2010 Motor Trend Sport/Utility Of The Year: Subaru Outback

Find the Hidden SUV: An Act So Good, Even if You Know How It's Done You Can't See ItOctober 15, 2009By Arthur St. Antoine

It's right there in the photo: a spacious, tough, thoroughly modern, exceedingly capable sport/utility vehicle. You're forgiven if all you can see is a svelte station wagon. There's magic at work here.

For the first time since any of us can recall, an automaker has claimed the Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year title two years in a row. Last fall, deftly balancing efficiency and size, the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester went home with the Golden Calipers trophy. For 2010, fighting off several tough adversaries -- and undoubtedly some unspoken but very real bias among our judges against repeat winners -- Subaru's new, fourth-generation Outback scored a decisive 10-1 victory in the final voting.

Some vehicles arrive at our annual "Of the Year" competitions (car, sport/utility, truck) staking early claims to a win via bulging engine muscle, beguiling gizmos, fashion-runway sheetmetal. The Outback isn't one of those. In fact, it slipped nearly unnoticed through our early walkarounds; the pre-drives chatter seemed to focus elsewhere -- the ZDX's spaceship lines, the Q5's comparison test-winning moves, the Lincoln's mighty yet efficient EcoBoost V-6. But then, one by one, our test drivers took the Outback into the field. And the buzz began to shift. 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.

In the U.S., the Legacy Outback wagon is now gone (it'll still be sold in Japan and elsewhere), replaced by this bigger, sleeker rig that drops the Legacy name altogether. The 2010 Outback platform is new, 2.8 inches longer in wheelbase, shoulders broader by two  inches, front and rear overhangs nipped by two inches each to enhance off-road attacks. Though the overall package is shorter than its predecessor, interior room is up seven percent (thanks in part to a raised roof) -- and rear-seat legroom climbs by a conspicuous four inches. "Roomy back seat -- lots of legroom and headroom," writes senior editor Ron Kiino. "Huge cargo hold too. At 34.3/71.3 cubic feet (back seat up/down), it's got more cargo room than the Terrain and Equinox twins." Maximum cargo capacity, in fact, tops both a "classic SUV" like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota's big "it's-not-a-crossover-it's-a-car" Venza (see chart on page 4).

Which brings up some of that Subie magic. For instance, when not needed the roof-rack crossbars fold away into the side rails, vastly reducing wind noise -- pure genius. And while most wagons and SUVs offer a roll-up tonneau cover for sheltering gear in back, in the Outback the tonneau hides away completely under the load floor (instead of, in the typical fashion, simply blocking the floor and, when you're trying to load luggage, making you yell exclamations that'll make the five-year-olds within earshot cry and send the nine-year-olds running to tattle).

More magic: With a newfound 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the 2010 Outback actually betters the SUV Grand Cherokee -- yet the Subaru also offers a lower and more carlike step-in height. "A nice answer to the crossover solution of lowering an SUV to human size," notes Detroit editor Todd Lassa. "You feel it's 'car-ness' behind the wheel, with its long, level hood out front -- yet it's nearly 66 inches tall."

While thirsty V-8s have long been the darlings of the traditional-SUV market, the Outback, weighing just 3655 pounds, manages adroitly with four- and six-cylinder offerings. The boxer four is an updated version of last year's 2.5-liter naturally aspirated mill, and now pairs with either a CVT or a new six-speed manual -- a welcome addition for enthusiasts. With the CVT, the Outback wrings out 22/29 city/highway EPA mpg -- a new Outback benchmark. Optional is a new, DOHC 3.6-liter boxer six that -- using regular fuel instead of the premium required on the outgoing 3.0-liter -- delivers 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. "Loves to rev and feels smooth and refined all the way to redline," writes Kiino. The six mates to a standard five-speed automatic that now includes paddle shifters with "blipping logic" to match revs when downshifting.

Subaru ships the Outback in three distinct all-wheel-drive flavors. Base, manual-transmission models get a viscous-coupling locking center diff with 50/50 normal torque split and the ability to shift torque away from the slipping axle. Four-cylinder Outbacks with the CVT replace the viscous coupling with an electronically controlled continuously variable clutch. Finally, all six-cylinder editions utilize Subaru's Variable Torque Distribution system, combining a planetary center diff with an electronically managed hydraulic clutch to distribute power as needed (the split in "normal" driving is 45/55 front/rear).

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." No, the Outback doesn't flaunt the extreme approach or departure angles that enable a rig like the Grand Cherokee to scale boulders, but it's far better equipped than most so-called crossovers. You could drive it through all but the toughest trails in Moab. It'll also shrug off all but the deepest snow (no wonder Subaru appears to be the unofficial state car of Vermont).

So, yes, the Outback shines with bona-fide SUV prowess and versatility. Yet it does so without typical SUV penalties. Fuel economy with the six-cylinder, for instance, is 18/25 EPA mpg-compared with 15/20 for the V-6 Grand Cherokee 4WD. And while the purposeful 4Runner took dings for "slobbery" on-road handling, the Outback drew applause. "Fun to drive, really like a car," says Loh. Writes Kiino: "The ride is amazing-supple, quiet, and controlled, yet the handling doesn't suffer. Some roll and understeer, but overall the feeling is confidence-inspiring. Structure is very solid too."

Solid, also, is the Outback's value quotient. A manual-shifter, four-cylinder base car starts at just $23,690 -- a cool $2K under the price of the similarly equipped vehicle it replaces. (For a $300 premium, Subaru also offers five four-cylinder models with a Partial Zero Emissions -- PZEV -- rating that meets California's most strict air standards.) A 3.6R Limited -- with leather seats, 440-watt harmon/karmon audio, and dual-zone climate checks in at $31,690. Among the few extras are touchscreen navigation ($2000) and a power-glass moonroof ($995).

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.

FOURMIDABLE
Subaru's Trusty Flat-4 Pairs Up with a New CVT

For the 2010 Outback, Subaru has made significant upgrades to its tried-and-true 2.5-liter flat-4. Peak horsepower and torque are now realized 400 rpm sooner than before, and fuel economy with an automatic, at 22/29, is superior to that of the 2009 model's 20/26. A chain-type continuously variable automatic dubbed Lineartronic replaces the old four-speed torque-converter unit and represents the world's first longitudinally mounted CVT for an all-wheel-drive production car.

Our $28,690 2.5i Limited tester (a base 2.5i with six-speed manual starts at $23,690) displayed smooth acceleration and, in true CVT fashion, a knack for instantly finding the engine's sweet spot. Plus, it features standard paddle shifters for rowing through six preset ratios. Compared with the 3.6, which hits 60 in 7.1 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.5 at 90.5 mph, the 2.5 CVT is leisurely, delivering 9.7 and 17.4 at 82.0, respectively. More important, though, the 170-horse Outback is competitive within its class. A Honda CR-V EX-L AWD needs 9.5 ticks to reach 60 and 17.2 at 79.0 to nab the quarter. Thus, the 2.5 CVT is more about A-to-B impeccability than stoplight-to-stoplight bragging rights, and is perfectly happy leaving the pink-slip battles to the 3.6R. - Ron Kiino

2010 Subaru Outback Test Drive

The 2010 Outback is bigger and better than before, but it's still a proudly eccentric and weirdly wonderful mashup of station wagon, SUV and Australian off-road pretense. It hasn't lost its Subie soul-that ruggedness, friendliness and versatility that make it so popular among Vermont tree-tappers, tenured sociology professors and freelance herbalists-and has gained both more ability and even some elegance. Here are the details from our test drive.

By John Pearley Huffman for Popular Mechanics
Published on: July 28, 2009

In the '80s, Aussie comedianPaul Hogan ruled the media universe. His "shrimp on the barbie" Australian tourism ads made Hogan a household name, his 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee was a massive hit, and he helped make Foster's Lager a worldwide brand by proclaiming it "Australian for beer, mate." But as Hogan's fame has faded, it turns out his single greatest legacy (and, literally, a Legacy) will be the Subaru Outback. In 1995 he was the pitchman for the company when the Outback trim option was introduced on the midsize, all-wheel-drive Legacy wagon. He made the vehicle famous, even if his Aussie persona was more schtick than substance. Subaru has just introduced the fourth-generation Outback and, though Hogan hasn't been spieling for the company since 2002, it does him proud.

The Specs

Look for the name "Legacy" anywhere on the new Outback and you won't find it. But that lack of badging is as much effort as Subaru puts toward obscuring the Outback's heritage. The Outback is a Legacy wagon with a slightly raised ride height, taller tires, a new grille and slightly more muscled bodywork. And, no surprise, it's assembled on the same Lafayette, Ind., production line as the Legacy sedan.

Subaru's engineering traditions are all there in the new Outback. The base engine is the familiar 2.5-liter SOHC flat Four while the optional engine is now the same 3.6-liter DOHC flat Six used in the larger Tribeca crossover. Opt for the Four and the 170-hp flows through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or a new "Lineartronic" continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic. The Six pumps its 256 hp through a five-speed automatic. Sorry, rally fans, the snorty 265-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that resides under the hood of the Legacy GT won't be available in any 2010 Outback model.

As in all Subarus, the company's "Symmetrical" all-wheel drive is standard-although there are actually three different systems, depending on which transmission is used. There's a viscous-coupling center differential with the manual transmission, an "electronically managed continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch" used with the CVT, and a planetary gear system used with the Six's five-speed automatic. Yet they all work seamlessly (and effectively) in the background with virtually no input from the driver. And if all-wheel drive isn't enough to save a driver from his own, ahem, driving prowess, there are also electronic-stability and traction-control systems aboard.

The Outback's basic structure is a steel unibody and, as before, the front suspension uses MacPherson struts. But the hind end gets a new double-wishbone suspension system. All four corners have their own disc brake with both electronic brake-force distribution and four-channel antilock to help operate them.

With the wheelbase stretched to 107.9 inches (2.8 inches longer than before), width up about 2 inches and overall height up a bit more than 2 inches, the new Outback is a noticeably larger vehicle than before. But Subaru cut the front and rear overhangs, so overall length has actually shrunk an inch.

With the lightest Outback (a base 2.5i six-speed) weighing in at 3386 pounds and the heaviest (the Limited 3.6R) at 3658 pounds, the engines are just adequate for moving such substantial mass. We'd guess 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds with the four-cylinder and about eight with the six-cylinder. But the payoff is in exceptional fuel economy for a vehicle this big that totes around an all-wheel-drive system. The best economy comes with the four-cylinder engine and, perhaps surprisingly, the CVT transmission-an EPA-rated 22 mpg (4.55 gallons per 100 miles) in the city and 29 mpg (3.45 g/100m) on the highway. The six-cylinder model's 18 mpg (5.56 g/100m) in the city and 25 mpg (4.00 g/100m) on the highway are solid numbers too.

The Bottom Line

Subaru is just about the only car company that's actually gaining sales in the current dismal market. Maybe it's because its core buyers have tenure and don't have to worry about being laid off. But more likely it's because the people who want Subarus don't see any ready alternatives and plan on owning their cars for very long periods of time. Subaru owners may be odd in some ways, but they're nothing if not practical about their vehicles and determined to wring every last ounce of value from their purchases. And there's plenty of value in the new Outback-as long as you stay near the bottom of the price ladder. The base Outback starts at a keen $22,995, but climb up to the Premium or Limited trim levels and the prices rise up beyond $30,000 (for a 3.6R Limited). Still, we think Hogan would be right at home behind the wheel of the new Outback, mate.

Cherry Hill, N.J. May 19, 2009 -- The 2009 Subaru Forester today was named to the "Best Family Cars for 2009" list by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com. The award is the culmination of six months of test-driving and analyzing dozens of vehicles, plus feedback from parents who own and drive the vehicles on a daily basis. As part of a rigorous evaluation, each vehicle was judged on safety, performance, interior, exterior qualities and family-friendly features. Focusing on the Subaru Forester's safety attributes, the article detailing the awards -- which appears in the June 2009 issue of Parents -- highlights the vehicle's standard all-wheel drive and stability control, as well as the Forester's designation as a Top Safety Pick by the Information Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

"When Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com team up to review a vehicle, you can be sure you are getting a thorough evaluation from both parenting experts and automotive professionals," notes Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO for Subaru of America, Inc. "We are doubly pleased that the Subaru Forester's safety features and family-friendly design have won over not only the experts, but also the parents who rely on our vehicles to keep their families safe."

This latest recognition by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com joins a growing list of accolades for the Subaru Forester, which was also named a "Best Bet for SUVs and Crossovers" by Cars.com and recognized by Kiplinger's Personal Finance 2009 Car Buyer's Guide as "Best New Crossover" in the category of "Small Crossovers." Other awards received by the 2009 Subaru Forester include: Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year; a "good" rating (the highest available rating, indicating a vehicle's roof is more than twice as strong as minimum federal safety standards require) in the new IIHS roof strength test and the MotorWeek Driver's Choice Award for Best Small Utility.

Model Pricing Highlights:
The 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X has a starting price of $20,295 and comes with AM/FM stereo with single disc CD player and 4 speakers, (3) 12 volt power outlets, 215/65 R16 96H All-Season tires, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), daytime running lights, engine immobilizer, carpeted floor mats, multi-functional center console box and sliding arm rest, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, rear window wiper and washer, remote keyless entry and tilt steering column.

About Subaru of America
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

 
We're excited to announce that Motor Trend named the Subaru Forester its 2009 Sport/Utility of the YearTM because it does all the things that matter most in an SUV, incredibly well. We built Forester with uncompromising safety, go-anywhere capability and lasting durability, so when it came to making a choice out of an exceptional field, the Forester stood out.

After experiencing its road-gripping Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Motor Trend said "when it gets on dirt, it almost encourages you to go faster." The judges also noted that Forester had "the best observed fuel economy for an all-wheel drive SUV in this year's competition." After all, there's no point in having go-anywhere capability if you can't afford to get where you're going.

We'll take being called "green as you-know-what" as a compliment, and it tends to happen when all of your cars are built in a zero landfill plant. Forester is also the most affordable SUV in its class, so you can see why Motor Trend said "the traditional model for a SUV has changed into something smaller, more fuel-efficient, greener, more, well...Forester-y."

It's a good feeling when you're rewarded for doing things the right way, and we're proud to have built a responsible, versatile, right-sized utility vehicle. So when Motor Trend called Forester "the right vehicle for the times", it wasn't just for today but also for tomorrow. We want to continue building cars that enhance whatever you're doing. Whether it's a trip to the market, or a trip to the mountains. It's what we've always done, and what we will continue to do.

Read the article at Motortrend.com

Cherry Hill, NJ, April 1, 2009 -- Subaru announced that year-to-date sales were up 2-percent with 41,532 units sold in 2009 versus 40,881 units sold in 2008. For the month of March there was a 3-percent sales decrease over last year?s March results.

The 2009 Subaru Forester continues its record-breaking streak with its best monthly sales ever. Sales for the Forester increased 47-percent over last year's March Forester sales - a total of 6,802 units sold in March 2009, versus 4,615 units sold in March 2008.

"In March, Forester set an all-time sales record, capping a month where it received the top rating for Roof Strength from IIHS and won the best new small Crossover from Kiplinger Personal Finance." said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "The Forester has been a major driver of our success this year, leading the brand to a 2-percent year-to-date sales increase over 2008. As our market share grows to record levels this reinforces that the safety, durability and value of Subaru products continue to resonate with consumers."

"Subaru products have the highest safety ratings and resale values available and represent a total low cost of ownership for our customers," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president, COO and CFO for Subaru of America. "Our products continue to break sales records because of their AWD capability, versatility, outstanding fuel economy and also because they are fun to drive."

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, NJ, the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2007. In addition, Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero- landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, NJ, the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero- landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

About Cars.com
Cars.com is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory, Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

Cherry Hill NJ, April 2, 2009 -- The 2009 Subaru Impreza, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, and Subaru Forester have each been named a "Best Bet" by Cars.com, the leading destination for online car shoppers. According to Cars.com, the two Subaru Imprezas are each a "Best Bet for Sports Cars," and the Subaru Forester has been recognized as a "Best Bet for SUVs and Crossovers." To qualify as a Cars.com Best Bet, models must meet three quantified criteria: a "Good" rating in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests; average or higher reliability ratings; and average or higher gas mileage within their class..

"We are proud to accept these awards from Cars.com," said Tom Doll, COO and executive vice president of Subaru of America, Inc. "The editors who have named the Subaru Impreza and Forester 'Best Bets' evaluate scores of vehicles, so this recognition comes from true automotive experts. The Forester and Impreza models offer safety, reliability and performance - and are fun to drive.".

"Our Best Bets help narrow down the options for buyers by vehicle class," said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief, Patrick Olsen. "These are vehicles that any of our editors would drive."

This latest recognition by Cars.com adds to a growing list of accolades for the Subaru Impreza and Forester, both of which were also named 2009 "Top Safety Picks" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Kiplinger's Personal Finance 2009 Car Buyer's Guide recognized the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X as "Best New Crossover" in the category of "Small Crossovers," and the 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i as "Best in Class" in the "Wagons and Minivans" category. Other awards received by the 2009 Subaru Forester include: Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year; a "good" rating (the highest available rating, indicating a vehicle's roof is more than twice as strong as minimum federal safety standards require) in the new IIHS roof strength test; the MotorWeek Driver's Choice Award for Best Small Utility; and the R.L. Polk award for consumer loyalty in the Compact SUV category.