2010 Subaru Outback
- 2009 Subaru Outback
- Used Subaru Outback
in Affordable Full Size Wagons
Based on analysis of 10 Outback reviews and test drives.
Subaru Outback - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Subaru Outback ranks 1 out of 7 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.
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 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 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
- "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
- "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
- "For 2010, the Outback gets slightly bigger (taller and wider, but actually about two inches shorter than the 2009), roomier and more refined, with a more-powerful optional six-cylinder engine." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- "If you need a very good car and you don't need flash, get the 2.5i with some frills. If you need a very good car and you want a little bit of zip, get the 3.6. Either way, you're buying a terrific piece of equipment that offers the fortitude of a bison wrapped in the appeal of a pony." -- Autoblog
Outback Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)
The Outback gets good reviews on its all-wheel-drive and its choice of engines. Edmunds says, "The hallmark Subaru all-wheel-drive systems are still here. The smooth boxer engines are still intact -- minus the turbo, of course. And the clever attention to detail that Subaru is known for remains." Read More
Outback Exterior - NA
In a class known for bland exteriors, the 2010 Outback is easy on the eyes. Popular Mechanics says, "The new Outback looks upscale, and it's beautifully assembled with precise panel fit and doors that shut with an authoritative thud." Read More
Outback Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)
The interior is where the 2010 redesign really makes a difference. The Outback was already great for carrying cargo and transporting passengers in comfort, but now it's even better. Motor Trend says, "Base, Premium, or Limited trims, the upscaling process is equally evident in the Outback's Legacy-inspired cabin treatment." Read More
Outback Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
The IIHS has deemed the 2010 Subaru Outback a Top Safety Pick, as it gets top scores from them all-around. This is due in large part to the Outback's long list of standard safety equipment. Read More
Outback Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Subaru Outback reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Outback is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile new car limited warranty. Read More
