the redesign won’t float everyone’s boat, it’s certainly memorable and provides more space in just about every direction. Subaru has also put a keen eye toward making the Outback more comfortable for everyone inside with more headroom, wider seats and extra space for legs in the back seat. While most buyers may shy away from this wagon’s full-time all-wheel drive and boxer engine for fear of fuel economy, the 2010 Outback has proven itself with the EPA – delivering close to 30 mpg when equipped with a CVT. That’s nothing to sneeze at, especially in a vehicle with the Outback’s hauling capacity . A new, multi-link suspension in the rear provides a stable driving platform despite a higher ride height than more low-slung sedans, too.
 

What's to Like
While the available 3.6-liter six-cylinder has more than enough power, and all models feel great at highway speeds. Passenger space has been greatly improved, and the CVT returns fantastic numbers at the pump.
 
What's Not to Like
We wish we could get the upmarket versions with the six-speed manual. We love the fuel economy of the four-cylinder but feel a car of this weight should have a little more power. Also, where is our beloved XT turbocharged model?

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The Outback, we are convinced, can go almost anywhere, at any time. While the Outback isn’t made for off-roading like a more traditional SUV or crossover, up a hill or through a stream it goes. While the 170 horsepower, H-4 is just adequate – we don’t think a Subaru buyer will ever question the lack of power – we wish there was a little more oomph to ride. That said, the H-6 gives you all the power you’ll need. The Outback has a smooth ride both on and off the pavement, with low wind and road noise and all-wheel drive to take you where you need to go, smoothly.
 
Engine and Drivetrain
Subaru offers a number of engine and drivetrain options for the Outback. For the eco-savvy out there, the 2.5-liter, flat four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. That engine can be had with either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. Buyers looking for a little more gusto can opt for a 3.6-liter, flat six-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, though that engine is only available with a five-speed automatic transmission.
 
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
Subaru is known for its quirky, high-torque engines and drivetrains. As with all Subarus, symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard, as is a un...

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