2010 Subaru Outback

Yesterday, Subaru unveiled its new Legacy sedan, a vehicle that is pivotal not just in its own right, but because it also forms the basis for the softroader stiltswagon seen here. It only makes sense that Subaru chose to unveil its new Outback here this morning, as the very first model debuted here in the Big Apple some 15 years ago.

Predictably, the all-wheel drive Outback's running gear remains pure Legacy, and as such, it has grown similarly. Interior volume is up eight percent thanks in part to a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase (which also adds nearly four inches of rear legroom) and a two-inch wider footprint. Despite these gains, Subie officials claim the 2010 model is actually shorter overall. It also rides a bit higher, with ground clearnce swelling to 8.7 inches. Not only is this growth part of a strategy to combat upsized family sedans from Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet and Mazda, the move also allows the Outback to distance itself from popular Forester that also got biggie-sized with its last redesign.

The new model will be available in the buyer's choice of a 2.5-liter, normally aspirated flat-four giving 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque (backed by one of two new transmissions: a six-speed manual or Subie's "Lineartronic" CVT) or a 3.6-liter flat-six (256 hp and 247 pound-feet) paired to a conventional five-speed automatic. Regardless of which engine is specified, the fuel tank grows to 18.5 gallons (from 16.9), and regular fuel is all that's required.

As with yesterday's Legacy, the Outback appears to be more about providing solid, predictable product than surprise-and-delight, but one cool unexpected feature is the roof rack's integral cross bars. Instead of having to remove and stow the spars to reduce wind noise and potentially rattly bits, the rails actually swing-out into place only when called for.

Inside, the interior is the same as with the Legacy, which means that there's a new cliff-like instrument panel, along with new features that include an electric parking brake, ambient lighting and available toys like Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, USB/iPod ports, and a new voice-activated navigation unit.

Even if there isn't much sizzle here, we expect to continue to see Subaru's well-rounded, all-wheel-drive quasi-crossover to continue to outperform its ground-bound Legacy stablemate in the U.S. market, although it figures to face some stiff new high-end competitors in the form of the Saab 9-3X, Volvo XC60 – and potentially even a new Audi Allroad – when it rolls into showrooms later this summer.