The Auto Writer

All new for 2010, the Subaru Outback incorporates fresh styling, updated features including an optional, more powerful 3.6L V6 engine.

I must confess that when it comes to car lines, Subaru doesn’t evoke the same level of excitement as do Dodge, Mercedes or Mazda, but the Japanese automaker does appeal on a level important to many buyers: their cars are very reliable, fuel efficient and inexpensive.

Leader of the Sales Pack

Subaru must be doing something right because for 2008, they were the only full line manufacturer whose U.S. sales actually rose over 2007, increasing by a razor-thin 0.3% for the year. Compare that figure with the late year collapse of the auto industry and Subaru came out shining. Moreover, through June 2009, Subaru’s sales are down by 0.8% over 2008 and will likely erase that deficit over the next month or two thanks to new products and incentives.

Subaru has been keeping its model line fresh, overhauling its most popular vehicle, the Forester, for the 2009 model year while doing the same for the Legacy and the Outback for the 2010 model year. The Impreza was updated for 2008 and the Tribeca received a much needed facelift too and will likely be redesigned for 2011. Fresh models attract new customers, something Subaru is doing even in the midst of a sharp economic downturn.

Better Looking, More Power

The 2010 Subaru Outback is all-new, sporting a cleaner body style including an attractive, sweeping front end. Over the past few years, Subaru has been concentrating a bit more on styling across all model lines, the pay off being increased sales.

Other changes that Outback shoppers will notice is that the vehicle is roomier, quieter and more refined on the inside and equipped with many of the amenities today’s buyers want including auxiliary input jack and four speakers, new gauge cluster with ‘eco’ gauge, remote keyless entry and popular options such as a power moonroof, a navigation system with backup camera, and an all-weather package. Vehicle Dynamics Control (VD) is standard along with an all-new electronic Hill Holder System.

Under the hood, the base model is powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine and is available with either a new standard 6-speed manual transmission for $22,995 or the Lineartronic CVT for $23,995. The optional 3.0L V6 engine is gone, replaced by a 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine matched to a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. And, unlike the smaller engine that it replaces, the new six-cylinder runs on regular gas instead of premium fuel.

Priced From Low to High

Pricing changes for the 2010 Subaru Outback are particularly notable in the Outback 3.6R model, which is priced $4000 less than the outgoing, but comparably equipped 2009 3.0R model. Premium and Limited versions of the 3.6R pushes the price of the Outback up to and beyond $30,000. Yes, with taxes, destination and certain options selected, a fully loaded Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited could top out close to $35,000!

Will consumers be drawn to the all new Outback? I think so. Given the brand’s consistency and appeal, the 2010 Subaru Outback offers the right mix of price, comfort, usability and reliability that shoppers want. And, if the Outback doesn’t provide what they want, Subaru offers four other product lines to meet their needs.

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

See Also — Subaru is Riding Its Green Image To The Top