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Article Comments - 2010 Subaru Outback First Drive

52 messages,  Last post on Nov 05, 2009 at 10:27 PM

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2010 Subaru Outback First Drive - First Impressions: Larger in all the dimensions that enhance rear passenger comfort and cargo capacity, but no more turbo kills the fun.(more)

Messages Page 2 of 6

#3 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [rsholland] by gregg_vw

Jul 31, 2009 (6:46 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jul 31, 2009 6:18 am)
The Outback is really more of a CUV now, what with its greater height, and longer wheelbase, yet shorter length. It is too tall for me, but definitely is a looker, having more style than many CUVs (ok, the Venza stands out more), and to my eye, looking better balanced and not as boring as the Legacy sedan. The Forester looks like a box by comparison, and the Forester is one of the better looking small CUVs out there.

#4 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [gregg_vw] by rsholland

Jul 31, 2009 (7:21 am)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Jul 31, 2009 6:46 am)
I like the direction in which the Outback is evolving. Yes, more CUV/SUV which I prefer, yet it still drives like a car.
 
Bob

#5 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [rsholland] by ateixeira

Jul 31, 2009 (7:28 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jul 31, 2009 7:21 am)
I have mixed feelings about that.
 
When the latest Impreza came out, they gave up the wagon bodystyle for a 5 door fastback look. Understandable given the demographic.
 
The Outback gave up the wagon look for the tall CUV look, but I think it could have offered more utility with a more wagony shape.
 
I understand WHY they did it, though - CUVs sell like crazy. Way better than wagons.
 
But Subaru went from being a wagon specialist to having zero wagons now. Not one. Think about it.
 
* WRX is a 5 door fastback.
* Forester is definitely an SUV now.
* Outback wagon is no longer a wagon, but a CUV.
 
So where's the wagon?
 
I almost wish they had gone even bigger with the Outback, but kept a Legacy wagon. In fact a bigger Outback could have let Subaru drop the Tribeca entirely.

#6 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [rsholland] by ateixeira

Jul 31, 2009 (7:40 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jul 31, 2009 6:18 am)
Funny article, though I agree and disagree with some points I'll highlight:
 
is it instead just a downsize Subaru Forester?
 
That's not quite how I'd put it, but I've expressed the same concern.
 
Guess what? It's an SUV, folks!
 
That made me ROTFL, but I'd use the term CUV instead.
 
Subaru's better-than-most execution of its Lineartronic CVT is as good as that of Nissan, which, until now, seems to be the only company to figure out the proper calibration of infinitely variable transmission ratios and throttle response. For a CVT, Subaru's is one of the best there is.
 
That's the best news of all. The funny thing is I've been saying Nissan got it right, and was hoping they'd do the same. Very encouraging. With better mileage the take rate on the CVT will be 80% or higher, watch, even with the $1000 markup.
 
steering wheel felt completely isolated from the road
 
Bummer. Maybe it was the road texture? Lucien drove one and liked the steeering, called it well weighted. In Montana they drove through lots of dirt, as per the videos you can find easily on YouTube now.
 
Photo #2 in their slideshow shows a frightening amount of body roll. Maybe it's the camera angle.
 
They say the cladding looks tacked on, but they do complement the improved approach and departure angles.

#7 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [ateixeira] by saedave

Jul 31, 2009 (8:21 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 31, 2009 7:40 am)
steering wheel felt completely isolated from the road
  
Bummer. Maybe it was the road texture? Lucien drove one and liked the steeering, called it well weighted. In Montana they drove through lots of dirt, as per the videos you can find easily on YouTube now.
  
Photo #2 in their slideshow shows a frightening amount of body roll
 
The above description of a Buick station wagon-like drive is exactly right. My recent drives comparing the CVT, 3.6 and Forester made me conclude that the Forester is the only model that is still a Subaru. Coming to Subaru from years of VW/Audi quatros, I found my Outback 2005 3.6R almost equal in handling, ride and size. The new Outback is not likely to get any converts from VW/Audi. My test drives suggest to me that it is time to take another look at Audi...in spite of its proclivity for visiting the service bay. If I delete the requirement for all wheel drive, it also opens the possibilities for a VW GTI 4-door with Direct Shift Transmission.

#8 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [saedave] by ateixeira

Jul 31, 2009 (8:49 am)

Replying to: saedave (Jul 31, 2009 8:21 am)
Well, in this case I hope you are wrong.
 
I doubt the Venza is any sportier, given I own a Japanese Buick (Toyota Sienna).
 
Audis have been getting sportier. I think the Outback is more like a Q5 than an A4 Avant, though. It even looks like the Q5.

#9 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [ateixeira] by saedave

Jul 31, 2009 (9:00 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 31, 2009 8:49 am)
I think the Outback is more like a Q5 than an A4 Avant, though. It even looks like the Q5.
 
Agreed, but my taste is more towards the A4 Avant...or the A3 Avant with AWD and DSG. The problem with the A3 when it is fully equipped is a ridiculous price:
 
I believe about $15,000 more than the VW GTI DSG! I bet Subaru would like to get that price increase for AWD (and adding a more prestigious nameplate). Perhaps a Lexaru?

#10 of 52 I like it but... by rsholland

Jul 31, 2009 (9:18 am)

...I wish they had gone a bit further towards the SUV end. The front and rear bumpers need to be tapered back more like the Forester's, to improve the angle of approach and departure. I'd also like to have seen the larger 255/55x18 tires from the Tribeca offered, at least as an option. And lets get the towing up to a full 3500 pounds at least, which would match the Tribeca. 5K would be ideal for towing, but I don't see Subaru doing that.
 
Bob

#11 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [ateixeira] by tee_el_cee

Jul 31, 2009 (9:54 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 31, 2009 7:40 am)
    steering wheel felt completely isolated from the road
  
Bummer. Maybe it was the road texture? Lucien drove one and liked the steeering, called it well weighted. In Montana they drove through lots of dirt, as per the videos you can find easily on YouTube now.
  
Agreed that it's a bummer, but at least they followed up with:
 
As we ascended dirt and gravel roads en route to the Continental Divide, we were now thankful for the Outback's resolute steering isolation.

#12 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [saedave] by ateixeira

Jul 31, 2009 (10:58 am)

Replying to: saedave (Jul 31, 2009 9:00 am)
BMW prices skyrocketed (the 1 series costs what the 3 series used to cost) so Audi just followed them right up the price scale.
 
Plus the A3, nice as it is, it a very small car.

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