The newly redesigned 2010 Subaru Outback is the last remaining reasonably-priced midsize station wagon in the U.S. market. A week of driving will determine whether it's good enough to be the best more than by default. See more photos of the Outback in today's slideshow. (photos by Brady Holt)
When a review of the redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy sedan appeared in this space over the summer, it praised greatly improved interior space and gas mileage but concluded that it was just one of many pleasant-to-drive midsize four-doors that stood out mainly for its excellent all-wheel-drive system.
The complaints in that review weren't so much about the Legacy itself. It is a very nice car. But it faces very strong competition from many bargain-priced competitors that offer similar comfort and refinement.
The Subaru Outback, essentially a station wagon version of the Legacy, doesn't have that problem. There are almost no other midsize station wagons on the market, and those that have survived are more expensive. And few competing SUVs can come close to this Subaru's fuel economy ratings.
In its class, the Outback effectively wins by default. There are no other mainstream-priced midsize wagons challenging it.
But does that mean it's worth buying? The 2010 Outback is spending the next week with the DC Car Examiner to get that question answered, and to see what it's like to live with this car. Check back regularly for updates and a full review.
And all readers are encouraged to leave any questions to be on special lookout for during this week, either in the comments section below or by e-mail at dc.car.examiner@gmail.com.
Day 1: Introduction
Day 3: Highway driving
Day 5: Interior details
Day 7: Comparison with the 2009 model
Full review
Past weeklong reviews:
2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track
2010 Kia Forte SX
2010 Kia Soul Sport
2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited
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: 8,449 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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