Opie Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Just got back from a Subaru Ride and Drive event for the 2010 Legacy and Outback models at BeaveRun Race track in PA and although I'm not sold on the front styling of the car everything else is markedly improved. Once I get some rest I'll post a more detailed review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henryq89 Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 nice to know ..pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeepr Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 I've got to say, that as far as look, I'm with the majority here and don't like the 2010 Legacy. I saw one at the dealer yesterday. The big wheel wells make tires/wheels look small. And, I'm not a big fan of the interior either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opie Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 2010 Outback OK, so our group went through the 2010 Outback intro first. Section 1: The first section consisted of a comparison on interior space (cargo & passenger) between a 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6 Limited & a 2010 Toyota Venza AWD V6. Although the Venza had a slightly larger exterior appearance, the Outback had the most useable interior space. They had 3 groups of items to "load" into both cars and the Outback was able to carry them all in the cargo area while still allowing visibility out the rear window, the Venza could not fit the same items; Group #1 - 2 Large Plastic Dog Carriers & 2 folding chairs, the Outback fit both carriers, side by side and the chairs in front. The gate closed without touching anything and there was plenty of room to see over the top of them.Group #2 - 6 Plastic Storage Containers. Same story, all 6 fit without any trouble and still plenty of room to see over them.Group #3 - 48qt cooler, Coleman grill, off-road baby stroller, 4 folding chairs, a beach bag full of beach gear and a medium sized camera bag. Again, fit in the Outback without a problem.Another thing to note was the interior materials quality, the Venza was very plastic, and the entire rear cargo area was cheap plastic and seemed "unfinished" on this $36,000 Toyota. The materials fit & finish on the Outback was hands down nicer on the less expensive Subaru. When it comes down to actual measurements, the Outback has better interior legroom and better cargo room than a Volvo XC70 or a Ford Explorer Section 2: The Second section was a showing of some of the new accessories available, nothing unexpected here. Bluetooth is available on all Outback models; if the car is equipped with Navigation or the Media Hub Plus you can also stream Audio from your streaming phone through the Outback’s stereo system. All models with Navigation also have backup cameras. The Media Hub and Media Hub Plus have a USB input and an input jack to connect everything from I-pods, Flash Drives to portable DVD players and gaming systems. Also the new rooftop rack system uses folding cross bars to eliminate wind noise when you aren’t carrying anything on the roof. Towing for 2.5 models is 2,700lbs, for the 3.6 models 3,000lbs, both with a 200lb tongue weight. Section 3: Section 3 was called "Avoid the Crunch" It consisted of a full-throttle run from a stop in a 2010 Outback 3.6 down a 50yd stretch of pavement followed by panic braking at the end, the Outback came to a well controlled, un-eventful stop in very little space. No tire screeching, no drama and very little nose dive. This was followed by an in-car demonstration of the electric parking brake that worked flawlessly. This was followed by a demonstration of the hill holder, we drove partially up a 20 degree slope over logs and stopped, the hill holder held the car until we started to move forward. After we crested the top of the "hill" the down slope was a 24 degree nose drive where we again stopped the car, backed up slightly (to engage the hill holder) and then sat there for a minute before continuing down back to earth. Both the electric parking brake and hill holder worked effortlessly to keep the car in place. One of the benefits of the electric parking brake is the fact it engages at 100% braking force every time, unlike cable operated systems that can come out of adjustment over time, this plus it weighs less and takes up less space. Section 4: Section 4 was the driving portion for the Outback’s. First up was a 2.5 mile drive down a dirt and gravel ATV trail into the Pennsylvania wilderness using a 2.5i PZEV Outback with CVT. This was not a “groomed” road, it was littered with large rocks, deep ruts and soft sand while winding through a very hilly forest on a trail so small the brush was dragging down the sides of the cars. The cars did not miss a beat, did not bottom out or drag bumpers. They handled the off road trail as if it were no big deal. This was helped by the 2010 Outback’s class-leading 8.7” of ground clearance (which is better ground clearance than a Ford Explorer , Jeep Cherokee or Volvo XC70) and reduced approach and departure angles. The Off-Road section was followed up by a lapping session on BeaveRun’s paved 1.6 mile north track that allowed us to compare the handling between the 2010 Outback, a 2009 2.0t Volkswagen Passat Wagon, a 2009 Jeep Cherokee and a 2010 Toyota Venza. It’s no surprise that the handling leader was the VW Passat, but what was surprising is how close the Outback came to the VW’s European handling. The Outback was also quieter, shifted better and is still capable of off-roading, something the VW could never do with any seriousness. The new rear sub-frame design and suspension improvement on the Outback result in an excelled handling car, with great feedback and comfort without being dull and disconnected from the road like the Toyota Venza and Jeep Cherokee. The CVT never was searching for a “gear” it was always in the power band and could be “shifted” using the paddle shifters if the driver wants a more spirited feel, same with the new 5EAT. It’s revised programming and redesigned components made it a pleasure to drive. The engines are all very stout and feel much larger than their displacement suggests. All in all, this is a much, much better Outback than any previous model. Faster, bigger, better handling, more fuel efficient, safer, quieter and more comfortable. Hopefully the looks will bring in new customers for Subaru and won’t scare to many Subaru faithful away. 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Opie Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 Sorry about the crappy pics...cheap camera phone + rain = crappy pics. http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Hill.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback1.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback2.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback3.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback5.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback6.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opie Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback7.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback8.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback9.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback11.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback12.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback13.jpg http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback6.jpg Legacy info up soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leggtnut Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Opie, great write up. Our deliership just got a 2010 outback 2.5i limmited and crawled all over it today while getting a oil change. I have to say I am extreamly impressed. I didn't get to drive it, but I really like how they put it together. Ben (2014 Outback SAP w/ eyesite, 2014 Tribeca Limited, 2006 LGT limited sedan) Subaru Ambassador PNW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praedet Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 THanks Opie, sounds like what I expected Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbcracken Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 Opie, great review. My better half and I are filing away great reviews like this for a replacement for our 1998 4Runner. Our 4Runner will be probably going to our oldest daughter in a couple years. Cheers, Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verwilderd Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 Ha! I was supposed to be at that event. A friend of mine was there. Subaru is having another one of these next month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdoggydog Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Diggin' the '10 Outback. My wifey likes as well. Could be our next vehicle should little ones arrive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1969 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Opie, what did you think of the legacy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sethstil Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 i think the 2010's are hideous - looks like they leaned towards catering to older crowds... exterior: lost the sporty/mean edge - now looks like soft/luxury. and looks just like a toyota camry thing at a quick glance now, not a subie... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrSpeed Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 http://www.thel7.com/Wills/2010/Outback7.jpg Legacy info up soon. Dood, if I were driving, there would be at least 12 feet between the tires and the other end of the ramp.... BANNED FROM THE TIKI FORUM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verwilderd Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Those ramps are supposed to demonstrate subarus hill holder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrSpeed Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Those ramps are supposed to demonstrate subarus hill holder. that would be the last thing i do. I'd hand the subie rep a helmet as we both strap into the car... BANNED FROM THE TIKI FORUM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verwilderd Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Thats what I plan on doing in two weeks when I head to Utah for the next ride and drive. I'm so going to get in trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-WDC Spec B Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 i was at the richard lucus subaru and saw the 2010 outback. I have to say it looks pretty good. Looks like a beefer version now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leggtnut Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 F-WDC Spec B, I agree. I think that they went back to the design mentality of making the outback look good, then modify it to make the Legacy like they used to do. I wasn't as fond of the outback styling in 05-09 compaired to the legacy. But I really liked the Outback a lot better than the legacy in the 98 - 04 models. I just felt that they designed the outback then made it a legacy. but don't get me wrong, I love both. The 98-04 outback was a 51% like over the legacy. The 05-09 legacy was 52% over the outback. Still reserving my feelings between the legacy/outback till I can see both side by side. Ben (2014 Outback SAP w/ eyesite, 2014 Tribeca Limited, 2006 LGT limited sedan) Subaru Ambassador PNW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neoshi Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 ^Well, they seem to be unloading the new Legacy everywhere now (just ran into two dealerships driving them off the truck) and the Outback has been here since last week so.. time for a test drive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-WDC Spec B Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 At the Bucks County Meet they brought an LGT there. Well i say this the 2010 LGT has a some really nice features that i wish our cars had. usb port(w/ipod control), blue tooth, h/k system, reverse cam, REAR LEG ROOM, plush leather, and somethings here n there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CasopoliS Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 Our dealership has a bunch of 2010's in. I think they look alright. The front and rear bumpers look shorter and flatter, similar to the previous JDM bumpers... so that is nice. The front end will look great with a lip because the bumper goes straight down. I like the look of the interior too. Now I just have to get my hands on one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thSubie Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 I just test drove the 2010 Legacy 2.5i Limited in Danbury CT and I was very impressed with the vehicle. This was after just test driving the 09 Hyundai Genesis, the 09 Cadillac CTS, and a top of the line Ford Fusion Hybrid. I had a 84 GL10 than went 180K, an 88 Loyale that went 150K, a 92 Legacy that went 175K miles and a 01 Legact GT that is currently at 183K. Once again Subaru has put out a product that is the best value for the money. I have a long commute (90 minutes one way) and I was struck by the ergonomics, overall seat comfort, styling, Harmon Kardon stereo, handling, and the CVT that will yield > 30MPG (I only get 28 now). Downside I think the paddle shifters are silly and I kept knocking into them on the test drive. Also do not like the electronic parking brake - whats wrong with a good old handbrake. But overall - a great car that will most likely be my 5th Subie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verwilderd Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 You know...despite what alot of people say about the car being ugly, like you said ^^, for the money, it can't be beat. I will say though, the CVT will take some getting used to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-WDC Spec B Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 i dont like looks either but the features are really nice. Plus the mt is 6 speed and it can take a up 600hp or so they say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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