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FEATURES | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
“Subaru threw so many things at the base level, though, that even low men on that totem pole can feel good about themselves”
Autoblog
“A new 440-watt Harman-kardon audio system (a Premium option)
Motor Trend
“New options include navigation, a rear-view camera, and Bluetooth phone connectivity”
Automobile Magazine
The current economic environment around the world has created an opportunity for Subaru to steal market share from its higher-priced rivals, and Subaru appears to have jumped at the chance by keeping prices down on the 2010 Subaru Outback while increasing features.
Although the Outback Subaru is available in three distinct trim levels, TheCarConnection.com’s research shows that the 2010 Subaru Outback is well equipped at any level. Autoblog reviewers are pleased to note that, “electronically speaking, every 2010 [Subaru] Outback gets an ‘Auto’ setting for the lights, a telescoping wheel, an electronic parking brake, and a revised Hill Hold Assist,” while Motor Trend raves that the “upscaling process is equally evident in the Outback’s…cabin treatment” as it is on the exterior. Motor Trend reviewers scour every inch of the Outback Subaru’s cabin and discover that “the lengthy standards roster boasts everything from air conditioning, a full array of power assists and cruise control to new functional touches like a trip computer/info display.” Car and Driver adds that “other nice touches include…standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches.” The jump from base to Premium trim levels on the 2010 Subaru Outback brings with it standard fog lamps and “a power driver’s seat,” according to Car and Driver, as well as several other small features. The Outback Subaru Limited also gets a standard Harman Kardon stereo and dual-zone climate control, among other standard features. Perhaps the best feature on the 2010 Subaru Outback is the low MSRP; base models begin at just $22,995 and a tricked-out Limited model still comes in under $35,000, significantly undercutting the competition from Volvo and Jeep.
Subaru isn’t particularly well known for offering top-notch optional features, but TheCarConnection.com has learned that the 2010 Subaru Outback gets at least a few. First and foremost among the options is “a navigation system with an eight-inch display” that Car and Driver says is available on the 2010 Subaru Outback Limited. Apple’s ubiquitous iPods can be hooked up to any Outback Subaru equipped with the available Harman Kardon sound system, but Automobile Magazine reports that “iPod input is available as a dealer accessory” for those who don’t want the full-fledged audio package. Kelley Blue Book reviewers round out the options list by noting that “Sirius/XM Satellite Radio” and an “auto-dimming rear-view mirror with built-in compass” are available on the Outback Subaru.
While Subaru makes a serious effort to bump up the features list on the 2010 Subaru Outback, the automaker can be curiously behind the times with some commonplace functions. In particular, TheCarConnection.com notices that Subaru doesn’t offer any way to upgrade to memory functions for either the power driver’s seat or the mirror, which requires each new driver to manually input their desired settings.
Conclusion
The 2010 Subaru Outback continues to up the value ante, offering ever more features for less than its competitors.
