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2010 Subaru Outback Review

August 29, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

It’s a properly designed vehicle with significantly contrasting planes, lines and details
Autoblog

The previous car was much more svelte-looking
Car and Driver

Interior [gets] a thorough going-over as well
Road & Track

Subarus have always been known for their styling, but not necessarily in a good way. With the previous generation of Outback Subaru, consumers were somewhat surprised to get an uncluttered exterior, but the latest 2010 Subaru Outback marks a return to stylistic confusion.

Many reviews surveyed by TheCarConnection.com question some of the new styling elements on the 2010 Subaru Outback; Kelley Blue Book reports that “gone are the sleek lines, car-like styling and handsome two-tone wheel arches,” replaced by a “more SUV-like appearance.” The new Outback Subaru, which is available in base, Premium, and Limited trims, “has lost a bit of its signature Subaru styling” along the way, according to Road & Track, but they think that the “more upright grille and highly carved fender flares will become new Subie signatures.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors hope not, as they indicate that the front-end styling is the least successful part of the redesign.

Car and Driver feels that the car’s new, larger proportions throw off the aesthetic, claiming “the previous car was much more svelte-looking, and its styling was more cohesive.” On the positive side, Autoblog reviewers assert that the new 2010 Subaru Outback is “handsome, which means you can get all of that sweet, nutty Subaru-ness in a traditionally handsome package.”

While reviewers are torn regarding the Outback Subaru’s new exterior design, the interior gets a much warmer reception. Car and Driver feels that the 2010 Subaru Outback’s new interior “design is attractive and makes no glaring missteps in ergonomics, fit, or materials.” The look of the materials sits well with reviewers also, as Autoblog reports that, “of all makers, Subaru has come up with an ersatz textured metal trim that actually feels and sounds just like metal.” Kelley Blue Book reviewers continue the love fest surrounding the 2010 Subaru Outback’s interior, observing that “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.” Overall, the swooping new interior is a step in the right direction for Subaru, and it’s hard to find fault with any single element of the layout.

Conclusion

The 2010 Subaru Outback is now more crossover than wagon, and a few styling elements just strike the wrong chord.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:It’s a properly designed vehicle with significantly contrasting planes, lines and detailsAutoblogThe previous car was much more svelte-lookingCar and DriverInterior [gets] a thorough going-over as wellRoad & Track Subarus have always been known for their styling, but not necessarily in a good way. With the previous generation of Outback Subaru, consumers were somewhat surprised to get an uncluttered exterior, but the latest 2010 Subaru Outback marks a return to stylistic confusion. Many reviews surveyed by TheCarConnection.com question some of the new styling elements on the 2010 Subaru Outback; Kelley Blue Book reports that “gone are the sleek lines, car-like styling and handsome two-tone wheel arches,” replaced by a “more SUV-like appearance.” The new Outback Subaru, which is available in base, Premium, and Limited trims, “has lost a bit of its signature Subaru styling” along the way, according to Road & Track, but they think that the “more upright grille and highly carved fender flares will become new Subie signatures.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors hope not, as they indicate that the front-end styling is the least successful part of the redesign. Car and Driver feels that the car’s new, larger proportions throw off the aesthetic, claiming “the previous car was much more svelte-looking, and its styling was more cohesive.” On the positive side, Autoblog reviewers assert that the new 2010 Subaru Outback is “handsome, which means you can get all of that sweet, nutty Subaru-ness in a traditionally handsome package.” While reviewers are torn regarding the Outback Subaru’s new exterior design, the interior gets a much warmer reception. Car and Driver feels that the 2010 Subaru Outback’s new interior “design is attractive and makes no glaring missteps in ergonomics, fit, or materials.” The look of the materials sits well with reviewers also, as Autoblog reports that, “of all makers, Subaru has come up with an ersatz textured metal trim that actually feels and sounds just like metal.” Kelley Blue Book reviewers continue the love fest surrounding the 2010 Subaru Outback’s interior, observing that “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.” Overall, the swooping new interior is a step in the right direction for Subaru, and it’s hard to find fault with any single element of the layout. ConclusionThe 2010 Subaru Outback is now more crossover than wagon, and a few styling elements just strike the wrong chord. 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK STYLING | [7 out of 10] Autoblog: “It’s a properly designed vehicle with significantly contrasting planes, lines and details” Car and Driver: “The previous car was much more svelte-looking” Road & Track: “Interior [gets] a thorough going-over as well” Subarus ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2010 Subaru Outback has few direct competitors, and many Outback buyers never look at any other car. The Toyota Venza is a car-based crossover, available in all-wheel drive, and offers a fuel-saving four, but it’s heavier and has less room inside. The Volvo XC60 offers traditional Swedish safety and surprisingly avant-garde styling, but it may cost $10,000 more than a comparable model of Outback. And the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the granddaddy of all-wheel-drive crossovers, with available V-8 power and by far the broadest dealer base. It’s crude and long in the tooth, though, and its best mileage doesn’t even come close to being as good as the thirstiest Outback.

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See the Subaru Outback in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2005 | 2001

Comments (4 total)

  1. By Cosmo #2, Posted: 10/28/2009

    The 4-cylinder Outback was frequently cross-shopped with Subaru's own Forester. Though the new Outback is priced slightly higher than the Forester, I expect that to continue. I would also expect the Outback to be cross-shopped against the large number of other small cross-over utility vehicles (CUVs), especially the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox.

  2. By liz #3, Posted: 10/29/2009

    After over 20 yrs as a subaru owner, I'm really disappointed with the 2010. I have intentionally waited for Subaru to come up with a wagon with better fuel economy, but this is not a wagon! It's too high, the interior styling is tacky and those little lights in the rear bumper are ridiculous.
    Subaru already has an SUV, it's the forester. Why couldn't they just leave their wagon, a wagon?? It was so popular, because it was the only AWD wagon that the average person could afford. Now it's gone.

  3. By  dsi r4 #4, Posted: 11/12/2009

    t's hard to imagine a more durable SUV than a Sub. My last OB had 120K when I sold it and it was still running like a new one. The only reason why I sold it was because I got tired of the 5SM. My current cat is a Forester with 80K trouble free miles. Mirek bought the wrong car.

  4. By sublover #5, Posted: 11/18/2009

    worst roof rack ever. dont buy this car if you want to carry a load on top.
    check this out first
    www.gear.com/2010-subaru-outback-roof-rails-should-i-say-roof-rack-fails/

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