The redesigned 2010 Subaru Outback's interior is more spacious and
more elaborately decorated than the old model's. See more photos of
the Outback's interior in today's slideshow. (photos by Brady Holt)
The previous-generation Subaru Outback, sold from 2005 through 2009, never had a surplus of passenger space. The redesigned 2010 model, which is spending a week with the DC Car Examiner, has a surplus.
The most pronounced improvement is in the rear seat, which had been tight for two adults and too narrow for three. It now offers a higher cushion, extra leg and foot space, and enough width for a middle passenger to be surprisingly accommodating.
Cargo volume also improved, but by a much smaller margin. With the rear seat pushed further back for extra legroom and the length of the car shrinking slightly, the wider and taller 2010 Outback managed only a slight gain over the 2009's 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. However, fold the rear seat down -- it folds easily, but not quite flat -- and the 71.4 cubic feet in total volume is six cubes above the old model.
The Outback's proportions are less like a traditional wagon than they traditionally had been, which results in more of the cargo room coming in height rather than floor space, which makes this new Subaru more adept at hauling bulky items.
One minor complaint is that the latch to fold down the rear seatbacks is only accessible from the rear seat rather than the cargo area. The latch, located at the bottom of the seatback, doubles as the rear seat reclining function. Not only does this place the latch out of the most convenient reach (most cars put it on the top of the seatback) but it means that passengers trying to un-recline the seat experience the seatback trying to fold down on them. This issue is offset somewhat by well-designed outboard seatbelts that don't get in the way when the seat is put back up; on many cars, you need to hold the belt out of the way so it doesn't get caught in the seat.
But while the new Outback is inarguably spacious, there is some discord about the actual seating comfort. This reviewer was quite impressed with all five seating positions; two passengers, however, said the seats were uncomfortably firm, and one complained about a lumpy front cushion.
Also new, and also subject to personal preference, is the styling of the redesigned interior. This luxury Limited model is very bright, with beige seats and a collection of false aluminum and wood trim. Passengers praised the "elegant simplicity" of the center stack design, though it might be wider than it needs to be. There was less enthusiasm over the simulated wood, which would probably not be called either elegant or simple, but one could argue it doesn't look out of place.
The Outback's dash is, for the most part, ergonomically sound. The small, low screen that displays temperature in the Limited's automatic climate control system washes out easily in bright sunlight, but it's simple enough. The stereo controls are also simple, and include redundant switches on the steering wheel.
All the steering wheel controls -- for the stereo volume, radio tune or CD track, and cruise control -- are new and improved over Subaru's previous design. Instead of just buttons, the Outback has followed a design this reviewer first praised as ideal in a Kia Soul: easy-to-feel rocker switches located right where a driver keeps his thumbs. (see a detailed photo in today's slideshow)
Like on the latest Subaru Forester, markings on the interior door lock buttons don't make it clear at first glance whether the doors are locked, especially in low or poor lighting -- an ergonomic annoyance that Subaru will hopefully fix.
The quality of the interior is also mostly solid. Subaru did a good job at padding most high-contact surfaces, including armrests, and buttons and knobs don't feel chintzy. Most interior panels line up nicely; the glovebox stretching all the way to the edge of the dash creates a wide panel gap visible when the front-passenger door opens, but nothing else is nearly as obvious. There are some hard, hollow plastics on the dash that could stand an upgrade, however.
The driver's seat is comfortable, but some might want it to be wider. There would be space for a wider seat, especially because the center console doesn't include a handbrake (it's an electronic button near the driver's left knee). Extra bolstering to hold occupants in place during cornering would also be very useful.
Drivers have excellent forward visibility and have a higher seating position than in the old Outback. Rear visibility would be better with a larger rear windshield and slimmer d-pillar, but the outward view is still good by today's ever-shrinking standards. Subaru's Forester compact SUV remains a visibility class act, however.
See more photos and details about the Outback's interior in today's slideshow, and check back for more information on the car and for a full review in the days to come.
Day 1: Introduction
Day 3: Highway driving
Day 5: Interior details
Day 7: Comparison with the 2009 model
Full review
Vehicle tested: 2010 Subaru Outback
Vehicle base price (MSRP): $22,995
Version tested: 2.5i Limited
Version base price (MSRP): $28,295
Vehicle price as tested (MSRP): $28,990
Estimated transaction price as tested: $27,017
Odometer at beginning of test: 8,422 miles
Odometer as of this writing: 8,763 miles
Test vehicle provided by: Subaru of America
Key specifications:
Length: 188.2 inches
Width: 71.7 inches
Height: 65.7 inches
Wheelbase: 107.9 inches
Weight: 3,564 pounds
Cargo volume behind rear seat: 34.3 cubic feet
Cargo volume behind front seats: 71.3 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 2,700 pounds
Ground clearance: 8.7 inches
Engine (as tested): 2.5-liter H4 with 170 horsepower
Transmission: CVT automatic
EPA city mileage: 22 miles per gallon
EPA highway mileage: 29 miles per gallon
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