Subaru, Test Drives

Test Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R

November 2, 2009

The 3.6 is a smooth engine, willing to rev and feeling at least as strong as its 256-horsepower rating suggests. The fact that the six-cylinder Outback’s curb weight undercuts that of the Tribeca by about 240 kilos (well over 500 lbs.) explains the Outback’s much more attractive fuel consumption figures of 11.8/8.2 L/100 km (city/highway) compared to the 2009 Tribeca’s 13.2/9.4 L/100 km ratings. In city driving mixed with some rural road cruising, my tester averaged 10.8 L/100 km, and matched its highway rating on an Ottawa-London, Ontario round trip.

2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R. Click image to enlarge

While four-cylinder Outbacks are offered with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic (CVT), all 3.6R models get a five-speed automatic that works very well, upshifting early for economy, but downshifting promptly when acceleration is called for.

The Outback is very quiet and smooth on the road; the most prominent sound at highway speeds is that of the car cutting through the wind, and that’s only audible because tire and engine noise are so well muted. You’d be hard-pressed to identify the engine as a boxer type and not a V6 based on the sounds that do make it into the cabin. In fact, the engine sounds great at full throttle, with just a hint of the staccato thrum that characterizes a horizontally-opposed motor.

The Outback’s tall ride height makes for noticeable body roll in corners, though handling is just fine for a crossover. The suspension is on the soft side, but that fits the Outback’s character quite nicely, and contributes to its relaxed feel. The steering is well-weighted, but lacks feel, and while the brakes haul the Outback to a stop with confidence, not enough happens in the first inch or so of the soft pedal’s travel.

Cargo space is very good with the rear seats in place; don’t show your friends how much room there is with the 60/40 backrests folded down, or they’ll ask you to help them move. The seatbacks fold very nearly flat, and a removable rubber-ish cargo area mat looks perfect for containing messy loads.

The only aspect of the new Outback that I’m honestly not nuts about is its styling, which, aside from the busy front end, is rather plain next to a Nissan Murano or Ford Edge. Its added interior space is the important thing, though, and transforms the Outback from a trendy vehicle into a thoroughly capable one that can rightfully be considered along with the best of the mid-sized crossover crowd. The problem is, this new Outback is so well-executed that it will certainly siphon some sales away from the pricier Tribeca which, aside from a more attractive interior and a seven-seat option, offers little that the new Outback doesn’t.

Now, this is a crossover. I think Mick Dundee would approve.

Pricing: 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R

Base price: $35,695

Options: None

A/C tax: $100

Freight: $1,495

Price as tested: $36,290
Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives

Specifications

Specifications: 2010 Subaru Outback

Competitors

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

2010 Dodge Journey