Leave it to Motor Trend to beat us all to the punch.
The magazine named the 2010 Subaru Outback the “SUV of the Year,” writing that it “Reshaped the definition of an SUV.”
It’s tough to write a review of this sophisticated yet rugged, definitive yet versatile sport utility vehicle without sounding like a press release writer or worse a Motor Trend writer come lately.
» Engine: 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine
» Transmission: Five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift
» Fuel economy: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway
» MSRP: Starting at $30,995
The bottom line, though, is that there is really nothing to gripe about with this little beauty. The closest negative might be the Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy estimates, which rank at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. But really, is that terrible for an SUV when you consider most sports cars and even some sedans have significantly lower ratings?
Frankly, the Outback 3.6 R/Limited was one of the few review vehicles I wish I owned.
As you may know, the Outback is something of a one-size-fits-most SUV. It’s not really a wagon, not a minivan, not a crossover and not a sports lovers’ SUV. It’s truly one of the best mixed-breed SUVs out there. It’s not as bulky as the Toyota Highlander but it still has more athletic chops than the Nissan Rogue without crossing over into ultramasculine territory.
Think of the Outback as akin to a sleek dancer with plenty of strength and flexibility plus all the right moves.
Now I’ll be the first to note the Outback’s exterior won’t wow you. It’s not ultrasporty or rugged, but again the versatility is part of its appeal. It’s a wagon with enough dips, curves, and contrasts to give it a sophisticated look even though it’s no head turner.
The real excitement is inside, where the interior is roomy and posh; it’s clear that Subaru didn’t skimp on extras unlike some SUVs such as the Toyota FJ Cruiser that offer lots of exterior flash and a below-average interior.
The Outback’s increased interior volume of 7 percent is well used most notably by expanding rear legroom by 4 inches and increasing headroom and width a bit, too. Overall the total passenger volume is 105.4 cubic feet, up nearly 8 cubic feet. Cargo room (with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded) is 71.3 cubic feet, which is an increase of 6 cubic feet.
Still this SUV never feels as if it’s too large for its engine. A 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine teamed with a five-speed electronic automatic transmission powers the 3.6R. The model I drove had Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive system with a five-speed electronic automatic transmission. That means the system adjusts power depending on road conditions. I drove in heavy rain and dry conditions and also felt safe, secure and steady.
I gave this SUV a fairly good workout around the D.C. area — mostly highways but plenty of back roads too, although no actual off-roading — and it performed like the tough but agile athlete we’d expected. Nice handling, plenty of balance (thanks in part to Vehicle Dynamic Control), powerful braking, great acceleration.
I didn’t really have a spot to test the “Hill Holder System,” which holds the SUV in place until the driver accelerates, but auto reviewers that did said it works well.
It’s a given that Subaru, no matter the model, earn top government crash test ratings and the Outback is no exception with all five- and four-star ratings.
When put to the test, the Outback does the “SUV of the Year” rating proud.
