Vehicle: 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited Package
Price as tested: CDN$35795

Performance: Starting on 4th generation of Legacy, the only wagon bodystyle available is the Outback. Regular Legacy wagon is no longer available as Subaru thinks it doesn’t have enough demand to justify its existence in the marketplace. The subject of our test drive is the new Subaru Outback.

The 3rd generation Subaru Outback is only powered by 2 engines. The base 2.5 liter SOHC flat-4 16-valve with both 170 hp and lb/ft of torque, or the uplevel 3.6 liter flat-6 with 256 hp and 247 lb/ft of torque. The base 2.5 is what most would choose given its price point and performance. This flat-4’s 170 lb/ft of torque might seem not much in its class, it certainly gives its job done relatively well. That’s especially true with its maximum torque arrives at 4000 rpm. The mid-range is surprisingly peppy while top range seems to fell a bit. But still, its able to move Outback Limited with authority. The throttle response is instant without being abrupt. That distinctive Subaru engine note remains intact. After years of refining the powertrain, this flat-4 is as refined and smooth as any in-line 4-cylinders anywhere in the world. The new Outback is standard with one of the world’s best CVT gearbox. To put this into perspective, we have always love Audi’s Multitronic and Nissan’s Xtronic. Both of these have always been considered as the world’s best CVTs. Subaru used to produce CVT before in the Justy era. The new Lineartronic is just that. It provides the best of both world when it comes to gearbox efficiency with much smoother gear changing sensation for ultra fuel efficiency. It also have paddle shifters for those who want to control the rpm on the steering. In short, a very delightful performance package indeed. If the only drawback to the CVT gearbox in the new Outback, is what mated with the base 167hp 2.5 liter engine, it tends to get rough and noisy when accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h

Handling: Given Outback’s higher ride height than standard Legacy, most would have thought its not a capable handler as its supposed to be. In Outback’s case, its a complete opposite. The Outback drives just like any sportswagon, just with slightly higher center of gravity. The Legacy platform provides exceptional chassis rigidty and stiffness, which means there are zero rattles and cracks when pushed through railroad tracks. The Outback rides surprisingly well, as it absorbs all the patholes and roughness, what we called poorly paved Canadian roads. Combined with Subaru’s assymertrical AWD, its really hard to nail the Outback to its ugly head. The most pitiful, however, its the Vehicle Dynamic Control, isn’t available with the 2.5i. One has to opt for the flagship 3.6 before getting this active safety feature standard. The steering, as expect, provides Subaru’s hallmark feel and feedback with wonderful precision. While there are quite amount of body rolls and understeer when pushed, its all but very well-tempted with a nice calibrated suspension.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the new Outback provides excellent pedal feel. The pedal feel strong and solid, while the modulation is easy and have some lives to it. ABS only acts up at the right time is the added bonus.

Interior: Fold the 60/40 split fold down rear seats, you can put anything else into the back of the Outback. The biggest bouns is the cargo area is squared like a box. As the old saying goes, the boxier the design, the more practical the space is. The same goes for Outback’s cargo space. Subaru designers have put lots of cubbyholes plus a nice plastic cargo net, in order for any messy stuff one has to put at the back.

As with the new Legacy, Outback’s interior materials are all from the top shelf. This is definitely the best interior Subaru has ever come out with. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic on the dashboard and door panels. The leather seats are made from nice cow hides, which is both supple and comfortable.

Conclusion: Instead of calling it an Outback, Subaru should renamed it as the SUV. As the Outback offers the best of both “Sport” and “Utility” in an attractively attired package. It got plenty of power, handles exceptionally well and superb comfort. It is also more affordable than most SUV on the market.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Subaru Outback
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5