2010 Subaru Outback Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2010 Subaru Outback gets the model’s first redesign in five years, adding height, decreasing length, increasing room in the back seat,...
The 2010 Subaru Outback gets the model’s first redesign in five years, adding height, decreasing length, increasing room in the back seat, and, according to Subaru, reducing the mileage of the outgoing model. But this is still the same vehicle that can serve as a fantastic accessory for owners who are active and need a vehicle that can haul equipment, but don’t want the size or cost of an SUV.
The Outback comes in 2.5i and 3.6R lines, with Base, Premium, and Limited trims available for both. The 2.5i is powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine with 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of available torque that’s mated to either a six-speed manual (standard) or Subaru’s new continuously variable automatic transmission, which includes a manual mode and shift paddles on the steering wheel and gets 21 city/27 highway mpg. The 3.6R is powered by a 3.6-liter, inline six-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque that’s paired only with a five-speed automatic and gets 17/23 mpg.
All-wheel drive is standard on both lines, though the AWD technology gets more complex with the 3.6R. Stability and traction control systems are also standard on all models, as is an all-new suspension with double wishbone control arms in the rear. Subaru claims the improved suspension and higher-profile tires have enhanced the Outback’s ride.
The 2010 Outback’s 105.4 cubic feet of passenger volume is about 7% more than the previous model had, which translates into 3.5 inches more hiproom in the front and 4 inches of extra legroom in the rear. Plus, the doors are 11 inches wider than the 2009 model's, which greatly eases entry and exit.
The built-in roof rack is a major selling point for most Outback owners, and this feature gets an upgrade for 2010 as well. The crossbars can be stored in the side rails when not needed, which improves aerodynamics and therefore reduces wind noise and fuel consumption.
The interior gets a makeover for 2010 and has a much higher-quality feel than the outgoing model's. The instruments are stylish, and materials like metallic trim, leather accents, and either cloth or leather upholstery add to the cabin's refined quality. Cruise control, air conditioning, keyless entry, and a CD player with audio input jack are standard on all models. An impressive Harman Kardon stereo is available, as are Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, a navigation system, rearview camera, a moonroof, and an all-weather package that includes heated front seats and side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.
The Outback’s safety features include frontal, front-seat side-impact and side curtain air bags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, brake assist, and an electronic stability control system.
What owners say
"Owners of the 2010 Subaru Outback generally love its spacious interior, reliability, and fuel efficiency, making it a fantastic family vehicle. Many appreciate the AWD capabilities, which excel in varying weather conditions like snow and rain. However, some drivers noted that the engine feels underpowered at times, and there were mixed reviews on the functionality of the roof rack and sound system."
Beautiful car. Very smooth ride. Nice features. Great details.
April 3, 2020Very solid and effecient. An excellent four season performer. Aside from the speed, it does not feel much different than Audis I have driven. It is not nearly as beautiful as an Audi, but it cost far less. It was also built in a Zero Land Fill Factory, is most recyclable, and a PZEV (partial zero emmission vehicle, which I do not understand because zero has no parts?) making it a greener choice than any hybrid.
May 3, 2010This car is fun to drive and handles well for a large station wagon. The Flat 4 engine is mounted low in the engine bay to give it a better center of gravity for handling turns. This car has plenty of power with the continuously variable transmission and has no problem climbing hills. It automatically finds the best gear ratio to match the engine speed and deliver optimal fuel economy.
January 2, 2015What owners say
Beautiful car. Very smooth ride. Nice features. Great details.
April 3, 2020Very solid and effecient. An excellent four season performer. Aside from the speed, it does not feel much different than Audis I have driven. It is not nearly as beautiful as an Audi, but it cost far less. It was also built in a Zero Land Fill Factory, is most recyclable, and a PZEV (partial zero emmission vehicle, which I do not understand because zero has no parts?) making it a greener choice than any hybrid.
May 3, 2010This car is fun to drive and handles well for a large station wagon. The Flat 4 engine is mounted low in the engine bay to give it a better center of gravity for handling turns. This car has plenty of power with the continuously variable transmission and has no problem climbing hills. It automatically finds the best gear ratio to match the engine speed and deliver optimal fuel economy.
January 2, 2015This car was everything that I had hoped for and more!! The seats and interior are incredibly comfortable & the 2.5 engine had a lot more responsiveness & power than the 2015 Outback 2.5 engine. Extremely happy
August 21, 2020This car is by far the best car we owned. Great handling in the winter (snow and rain) and ample space in the second row for kids. Super reliable and great re-sale value. If you are looking for a first time family car - search no more.
September 22, 2013If you want a dependable car, great mileage, versatility, fantastic on ice, rain, snow, and with the highest safety rating available, you will have a hard time finding a better deal than an Outback. The Outback also has one of the highest resale values on the market. We started to buy a one-year Outback with 15,000 miles on it, but got a NEW 2010 with ZERO miles for $800 more! That's LESS than 4%! I challenge ANYONE to find a vehicle that retains NINETY-SIX percent of its value after one year.
September 18, 2011I bought a black 2010 Outback Limited-no navigation but just about everything else.So far I am getting about 27-28 mpg in town and about 31-32 on the road.The 172 horsepower engine is more than adequate but it is not a "burner".Great amount of space.excellent 2nd row seats and a very well appointed interior.My wife has a 2009 Lexus and this car rides just as well as the Lexus.
June 14, 2010I bought the 4 cylinder for the gas mileage. Over the 1st 1200 miles of mostly city driving it averaged 27.3 MPG. The CVT transmission is a little odd at first and seems underpowered when you are used to the kick down to a lower gear. With the paddle shifters the accelleration is good.The rack for 2010 is poor for kayaks and won't accept aftermarket bars or accessories. The Subaru kayak carriers are just rebranded Yakima with different clamps. The car is a blast to drive off road. I have had it in the mud and traction was exceptional. Should be excellent in snow. Build quality is good. Very tight. Styling is beautiful in & out. Suggest the upgraded radio. Stock is just adequate.
December 3, 2009Love it! Getting 30-32 mpg, has great pick up for a 4 cylinder, handles great, very smooth ride, can't feel it "shifting" through gear because of CVT, comfy seats, plenty of space inside, easy to clean leather seats, great sound system...
July 15, 2010I love the AWD system this car offers. It may not have a huge engine, but has a lot of potential and room to expand. This car is soo much fun to drive perfect for Michigan weather, rain, snow, or shine.
May 3, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $22,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $24,295 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $28,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 256 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 256 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $30,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 256 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 34.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$22,995 - $30,995
Current avg. market price
$6,149
Trending down by 0.9% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
