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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Subaru Outback

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Subaru Outback

Overview

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2010 Subaru Outback Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2010 Subaru Outback is the perfect anti-SUV. No larger than most mid-size cars, the all-wheel-drive Outback has become one of the best selling wagons in America; it is also a favorite of those needing the off-road capabilities of a large SUV, but not the accompanying lofty fuel bills and hard-to-park mass. New from the ground up, the fifth-generation Outback remains true to the original concept yet achieves major improvements in the areas of interior room, fuel economy and flexibility. As with all Subarus, the Outback comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a proven system that allows this rugged wagon to conquer the toughest terrain and deepest snow.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for an economical wagon with an emphasis on safety, features, fuel-economy and true off-road capability, the Outback is pretty much your best bet.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need a third-row seat, tow heavy loads or prefer the car-like styling of the Volvo XC70 or Toyota Venza, the new Outback probably won't be a good fit.

What's New for 2010

Not only does the 2010 Outback sport a rugged new look, it offers a host of improvements. Among the most notable is a new continuously-variable transmission (CVT) on four-cylinder models, a new 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, an additional four-inches of rear-seat legroom, a clever roof rack with pivoting cross rails and an available DVD navigation system allowing music streaming via Bluetooth connectivity.

Driving the Outback

Driving Impressions If maximum fuel economy takes precedence over quick acceleration, the 2.5-liter four with the CVT is your best bet. With 170 horsepower on tap the engine has to work a...

bit to move the Outback. Once up to speed the CVT finds and holds the engine's maximum torque and horsepower, providing the best acceleration and fuel economy mix. The CVT does take some getting used to as there are no discernable gear shifts such as are common to a traditional automatic. The standard steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, however, allow the driver to select and hold "gears" as with a manual transmission, thus making passing and merging maneuvers a bit quicker. With a projected 29 miles per gallon highway and a new 18-gallon fuel tank, the Outback can cruise over 500 miles before refueling. As for the Outback's driving characteristics, it demonstrates an impressive sedan-like feel, especially surprising considering the car's high center of gravity. The steering is precise and predictable and interior sound levels are much improved over the 2009 Outback.

Favorite Features

CVT Automatic
Subaru's take on this fuel-saving transmission uses a metal band as opposed to a rubber belt, which it claims will improve durability and longevity. The Subaru CVT includes a manual shift mode that mimics the shift points of a manual transmission without the need for a clutch pedal. Best of all, the CVT is expected to return an estimated 22 city and 29 highway, which is better than the six-speed manual.

Electronic Parking Brake with Hill Holder
Not only does this feature free up more space on the center console, it incorporates an electronic hill holder that, on inclines of more the five percent, holds the vehicle in place until the driver steps on the accelerator.

2010 Subaru Outback Details

Interior

One of the biggest complaints heard by previous Outback owners involved the car's tiny back seat. The new model addresses this concern by adding an additional four inches of legroom and nearly three inches of headroom. During our test drive, we comfortably fit three six-foot-tall adults in the back seat and still had space between their knees and the front seat backs. Wider front seats and a reclining rear seat further improve occupant comfort, while upscale models offer power driver's-side lumbar support and leather seating surfaces. The addition of a dash-mounted electronic parking brake allows Subaru engineers to remove the center-console handbrake handle, creating more space for water bottles and latte cups. Models equipped with automatic transmissions also feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Exterior

The all-new 2010 Outback is a radical departure from the model it replaces. Gone are the sleek lines, car-like styling and handsome two-tone wheel arches. What's in is a more SUV-like appearance, with thick plastic cladding on the doors, rocker panels and front bumper, as well as larger headlamps and pronounced fender arches. The 2010 Outback is nearly three inches taller and two inches wider than the 2009 model, yet overall length actually shrinks by one inch. Last year's frameless windows are replaced by fully-framed glass, a design that improves body rigidity and reduces wind noise. The rear door openings are much larger, allowing easier entry and exit. Up top is a clever new roof rack with folding cross rails that can be tucked away to reduce wind noise and drag, while down below 8.7-inches of ground clearance assures the new Outback can tackle just about any off-road condition.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base Outback 2.5i features a six-speed manual transmission, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability and traction control, six airbags – including front side-impact and front and rear side-curtain airbags – and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with single CD player, steering wheel controls for the audio and cruise control, rear wiper/washer, remote keyless entry, electronic parking brake with hill-holder feature and the swing-away cross-rail roof rack. The Premium model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver's seat with power lumbar support, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and rear privacy glass. To this the Limited trim adds leather seating, four-way power passenger's seat, the All Weather Package (heated seats, side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icers), the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission, dual-zone automatic temperature control, a 440-watt harman/kardon stereo with six-disc CD/WMA/MP3 changer and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Six-cylinder models feature the same equipment, but replace the CVT with a traditional five-speed automatic.

Optional Equipment

Most options are offered according to trim. Base models offer a few dealer-installed items including Bluetooth phone connectivity, exterior puddle lights, cargo organizing systems and fog lights. The Premium models offer a power sunroof, the All-Weather Package (heated seats, mirrors and wiper de-icers) and the 440-watt harman/kardon audio system, while the Limited trims offer a power sunroof and a voice-activated navigation system featuring music streaming (streams music to the car's stereo from a compatible Bluetooth-enabled device), an eight-inch view screen and a rear backup camera. Other stand-alone options include Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, iPod integration system, Media Hub Kit that adds a USB connector, remote start (automatic transmission only), a trailer hitch and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with built-in compass.

Under the Hood

Subaru offers two horizontally-opposed boxer engines in the Outback. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivers 170 horsepower, which may not be best in class but does generate enough muscle to provide satisfactory performance. Equipping this engine with the CVT automatic will produce the best fuel economy, but the six-speed manual is a better choice from a performance standpoint. If fuel economy is not a top priority, the best choice for the Legacy is the six-cylinder, which provides much better acceleration and passing power than the four while delivering slightly worse fuel economy (18/25 vs. 22/29).

2.5-liter Boxer four
170 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
170 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 (manual), 22/29 (automatic)

3.6-liter Boxer six
256 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
247 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25

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2010 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 134 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

8.8/10

Excelent car, very reliable

By Dean (IL) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort for all, fun to drive, versatile"

Cons: "none, no regrets"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Delivers everything I require, never falls short. Have driven cross country, around town, and on light off-road trails. Very comfortable and versatile!"

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Best Car I have ever owned

By 2BoysMom (CA) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Gas mileage, reliable, fun to drive"

Cons: "Doors don't automatically lock once started"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned several cars in my life and this is by far the best car I have had. It's reliable, comfortable and so much space for taking my kids and all their stuff to sporting events and vacations. I would highly recommend this car. It's gets awesome car mileage and is fun to drive."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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3rd New Outback in 7 years

By tnNavyMom (TN) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 19,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "dependable, stylish, comfortable"

Cons: "high blower setting when heat or a/c comes on"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the 3rd new Outback I have purchased in the past 7 years. Each one has been an excellent vehicle, with no problems. My 2012 is fully loaded and extremely dependable. If the "new car smell" doesn't get me, I could easily drive this car, comfortably, for the next ten years. Subaru makes a high quality, technically superior car, at a reasonable price. The dealership where I have purchased the three Outbacks has been the best car sales facility my husband and I have ever encountered. I don't know what Subaru could do to improve the vehicle that I now own. It will be exciting to see future models, just to see their latest innovations, while they maintain their high degree of quality and safety."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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If you want floor heat, do not buy this car.

By Tweetie (MA) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car
Reason: lack of floor heat and Subaru did not care - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Loved the car EXCEPT for con below"

Cons: "Heat should not be a luxury"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought my car brand new in March, 2012. The first day driving, I noticed my feet were cold. Asked the dealer's service manager who said air vent was open. Summer came, did not notice until heat was needed again. While on Floor Vent only, more heat comes out of dash/defrost than on floor; there is no heat from back seat floor vents so my 93-year old and 84-year old passengers feet were freezing. I have to wrap their legs up to keep them warm. This past winter I drove with quilt on my legs/feet and jacket stuffed into defrost vents as hot air is suffocating with so much heat blowing out of dash/defrost vents even though on floor vent. Again, climate control is on floor vent only and face is windblown from volume of hot air from dash/defrost and feet/legs are freezing from lack of volume on floor vent. Several trips to two different Subaru dealers, I was told this is how car is designed to run. One Service Manager agreed there was more air out of defrost vent than one would expect then said "continue doing what I had been doing to keep warm." Really, the service manager told me to continue to drive with blanket on feet. Other dealer, mechanic told me I was not the first to complain and 2013 cars were same. I had dealer show me other Outbacks and climate control heat setting performed same. While I love, love this car, I need floor heat for myself and my passangers here in New England. This car will be sold in August and I will NOT be freezing or driving hazardly this winter. Strangers who asks me about my car are as disappointed as I am once I show them there really is no heat. Subaru, you blew it!"

9 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Exceptional value

By Mike (PA) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Value, fuel mileage, ride."

Cons: "Radio, lack of power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Great car for the price. Rides and drives very comfortably. AWD system is incredible. I had a full size 4wd pickup prior to this vehicle and there is no comparison in the snow. The Subaru is stabile and secure in the snow, going places a car has no business going. Fuel mileage is incredible for an AWD. I average 26 mpg. Radio is mediocre at best. Power from the 4cyl won't win ANY races but I'll take the fuel mileage any day."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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excellent car for money

By brizz (MA) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "roomy, great in snow,good gas mileage"

Cons: "push the key fob 20 times before it opens all doo"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned many honda and toyota cars always thought they were the best. when we wanted a car that could tow our boat but still maintain good gas mileage the previous mentioned had little to offer in 4 cylinder power. we decided to give the boxer engine a whirl. acceleration and pull with the boat are amazing paddle shifts are fun too."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 134 reviews