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2010 Subaru Outback Safety Review

August 29, 2009

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Not yet tested
NHTSA

Not yet tested
IIHS

Visibility is good from behind the wheel
Consumer Guide

Subaru, more than just about any other automaker in the world (with the possible exception of Volvo), has built a reputation around safety. Subaru’s latest promotional spots emphasize the safety aspects of vehicles like the Outback Subaru, and generations of buyers can attest to the virtues of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and other safety nets.

As of this writing, the 2010 Subaru Outback has not been crash-tested by either NHTSA or the IIHS, but those results should be released in the near future. If prior results are any indication, the 2010 Subaru Outback should score among the top in its class in terms of both impact and rollover protection, and Subaru officials tell TheCarConnection.com that they expect five-star ratings in all crash tests. Stay tuned to TheCarConnection.com for the latest updates on the Outback Subaru’s crash-test scores.

One of Subaru’s best-known safety features is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that comes standard on each and every Outback Subaru. As the commercials mention, it’s part of “what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.” Aside from the security of having four drive wheels, ConsumerGuide reviewers find that “available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors add that seatbelt pre-tensioners are included on all 2010 Subaru Outbacks, and a nifty Hill Holder feature simplifies manual-transmission hill starts. One of the Outback Subaru’s few safety options, according to Autoblog, is a “very crisp rear-view camera” that comes with the available navigation system. With a corporate history deeply rooted in the always-dangerous sport of rally racing, it’s no surprise that Subaru has become so good at developing world-class safety systems.

As ConsumerGuide reports, “visibility is good from behind the wheel” of the 2010 Subaru Outback. Despite its crossover-like looks, the Outback Subaru has few blind spots, and the available rearview camera eliminates the dangerous blind spot directly behind the vehicle.

Conclusion

The 2010 Subaru Outback benefits from a corporate emphasis on safety that has propelled the Subaru family to the top of virtually all safety lists.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Not yet testedNHTSANot yet testedIIHSVisibility is good from behind the wheelConsumer Guide Subaru, more than just about any other automaker in the world (with the possible exception of Volvo), has built a reputation around safety. Subaru’s latest promotional spots emphasize the safety aspects of vehicles like the Outback Subaru, and generations of buyers can attest to the virtues of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and other safety nets. As of this writing, the 2010 Subaru Outback has not been crash-tested by either NHTSA or the IIHS, but those results should be released in the near future. If prior results are any indication, the 2010 Subaru Outback should score among the top in its class in terms of both impact and rollover protection, and Subaru officials tell TheCarConnection.com that they expect five-star ratings in all crash tests. Stay tuned to TheCarConnection.com for the latest updates on the Outback Subaru’s crash-test scores. One of Subaru’s best-known safety features is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that comes standard on each and every Outback Subaru. As the commercials mention, it’s part of “what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.” Aside from the security of having four drive wheels, ConsumerGuide reviewers find that “available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors add that seatbelt pre-tensioners are included on all 2010 Subaru Outbacks, and a nifty Hill Holder feature simplifies manual-transmission hill starts. One of the Outback Subaru’s few safety options, according to Autoblog, is a “very crisp rear-view camera” that comes with the available navigation system. With a corporate history deeply rooted in the always-dangerous sport of rally racing, it’s no surprise that Subaru has become so good at developing world-class safety systems. As ConsumerGuide reports, “visibility is good from behind the wheel” of the 2010 Subaru Outback. Despite its crossover-like looks, the Outback Subaru has few blind spots, and the available rearview camera eliminates the dangerous blind spot directly behind the vehicle. ConclusionThe 2010 Subaru Outback benefits from a corporate emphasis on safety that has propelled the Subaru family to the top of virtually all safety lists. 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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