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Research the redesigned midsize 2010 Outback Crossover Wagon site best viewed with small font,  looking for 2010 Legacy, or 2009 Outback **** On this page: Photos and images  I Updates, descriptions etc   I  Dimensions   I Cargo and Seat hand measurements  I Warranty, Maintenance Schedules I Safety I  2010 Model Option packages  I   Prices  I  Models and Features Overview Snapshot  I  Mechanical details   I  Standard features I options- packaged  I  options- individual  I  interior colors I  paint colors  I  Accessories parts I speed tests I comments 2010 photo pages: Interior page #1, Options, Upgrades page #2,  Exterior images page #3, page #4;  a few Window Stickers;   Navigation screen shots I news and reviews *** Please read - this unofficial independent Subaru research site by Joe Spitz is designed to help you learn about Subarus. It is not sponsored, authorized, supported or approved by Subaru or any dealer and is not connected to, or affiliated with, any dealer. Always contact your local dealer. Information subject to change, correction. **** 2010 Outback, Sky Blue Metallic color,  Premium model shown **** Buying a Subaru in Seattle or the greater Northwest, Alaska? Call Joe Spitz, selling Subarus since 1996. Internet sales,  Contact   All information subject to change, correction, verification. Comments, corrections, tips welcomed. all text, formatting, photos © J. Spitz; unauthorized copying prohibited  v   2.5.10

symmetrical awd (all wheel drive) logo on the left rear	the 6 cylinder 3.6R logo is on right rear
Limited with front bumper underguard, fog lights, alloy wheels, new Azurite Blue color many many more exterior  on page #3	new Cypress green color, 2.5i shown with steel wheels with full wheel covers,  no fog lights or front bumper underguard
white,  Limited shown with fog lights, front bumper underguard	sky blue premium, cypress green limited, graphite gray (still covered with white plastic shipping tape)
graphite gray, Premium shown with fog lights, no dront bumper underguard	2.5i with no fog lights, no front bumper underguard. Cypress Green shown many many more exterior  on page #3
this is the end my friend (white shown)	standard small rear spoiler on 2010 Outback, cypress green shown
Harvest Gold, Limited shown	steel silver Limited with fog lights, front bumper underguard
2010 Outback Sunroof, hand measured 30.25x15.5" inside opening. Crossbars in place have a 30" spread, Tha't a Paprika colored Forester in backround.  Aftermarket crossbars will attach to the factory crossbars in the closed position with a 24" spread. Rear crossbar to open gate app 20"	rear crossbar to open gate is 20"
MORE PHOTOS Interior page #1, Options and Upgrades page #2,  Exterior page #3, page #4;
standard heater and radio, shown and optional BlueConnect Bluetooth (na with HK audio or Nav). The Blueconnect mic is on top of the steering column (not shown)	2.5i and Premium heater controls, 4 speed fan, with open storage (Premium adds a storage door).  The heater control are very easy to use
Navigation optional on Limiteds, includes back-up camera, voice activated bluetooth, single CD player (not a changer). Made by Kenwood.	Hey watch where you're going! the back-up camera is inclyuded with the optional Navigation system (Limited only)
Limited model has dual zone climate control (1 or 2 zones). Premium and Limited storage has a door, shown closed	Automatic with Manual mode. Shown in Drive. Move shifter left to Manual and then use the steering wheel paddle shifters to manually control the transmission
stereo with CD on 2.5i and Premium models	there's good visibility out the back of a 10 Outback
2.5i 16" steel wheel without full wheel cover installed 2.5i 16" steel wheel with full wheel cover installed Premium and Limited 17" alloy wheel

2010 Outback 2.5i steering wheel audio controls	3 spoke steering wheel	steering wheel phone and audio controls with H/K audio or  Nav
new for 10 - Laser cut keys, 2 with remote, 1 valet. To remove, push in and turn.	outside mirror, heated if the car has an All Weather Package	standard 2.5i, no fog lights or front bumper underguard. Graphite gray shown

News and updates  This is an unofficial, unauthorized website and information is subject to frequent change and updating.

11/9 Looking for a specific Outback? It might be hard to find because there are 216 possible Outback combinations!
The breakdown - 27 Outback model and Option Package combinations with 8 colors available each,  27 x 8 = 216 total combinations and that doesn't include 19 PZEV vs standard emission models or begin to count available extras and upgrades you might want like media hub, illumination kit, hitch, security upgrade, protection package etc.

10/16 Motor Trend picks Outback as SUV of the year!  "Once again, it seemed, Subaru was successfully reshaping the very definition of "sport/utility vehicle" -- melding the multi-mission prowess of true SUVs with the driving refinement, fuel-frugality, and easy access of wagons and sedans. Once again, our judges began taking extra notes...  With the exceptional ground clearance, the solid AWD systems afford a level of all-weather and off-road competence that's unusually high for a machine with such a carlike character. "Dynamically, it's one of the best SUVs out here," writes Lassa. Agrees technical editor Kim Reynolds: "Feels like it could trundle around the off-road loop all month without complaint, yet very pleasant on-road, too. Lovely steering feel upon turn-in. Good ride." Says senior editor Ed Loh: "Exceedingly comfortable for day-to-day driving. Lots of smooth travel in the suspension." ..
So, yes, the Outback shines with bona-fide SUV prowess and versatility. Yet it does so without typical SUV penalties...
..Editor Ed Loh offers a neat summary: "I'm particularly impressed by how Subaru's engineers got the big and the little things right. From the ground up, they've baked in features like high ground clearance, low curb weight, and a fuel-sipping CVT -- plus details like the hideaway roof rack and tonneau cover. Subaru did its homework."
.."Balance," in other words. That's the key to the Subaru Outback's victory. And maybe a little magic, too.' read it on Motor Trend

9/28 Fog light price increase, optional on base 2.5i, now $314 list (was $300)

9/10 Sky Blue now showing up.

8/27/09  Top Safety Pick -  2010 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback are the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's newest Top Safety Pick award winners. "To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Legacy and Outback." IIHS.org

8/8 Manual transmission Outbacks are due mid-late August, limited quantites.
6/29 Cash for Clunkers details- get a new Subaru Outback, and get rid of an old car for $3500-$4500 voucher
The 2010 Outback is all new. All new body, interior, transmissions, and new or updated features and options..
Brief overview
> Cars expected July.
> Colors announced 6/2/09.
> Prices announced 5/29/09

All 2010 5th Genereation Outback wagon and Legacy sedans are all new and completely redesigned.
New body, new interiors, new tranmissions, new engines, pretty much new everything...

The Outback model line-  the overall Outback wagon line comes with either 1 2.5L  4 cylinder or a 3.6L 6 cylinder models. The turbo Outback has been discontinued.
4 cylinder- there are 3 2.5i models, a base 2.5i, mid-range 2.5i Premium (replaces SE), and top of the line 2.5i Limited.
6 cylinder.  New larger 3.6L engine used in the Tribeca (replaces the 3.0L). The 3.6L has very good power and runs on regular gas and is very a welcome upgrade! There are 3 models with the 6 cylinder. They are: new base 3.6R, new mid-range 3.6R Premium model, and top of the line 3.6R Limited.

Other brief highlights.
>The cars are a bit larger overall and have a much more open and spacious feel inside. But the overall car size is actually .8" shorter!
> Interior space and rear seat room has gone up dramatically. There's a lot more back seat room (finally) and  the front seats are a bit wider and perhaps even softer (thank you) etc. This was accomplished by increasing the wheelbase slightly andc carefully maximizing the available space, all in a mid-size car,  without losing the quality, comfort and driving traits that have made the Outback a great choice since 1990.
> Frames doors- all models have framed doors. If you're familiar with the Legacy/Outback line from 1990-2009, you know the windows were always  'frameless', now all models will have door frames. This adds rigidity and hopefully will reduce that ever-present wind noise from the outside mirror area that Subarus have been prone to.
> For some reason the outside mirrors don't fold-away. Huh?  Perhaps that will change.
> Option Packages. A new way of doing things. It's almost impossible to have the exact right car for every buyer. There are just too many possible combinations, some features sell here, others sell there- popularity can be based on region and driving conditions, like warm vs cold climate, wet vs dry, city vs country, lots of snow vs no snow.
So starting with the 10 models, Subaru is offering models with 'Option Package' upgrades. The 'Option Packages' are all described below. What this means for the buyer are more choices.
For example, on the previous mid-range 2.5i SE model (now the 2.5i Premium), the All Weather Package was standard. Like it or not you got heated seats etc. Starting with 2010s, it's an option on the Premium. While I personally would want it, not everyone does - some to save money, others live in warm climates where All Weather Pkg's  heated seats are silly.
And tall people don't like sunroofs (less headroom), other people really like them. The Sunroof  is also now an option on the mid-range Premium where it was not previously available at all before, and is an option on the Limited model where is previously was standard.
> Patience. Please understand that with all the choices now offered, dealers may not have in-stock the particular combination you want and will have to order it for you. Be patient
> Gas tank size is now 18.5 US gallons (up from 16.9). That's a nice big tank.
> Normal size power sunroof with tilt up/slide back, with sunshade. Auto open/close.
> All Weather Pkg- the front wiper deicer heating element is now hidden under a black film at the base of the windshield and not visible.
> Unpainted lower body-side protective cladding minimizes road or off-road debris damage and adds a sturdy look. And it's unpainted so will look good for a long time
> Hill Holder and Electronic Parking Brake: standard features on all models include a Hill Holder to help hold the car when starting on a hill, and an electronic parking brake system which eliminates a manual emergency brake (no foot or hand brake) with 'Auto Release'- wear seatbelt, car in Drive, press gas for Auto Release.

New transmissions - All 2.5L 4 cylinder models come with either a new 6 speed manual which replaces the 5 speed manual,  or a new automatic Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with paddle shifters and 6 'gears'. The CVT gets much better fuel economy (EPA city/highway 22/29 combined 24mpg) than the old 4speed automatic used for years.
What is a Lineartronic CVT transmission? CVT is Continuously Variable Transmission. Lineartronic is just Subaru's name for their CVT.  CVT is a gearless belt or chain drive transmission that efficiently matches RPMs and power  for better fuel economy because the engine runs at its most efficient RPM over a range of speeds. The Subaru CVT uses a chain, and  has  'manual mode' with paddle shifters and 6 selected 'gears' for drivers who wants more control and feel. This transmission oil fluid does not need to be changed unless driven under very hard or frequent towing. Subaru's 1989 Justy EVCT was the first production car in the U.S with a CVT, and Fuji has sold their technology to other companies, and they still use it in small cars in Japan. Other companies using a version of a CVT recently are the Toyota hybrids under the name Hybrid Synergy Drive (ie Prius, Highlander, Camry, Lexus etc), Honda Civic hybrid, Nissan Murano, BMW's Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi Lancer, Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Patriot, Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred and Mercury Montego etc etc. (from wiki) more Subaru glossary and terms

Engines
2.5i 4 cylinder, with 170 hp at 5600 rpm, 170 lb-ft of torque at 5600 rpm
New  3.6L  6 cylinder replaces the 3.0L . The 3.6L runs on regular gas, has a lot more power and gets 18/25mpg (city/highway) which is pretty good for a 256 horsepower engine. The 3.6R models all come with the 5speed automatic Sportshift transmission that has been used for years.

Stereo and Navigation
Optional Harman-Kardon (H/K) audio system has been upgraded with hands free bluetooth controls in the steering wheel. It's still a 6disc CD changer, AM/FM, 440w amp, 9 speakers inc subwoofer and midrange, hands free Bluetooth, speed sensing auto volume control, auxiliary input, and steering wheel audio controls.
H/K audio made by Panasonic- model #86201AJ60A (subj to change)
Optional Media Hub with USB plug in center console plays, recharges your USB connected device. There is also a second optional Media Hub with USB that adds wireless Audio Streaming. These replace the iPod interface from previous years.

Optional  Navigation system has been substancially upgraded! It is now an 8" touch screen,  with standard rear view back-up camara and GPS. It comes with audio voice commands via steering wheel switches and dashboard microphone.The Navigation stereo is a AM/FM/ single disc CD/DVD player with H/K (Harman/Kardon) 440 watt amp and 9 speakers incl subwoofer and midrange. Aux input and even a USB plug in center console. Navigation by Kenwood, part # 86271AJ60A (subject to change)

Colors - new colors include 2 new blues, Azurite Blue and Sky Blue, and Crystal Black Silica, Cypress Green, and Graphite Gray.  Interior choices are still off black (dark gray) or Ivory (taupe)

Dimensions
The new midsize 2010 Outback is larger, longer, wider and taller but .8" shorter overall! This is good.  More headroom, rear seat legroom, slightly more ground clearance.  The 4 cylinder has new 6 speed manual or automatic CVT transmission. The CVT automatic has manual mode with paddle shifters with 6 'gears' and will have an EPA economy rating of  with a new larger 18.5 gallon tank.

more comments below

top -start dimensions

Outback Dimensions 2010 scroll down for cargo area measurements  Remember, this is an unofficial, unauthorized website not approved by SoA or any dealer. contact your local dealer.  subject to change, correction, updating.
Dimensions	Wheelbase:  107.9"  (05-09 was 105.1")  Overall Length:  188.2 (05-09 was 189.0") Width:  71.7",  81" including fixed outside mirrors (hand measured)   (05-09 was 69.7, 78.4 including mirrors) Height: 66.1" with crossbars in use, 65.7" with crossbars on rails, not used (05-09 was 63.2 incl cross bars, 61.6" without crossbars) Headroom front/rear: 40.8"/39.3" (05-09 was 40.5/39.1") Headroom with sunroof front/rear 38.7"/39.3" (05-09 was 38.7/37.1") Legroom front/rear: 43.0"/37.8" (05-09 was 44.1/33.9) EPA Interior pasenger volume 105.4cf (05-09 was 97.4cf) EPA Cargo volume 34.3cf (05-09 was 33.5cf) EPA cargo volume with seats flat 71.3cf (05-09 was 65.4cf) Track:  front/rear 61/61" (05-09 was 58.9"/58.7")
model	2.5i	2.5i Premium	2.5i Limited	3.6R	3.6R Premium	3.6R Limited
Turning circle	36.8ft (05-09 was 35.4ft)  turns lock-to-lock 3.2
Ground Clearance	8.7"
Angle of approach	18.9*
Breakover angle	19.5*
Angle of departure	22.2*
model	2.5i	2.5i SE	2.5i Limited	3.6R	3.0R	3.6R Limited

top - end dimensions
start cargo and seat measurements

2010 Cargo and Seat Measurements these are unofficial and  hand measured. subject to change, correction there's room in the back for more than 1 set of clubs
front power seat goes up and down from 25.5" - 27.75"  hand measured from the middle of the side bolster to the ground, so the actual seating surface will be a few inches lower. This image is the lowest, look at the seat and console, and then  check the image to the right.	front power seat goes up and down. This is the highest, look at the seat and console
cargo area width measurements *****	the rear gate lifted up, the white arrows pointing at the little push button to open the gate, and at the rear-view camera (with Navigation).  Those are the license plate lights on either side of the handle. cargo area width measurements A- width along base of gate opening- 39.5"  B- width between wheel wells- 43" C- width of driver rear seat- 16.5" D- width of passenger rear seat- 26" E- width along middle of gate opening- 44.5" F- width at top of wheel wells- 51.5" G- width along top of gate opening- 39" H- width into open storage pockets- 55.25"
cargo area length and height measurements, rear seat split is 35/65 *****	cargo area length and height measurements 1- length with seats up 40.25" 2- length to stereo 110" 3- length to top of rear seats folded flat 66"  (not to front seat back) 4- height, floor to ceiling in middle of cargo area 33.5" 5- height of gate at opening, angled from top out to gate lip 34"  5B- height of gate at opening, straight from top down to floor (a few inches inside the gate lip) 30.5" 6- angle from lower left to upper right 50" 7- lip to back of wheel well 17" Sunroof  interior opening 30.25 x 15.5" (see images above and below)
cargo area with cargo cover	cargo area with cargo cover
rear driver's cargo area cubby hole with arrow pointing at power outlet and pop-out hook.  Shown without the cargo cover.	rear passenger side with pop-out cargo hook. Limited shown with Harmon Kardon subwoofer speaker
hook holds the cargo floor up to access the spare and storage bin	lift up the cargo floor and there is a storage bin above the spare tire.  Shown with floor sides lifted out so the cargo cover can be stored
shown with the cargo cover stored under the floor	cargo cover stored with sides of the floor in place
spare tire, shown with floor sides out	Sunroof- 30.25" x 15.5" hand measured inside opening, see photo page #1 for retractable sunshade

top 

start packages
Remember, this is an unofficial, unauthorized website not approved by SoA or any dealer. contact your local dealer.  subject to change, correction, updating.
 
 

start major Option Packages
 

2010 OUTBACK MECHANICALS Remember, this is an unofficial, unauthorized website not approved or supported by SoA or any dealer. Contact your local dealer.  Infomation subject to change, correction, updating
engine	2.5L 4 cylinder engine			3.6L 6 cylinder engine
2010 Feature subject to change, correction	2.5i	2.5i Premium	2.5i Limited	3.6R	3.6R Premium	3.6R Limited
Engine	4 cylinder 2.5L SOHC Boxer design 16 valve, i-active Valve Lift system (variable valve lift) Aluminum block and head Tming belt (105,000 mile replacement) Resin composite intake manifold new Cast iron cylinder liners 5 main bearings Sequential multi-port injection Distributorless ignition Iridium spark plugs new Spark plugs: NGK: SIFR6A11 firing order 1-3-2-4 Compression 10.0:1 Idle speed: manual 650rpm, CVT 675rpm Ignition timing 15* BTDC Speedometer to 150mph Redline 6400 rpm Regular gas, 87 octane, 18.5 gallon tank			6 cylinder, 3.6L DOHC Boxer design 24 valve DAVCS dual active variable valve control system, variable valve timing Camshaft timing chain (no replacement schedule) Composite resin intake manifold Sequential fuel injection Direct electronic distributorless ignition Spark Plugs: NGK SILFR6C11 Plug Firing Order 1-6-3-2-5-4 Speedometer to 160mph Redline 6400 rpm Compression 10.7:1 Oil, oil filter capacity 8.5US qt Idle speed, parked, 700rpm Ignition timing 15* BTDC Regular gas, 87 octane, 18.5 gallon tank
Horsepower and torque	170hp@5600rpm, torque170@4000rpm			256hp@6,000rpm, torque 247@4400rpm
Transmission -  new 6 speed manual and CVT are both new	Standard 6 speed manual Optional  CVT automatic with paddle shifters and 6 'gears'.		Standard- CVT automatic with paddle shifters and 6 'gears'	Standard- Automatic 5speed electronic SportShift
CVT- what is it	New for 2010 model, the Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission is the only automatic transmission available in 4 cylinder models. It replaces the automatic Sportshift. What is a Lineartronic CVT transmission? CVT is Continuously Variable Transmission. Lineartronic is just Subaru's name for their CVT.  CVT is a gearless chain drive transmission that efficiently matches RPMs and power  for better fuel economy because the engine runs at its most efficient RPM over a range of speeds.  The Subaru CVT uses a chain and  has  'manual mode' with paddle shifters and 6 selected 'gears' for drivers who want more control or better performance and just like to play. > Maintenance: only use Subaru CVT C-30 oil. The oil does not need to be changed unless driven under very hard or frequent towing in which case replace at 25000 miles. There's no dipstick. > Background Subaru's 1989 Justy EVCT was the first production car in the U.S with a CVT, and Fuji has sold their technology to other companies, and they still use it in small cars in Japan. Other companies using a version of a CVT recently are the Toyota hybrids under the name Hybrid Synergy Drive (ie Prius, Highlander, Camry, Lexus etc), Honda Civic hybrid, Nissan Murano, BMW's Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi Lancer, Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Patriot, Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred and Mercury Montego etc etc. (from wiki) more Subaru glossary and terms
All Wheel Drive Systems.  All Subarus are all wheel drive.  Systems vary by model but VDC stability skid control with traction control and all wheel drive is standard on all models	2.5i,  Premium, with Manual 6 speed transmission Continuous All Wheel Drive system with VDC and Hill Holder symmetrical viscous coupling 50/50 front/back power split.  2.5i, Premium, Limited with  Automatic CVT transmission Active All Wheel Drive system with VDC and Hill Holder. Electronically controlled,  constantly varying front/back power split 90/10 front/back power split.  3.6R, automatic 5 speed transmission VTD (Variable Torque Distribution) All Wheel Drive system with VDC and Hill Holder  VTD traction control system has 45/55 performance oriented, front/rear power split with Limited Slip rear axle. VDC is standard on all models VDC vehicle dynamics control, is an electronic stability control system that measures and monitors steering wheel input, braking, vehicle angle etc and then applies individual brakes and/or reduces engine power to counteract skids or slides to help keep maintain driver control. TCS Traction Control System is part of VDC. TCS senses spinning wheels and applies the brakes to maintain traction.
Manual transmission All Wheel Drive system with VDC and hill holder	symmetrical all wheel drive, viscous coupling 50/50 power split,  Limited Slip rear axle on SE and Limited.			no manual available
Gear Ratios, Manual scroll down for automatic	Manual 6 speed 1st 3.454; 2nd 1.947; 3rd 1.296; 4th 0.972; 5th 0.825; 6th 0.695 Final drive 4.44:1			no manual available
Automatic transmission All Wheel Drive system with VDC	Optional Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters		Standard Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters	Standard automatic 5 speed with VDC, and VTD
Gear Ratios, Automatic	CVT there are no gears with a continuously variable transmission.  Final drive 3.900:1 In automatic mode the CVT is 2.37-0.39 In Manual Model the CVT 'gear' ratios are  1 2.18, 2 1.45, 3 1.03, 4 0.77, 5 0.58, 6 0.40			Automatic 5spd Sportshift 1 3.5340; 2 2.264; 3 1.471; 4 1.; 5 0.834 final 3.083:1
model reminder subject to change, correction, updating	2.5i	2.5i SE	2.5i Limited	3.6R	3.6R Premium	3.6R Limited
Fuel Economy- city/highway, combined EPA Fuel tank size:18.5 US gallons (was 16.9). (15.4 Imperial gallons) Regular gas, 87 octane, all models Low fuel light on at app 2.5-3 gallons	Manual 6spd 19/27; combined EPA 22mpg Automatic CVT 22/29, combined EPA 24mpg The CVT automatic tranmission city mpg range is 18-26 which is avg 22mpg; the highway mpg range is 24-34, avg 29.			Automatic 5spd SportShift 18/25;  combined 20mpg
Steering	Power rack & pinion with engine speed sensing variable assist Turning circle: Curb to Curb  36.1; Wall to Wall 38.7';  Steering Wheel Turns lock-to-lock  3.2, Steering ratio TBA
Brakes new larger discs for 2010 new Electric parking brake with auto release Auto release function- wear seatbelt, step on brake pedal, put car in gear, lightly press gas pedal To use in as emergency brake tap or hold the brake button down but only in an serious emergency when you cannot normally brake! This will cause your rear wheels to lock so be very careful.	4 wheel disc, 4 channel anti-lock, low wear indicator Caliper- single piston front: 11.6 ventilated disc rear: 11.3 solid disc new Electric parking brake with auto release (wear seatbelt, car in gear, press gas)			4 wheel disc, 4 channel anti-lock, low wear indicator Caliper- single piston front: 12.4 ventilated disc rear: 11.4 ventilated disc new Electric parking brake with auto release (wear seatbelt, car in gear, press gas)
Hill Holder button and dashboard green 'on' light	Standard on all models. Uses the electric parking brake. This redesigned for 2010 Hill Holder system is now electronic and standard on all models.  After the car is started, the system can be turned on by stepping on the brake and then pushing the Hill Holder button by the driver's left knee (next to the parking brake button).  A green light in the upper right dash comes on. When stopping on a hill 5% or steeper, either going forward up or backwards down a hill,  the Hill Holder activates the electric parking brake and will briefly hold the car from rolling as the driver releases the brake by stepping on the gas.  Works going up or backwards down an incline.
Curb weight, manual/automatic, US pounds GVWR- gross vehicle weight rating- 4585 pounds	3386/3495	3428/3536	3565	3544	3634	3658
Wheels: 2.5i: 16" steel wheel All others: 17" aluminum alloy	2.5i: 16" x6.5 steel wheel	17x7jj alloy		17x7" alloy
Tires:  new all models come with Continental ContiProContact all-season tires. Spare- Temporary duty Chains tire chains cannot be used due to clearance. If you do lots of winter driving consider a set of snow or ice tires.	215/70R16 99S m+s	225/60 R17 98T m+s		225/60 R17 98T
Suspension	Front- Independent, raised struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar,  anti-dive geometry Rear- independent, double wishbone, coil springs, stabilzer bar, anti-Lift gemometry
Towing	2.5L 4 cylinder (CVT and manual trans) - max towing 2700 pounds with trailer brakes. 1000 pounds without trailer brakes.  Hard towing- over 104* F when towing up a long hill max weight should be 1350 pounds Replace CVT oil at app 24855 miles if towing. 3.6L 6 cylinder- max 3000 pounds with trailer brakes, 1000 pounds without trailer brakes. Over 104* F or when towing up a long hill max weight should be 1500 pounds. Hitch- the optional Subaru trailer hitch is 1.25". There is no 'tow package'  Emergency Towing: a flatbed is alway preferred. Never tow with on 2 wheels on the ground. See your owners manual, ch 9, pg 16 Towing the car- a flatbed is always recommended when towing your Outback. A manual transmission can be towed with all wheels on the ground behind a tow truck or motorhome for example, but never with just 2 wheels on the ground.  An automatic or CVT can be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground in an emergency for a short distance (under 31 miles) and at very slow speed (under 20mph) but a flatbed is strongly preferred.
Headlights- standard on all models: daytime running lights;  auto-off  headlights with ignition key removal; and  new for 2010 light sensing dusk-dawn Auto headlight on setting	4 beam halogen - projector low beam, multi-reflector high beam
model subject to change, correction, updating	2.5i	2.5i Premium	2.5i Limited	3.6R	3.6R Premium	3.6R Limited

INTERIORS
close-up of gray perforated leather with woodtrim on door	close-up of Limited gray dash with wood trim	Gray perforated leather
perforated ivory leather with wood trim on door	close-up of Limited taupe dash with wood trim	taupe ivory perforated leather
off black gray cloth, 2.5i, Premium	gray dash with brushed silver trim	gray door panel with brushed silver interior trim- 2.5i, Premium
taupe ivory cloth, 2.5i, Premium	ivory dash with brushed silver trim	ivory door panel with brushed silver interior trim- 2.5i, Premium

EXTERIOR  COLORS it's very hard to get accurate color photos so always check the color in person at your local dealer
steel gray metallic	satin white pearl	harvest gold metallic	Azurite Blue Pearl
Cypress Green Pearl	Graphite Gray Metallic	crystal black silica  photo soon	sky blue

top start color/model availability
 

top end colors
start accessories

2010 Outback  accessories and parts with suggested list price for the part only.   These are  not available factory installed, these are dealer or self installed accessories and parts. subject to change, correction

Kayak carrier, E361SXA200, $150 Ski attachment, 6 pairs, E3610AS500, $150 Bike attachment, hitch mounted (1.25" receiver) E3610AS940, $229 Bike attachment, dual, roof mounted, E361SAG400, $251 Bike carrier, single, roof, fork mounted  E361SSA100, $159, wheel holder $24.95 Bike carrier, single, roof, E361SSA300, $150, Cargo carrier, roof mounted, E361SAG200,  $335 Cargo basket, heavy duty, roof mounted, E361SSA200, $359 Dog guard, cargo compartment separator, F551SAJ400  $335 Ash tray  J2070YA000, $24.95 Cigarette lighter H7610AJ000 $29.95 Slimline license plate frame, stainless, $28.95 DOA342L104 Slimline license plate frame, black, $25.95, SOA342L105 Polished Stainless Subaru license plate frame, $34.95, SOA342L127 Subaru valve stem caps, $14.95. SOA342L128 Subaru key fob, $9.95, SOA342L129 Cargo area organizer, $59.95, SOA567T100 Severe Weather companion kit, $44.50, SOA868V9500

SPT battery hold down, gray, SOA3881000, $39.95 SPT battery hold down, blue, SOA3881030, $39.95 SPT oil filler cap, gray, SOA3881010, $39.95 SPT oil filler cap, blue, SOA3881040, $39.95 Bumper moldings, E7710AS108, Suggested List $60 Battery warmer, J6010FS000, $29.95 Engine block heater, A091SXA000 $124.95 Car Cover, M001SAJ000, $99.95 Car Cover bag, M0010AS020, $9.95 Cooler/warmer (plugs into power outlet), Suggested List $131.79 suggested list price, no installation included. Not available factory installed. subject to change, correction

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Comments, Personal opinions: Overall a good and lomng needed updating. Not a dated looking station wagon anymore, though there was nothing wrong with that other than it was out-of-date. It now looks like a Crossover.

The inside is much roomier - making it taller opened up the inside and it doesn't feel nearly as cramped as previous models, and making the wheelbase a longer really increased rear leg room. And while it looks bigger outside it's actually .8" shorter than the previous ones!
The CVT gets an impressive 29mpg fuel economy rating. This is a Subaru - that means a solid car with a long list of standard features, safety upgrades and good engine power. 29 mpg on the highway is quite respectable and if you drive nicely at 55mph at you might do better. If you want better economy it would be a smaller car- lighter, low power, under equipped car (or maybe a Subaru diesel next year?).

Is it Perfect? Of course some folks won't like it this new version - they'll say it 'looks' too big (it isn't but does look it), too different from previous models, sits up too high, doesn't look like a Subaru anymore etc etc.
All accurate observations, but the Outback couldn't remain an old, out-of-favor, cramped, station wagon design anymore.  It does look bigger but is shorter when it comes to length, the use of space has been maximized.  People 6'1" and taller can now comfortable fit so the headroom increase isn't just for style. The back doors are bugger and the windpows go all the way down. How can this be bad? The CVT seems to work fine (a bit whiny), fuel economy is better.
Bottom line? Subaru needed to do this, and really did it right.
Is it perfect? No. Is it worth driving? Absolutely. Sit in one and see if the seats aren't improved. Test drive the CVT and try the paddle shifters. Use the rear view mirror and you'll see it really isn't longer than the previous ones.
This is not a big car. Is it perfect?  Nope, but the Subaru Outback is going to prove itself another successful, functional car from Subaru. And to the nay-sayers I ask, really how much longer would you want to buy an old style Outback wagon anyway?

the good and back - personal observations

Really Good and worth trading in your old Outback for-
> #1 with me- the front seats are softer and more comfortable (esp than my rock-hard 2001 LL Bean seats). This is a fine road trip car I can sit in for a long time.
> Paddle shifters on the steering column.
> Rear seats recline as well as fold down flat.
> Bluetooth steering wheel controls (with the H/K, Nav).
> The unpainted lower body cladding is practical, and rugged looking.
> Framed windows are quieter than previous models, less wind noise.
> The chrome trim around the windows- a little bit of flash is always nice.
> Soft gray and blue instrument panel lights are pleasant , easy on the eyes.
> The Interior is roomier and certainly feels it everywhere- headroom, legroom...
> Front storage and lots of it with dual armrest storage and 2 bins in the center stack.
> Rear doors open very wide for easy access and the back windows go all the way down and there's a stylish, small fixed rear window.
> Navigation system is finally worth the (high) price, with back-up camera, bluetooth, and improved resolution and point of interest functions.
> Very easy heat and ac controls- both the manual unit and the upgraded dual zone climate control (with single zone mode!) have nice easy to use buttons.

Good and ok I guess-
> Only 4 settings for the variable speed front wipers (was 8).
> 6 speed manual transmission- some folks might be enthusiastic but I liked the 5 speed though change is inevitable..

Not so good - or my hindsight is often 20-20, plus there's always next year -
> Electronic parking brake- where's the improvement here? If you ever need to disengage it due to a dead battery it isn't easy or convenient, but it does have auto release.  Put this in the 'some things just don't need improving' category.  The Hill Holder system uses the brake and it works going up or down hills.
> cupholders in the center console are really small, and don't work at all short cups, or with mug handles unless you take out the center cup divider ( it pops right out).
> Way too many model choices, especially the mid range Premium model.  While it's nice to have choices in life,  this is overkill.  Sunroof or no sunroof? All weather package or no all weather package? How about sunroof and all weather package and upgraded stereo (or not) etc etc etc etc etc etc.  And then there are 8 colors, including 2 blues. This will be like carefully reading and selecting from a 10 page restaurant menu only be disappointed when told many items aren't readily available. It will mean a lot of dealer trading car (cars driven from dealer to dealer arriving with miles, maybe a rock chip, and someone has to go get them of course), or ordering and waiting 4-8 weeks. Sigh.
> No memory driver's seat- absolutely should be a standard item on Limiteds. Maybe next year though I've been saying this forever it seems.
> Center console trim could be a bit narrower,  it  slightly cramps the upper leg room area.
> Non-breakaway outside mirrors, and the outside mirrors are a bit small anyway so when they come out with the fold-away mirrors which no doubt will happen, maybe they'll be slightly larger too, though yes they are a already a bit bigger than the typical car mirror but this isn't a typical car - it's a market-creating Outback and Subaru people expect the well thought-out best in everything (including websites).
> Icy blue colored plastic trim with Navigation is sort of a cold color and doesn't match anything else.  From the Toyota parts bin?