2010 Subaru Legacy Outback
The Subaru Legacy and it's Outback counterpart, entering their fifth generation, have seen a significant reworking for the 2010 model year. The previous generation, a respectable all-wheel drive vehicle in its own right, was dated back to the 2005 model year, and so a freshening was definitely due. For 2010, a dizzying array of models is offered including 2.5i/Premium/Limited, 2.5GT Premium and Limited, and 3.6R/Premium/Limited. Each trim level brings along more respective features.
To summarize the 2010 models in a single word, Up describes everything about the new Legacy sedan and Outback wagon. Horsepower in all but the 2.5i base editions is up. Exterior dimensions and interior space are up. Even fuel economy has managed to see gains. And like all Subaru models in recent years, symmetrical all-wheel drive remains a standard feature, appealing to niche markets such as safety minded snow-belt dwellers and off-roaders alike.
While the 2.5i all-aluminum boxer engine utilized in the base Legacy and Outback still churns out 170HP and 170 lb-feet, peak power is delivered at lower revs, 5600 and 4000, respectively. Underpowered was a common criticism of the outgoing Legacy. With numbers essentially unchanged, it's unlikely that speed-enthusiasts will have their appetites satisfied by the base 2.5. However, hook up a turbocharger, and the 2.5GT suddenly becomes a 265HP, 258 lb-feet rally-inspired sleeper sedan! These figures are up from the 2009 GT's 243HP and 241 lb-feet. Top-of-the-line 6-cylinder models see an increase in displacement from 3.0 liters to 3.6 and power gains to 256 HP and 246 lb-feet in the horizontally opposed H6 motor.
Regardless of engine choices, the gearbox sending that power through the symmetrical all-wheel drive is the big news on 2010 models. 2.5i non-turbo models come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic (CVT). CVTs utilize an infinite series of ratios to constantly match engine speed to vehicle speed. Ride comfort is enhanced because no shifts are felt by the vehicle's occupants, weight is reduced, and fuel efficiency increased. For spirited driving, the CVT can be manually shifted using F1-inspired steering wheel paddles and six predefined ratios. The art of perfecting the CVT is something Nissan has been lauded for in recent years, but Subaru hopes to gain by applying CVT technology to their all-wheel drive platforms.
GT turbo models come with only one transmission, that being a six-speed manual. Six-cylinder models only offer a five-speed traditional automatic.
Fuel economy in the 2.5i non-turbo has increased to 23/30 MPG while both GT and six-cylinder models are rated for 17/23 MPG. These figures are an increase for the non-turbo 2.5i engines. Economy remains essentially flat in the six-cylinder and GT motors, but with an increase in horsepower-and in the H6, increased displacement-in both engines. Also, the H6 no longer requires premium fuel, while GTs still drink 91 octane.
From the outside, the new Legacy looks to have shed the traditional Japanese sedan image. This may be seen as a disappointment to those akin to this type of styling. However, the 2010 Legacy has bolder, more dramatic lines and European-inspired pull door handles, versus the recessed handles on outgoing models. Wheel sizes start at 16-inches and grow from there, with multi-spoke alloy designs filling out the dramatic, bulging wheel arches. The overall stance is an aggressive freshening of the bold looks that characterized fourth generation Legacies. GT models still come equipped with the innovative and functional hood scoop, which delivers airflow to the intercooler while adding a flair showing this sedan's rally-car heritage.
Fourth-generation Legacies had the interior finesse of much higher-end Japanese sedans. The contrasty black-on-brushed-aluminum or ivory-and-brushed-aluminum trim schemes had the feel of an Infiniti or Acura. The cascading design drew eyes to the center stack, where it converged nicely on intuitively laid out audio, climate, and optional navigation controls. That design, while updated, remains at the heart of 2010 interiors. Wood-patterned accents are also standard on higher trim levels, and materials used have a definite feel of quality.
Optional on Premium trim, standard on Limited, is a 440-watt Harmon Kardon audio system complete with nine speakers, subwoofer, and Bluetooth hands-free cellular integration. If this system is anything like the Harmon Kardon system offered on previous model Legacies, it'll make the poser kids (you know who I'm talking about-rap blasting out of dual 10-inch subwoofer boxes in the trunk) envious! And to think, it comes standard; you don't have to buy all the equipment and have it installed at Best Buy.
A fully adjustable sporty three-spoke steering wheel greets drivers' fingers along with standard cruise control, keyless entry, and CD/MP3/WMA audio system. Analog gauge faces are bathed in an electric shade of blue and display speed, tachometer, fuel, and eco (MPG) data. What the heck happened to the temperature gauge?!? Automakers are trending toward foregoing this important piece of information. Would you rather have a gauge indicate when the engine is reaching dangerous temps, or a little light warning you of the fact?
Safety features remain tantamount, and 2010 Legacies come equipped with full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive; stability control; front, side, and curtain airbags; and four-wheel antilock disc brakes. The 2010 Legacy received a score of Good in all crash-testing categories published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Legacy is only available as a sedan. If you want the added utility of a wagon, expect to pay a little more for the Outback model. The new Outback looks more like the Tribeca SUV on a diet, but with over eight inches of ground clearance plus all-wheel drive, it has SUV go-anywhere capabilities. Engine choices, trim, and features are essentially the same as the Legacy sedan.
Subaru truly is a niche car that appeals to a certain brand of drivers. Many appreciate the safety, stability, and go-anywhere-ness of Subaru's unique all-wheel drive systems. Tuners and performance enthusiasts alike love the rally-bred heritage of the GT, WRX, and STi models. While there were some definite bumps in the road (i.e. head gasket failures on third-generation 2.5 liter engines), Subaru has come a long way in building a car that mates power, convenience, performance, safety, reliability, and luxury to its signature all-wheel drive. Subaru has shown marked improvements over the past 10 years; the 2010 Legacy and Outback models continue the trend. Starting at around 20-large and running up to near the 30-grand mark, the Legacy and Outback remain affordable for the average car buyer.
