2010 Subaru Outback: Contending for SUV of the year

November 11, 9:09 AMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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2010 Subaru Outback - Balanced is it
The Car Connection.com

Subaru’s have always
been known for providing
no nonsense transportation
that got drivers where they
wanted to go with no fuss.
A big part of the reason for
the ‘I will get there through
any kind of weather’ was the
company’s well developed
all-wheel-drive system.

For 2010 however, Subaru
is in fact vying for the
sport-utility of the year.

In addition to having the ‘Legacy’ part of its name dropped (now it is called just
the Subaru Outback), the vehicle has become more mainstream but it continues
to have the strong points that have made it a solid performer in the past.

Many SUVs have things like a large engine, massive technology, or
high fashion sheet metal. The new fourth-generation Outback does not
have any of these specifically, however, it impresses with its overall
package!

Of this Subaru, the testers at Motor Trend Magazine said, “Once again,
it seemed, Subaru was successfully reshaping the very definition of
‘sport/utility vehicle’ –melding the multi-mission prowess of true SUVs
with the driving refinement, fuel-frugality, and easy access of wagons
and sedans.”

The vehicle’s wheelbase has been increased by 2.8 inches to 107.9 resulting
in more rear seat legroom. Additionally, shoulder room width has been
increased by 2 inches. Furthermore, the front and rear overhangs have been
decreased by 2 inches to further increase its off road approach angels. And
although this Outback is a bit shorter that the outgoing model, it offers seven
percent more interior room helped by an increase in the roof height.

This Subaru has 34.3/71.3 cubic feet (rear seat up/down) of cargo area which
tops the Chevy Equinox, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Toyota Venza. On
the outside, the Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This is more than
the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but it has a lower step in height than the Cherokee.
This Outback is doing it at both ends!

SUVs have been known to be powered by thirsty V8 engines. The Outback
is equipped with either a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder (170 hp) or a 3.6-liter flat
six-cylinder (258 hp) boxer engine. Both engines offer a low center of gravity,
balanced weight distribution, and good torque characteristics. These are indeed
pluses in an SUV offering.

Subaru provides three all-wheel drive systems in the Outback. Base 5-speed
manual transmission models are equipped with a viscous-coupling locking
center differential with a 50/50 normal torque split and the ability to shift
power away from a slipping axel. Four-cylinder models equipped with the
Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) have an electronically controlled
continuously variable clutch. Last, but not least, all six-cylinder Outbacks
have Subaru’s Variable Torque Distribution system that combines a planetary
center differential with an electronically operated hydraulic clutch to distribute
power as needed between the axels.

Despite its all-wheel-drive, cargo carrying versatility, and a good dose of off
road capability, this Outback drives and handles much like a car. It offers a
smooth ride with good suspension travel. Thus, day-in and day-out use is
highly acceptable for a SUV.

Fuel mileage is rated at 22 city and 29 highway for the capable four-cylinder
engine and 18 city and 25 highway for the powerful six-cylinder engine.

A base four-cylinder Subaru Outback is priced at $23,690 and the six-cylinder
is $31,690.

The 2010 Subaru Outback can be summed up in two words – ‘A balanced
SUV’ – and a good one at that!

Be sure to view the Slideshow below of this SUV of the year contender!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com.