Subaru Debuts Bigger Outback with Bolder Look

Subaru of America Inc. unveils the '10 Outback, a fourth-generation model of what Subaru calls the “World's First Sport Utility Wagon.”

Iis larger than the outgoing model, riding on a new chassis that is 2 ins. (5.1 cm) wider, with a 2.8-in. (7.1-cm) increase in its wheelbase.

While overall length is reduced, the '10 Outback has about 8% more interior volume and 4 ins. (10.2 cm) more rear-seat legroom than the '09 model.

The '10 Outback shares its two engines with its sedan sibling, the '10 Legacy, also unveiled at the show today. The Outback 2.5i models get Subaru's 2.5L 4-cyl. boxer engine making 170 hp and mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission or Subaru's new Lineartronic CVT.

A 256-hp, 3.6L 6-cyl. boxer mill, teamed with a 5-speed automatic, is available in the 3.6R Outback trim. As with the Legacy, the 3.6L in the Outback replaces a 3.0L 6-cyl. that required premium fuel.

The 4-cyl. turbocharged boxer engine that powers the current Outback 2.5XT Limited trim and new Legacy is not offered in the '10 model.

Subaru calls the design of the '10 Outback “bolder,” blending “a sophisticated” cross utility/vehicle design with SUV details.