2010 Outback limited

Great Function and Nice Form

All-new for 2010, the Outback is Subaru’s all-wheel-drive wagon with SUV styling based on the same platform as the Legacy sedan replacing the Legacy Wagon in the lineup. The 2010 features updated styling and an all-new chassis and a new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

The Outback comes in three trim levels with two engine choices starting with the base 2.5i and 2.5i Premium which designates the 2.5 liter engine. The 3.6 liter engines sport the R designation as a 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited. While the 2.5 is sufficient, I much prefer the 3.6R which adds about a grand to the $27,900 base price.

The 3.6R is the big-engine version with a new-for-2010 3.6-liter boxer six that replaces the '09 version's 3.0-liter six. The new powerplant increases horsepower by 11 to 256 horsepower but more importantly it boosts torque to 247 up 32 lb-ft of. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission available in the 3.6R lineup.

The 2010 is larger on the outside, with a longer wheelbase and wider track. This allows for more cargo space to haul soccer gear or make trips to the hardware store. With the rear seats down, the outback has 71.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, which enhances the Outback’s ability to serve many functions.

If the commercials are true, a lot of Subaru Outback owners love to take their Outback off-road, not rugged hill climbing but back roads that conventional cars can’t take and the little bit we did of that, the Subaru was flawless. With it’s 8 plus inches of ground clearance and heralded all-wheel-drive, it handled road imperfections with ease, taking ruts with no problems and in relative comfort.

I've always considered the Subaru Outback a vehicle that appealed to the “quirky” owner but there’s no doubt that it’s becoming more mainstream. It’s bigger, better looking and actually much more refined and more fuel efficient, the 3.6 is rated at 18/25 mpg, making it a very good choice for those that don’t want an SUV or Crossover but something that offers the best of both. So if you’ve never considered the Subaru Outback, maybe now is the time.