2010-2012 Subaru Outback Review | Consumer Reports

The redesigned Subaru Outback has a bigger rear-seat and more room for cargo. But acceleration isn't great and emergency handling isn't as good as it should be. We've just taken a first drive of the 2013 Subaru Outback: • 2013 Subaru Outback fi...

[@ChannelSpawn]

I completely disagree on the traction control point. My 2010 outback Traction control responds instantly. Subarus have one of the best traction control systems out there.

[@rockymountainman7]

Got 200000km on our 2010 Outback 2.5 i with cvt. Runs and drives like new.

[@parsley0120]

My grandparents have a 2011 Outback Limited and I love it! While they were in the hospitals I drove it 1,500 miles in one week driving back and forth to visit them and make sure everything was going ok. I'm 19 and drive a VR6 Jetta and even I didn't think the power was too bad. It is definitely adequate for highway/freeway driving, merges, and passing. The padded dashboard isn't a big deal to me, how often are you going to sit there and feel your dashboard? Seriously.

[@only1battman]

Christ its like consumer report's videos are stuck in the 90s...

[@GiordanDiodato]

just like 90s kids

[@digitalemotionfilms]

I dont think thats Jesus doing the review

[@rockymountainman7]

Got 310000 trouble free km on it now and the kids are driving it now. We bought a 2016 Subaru Outback as a replacement and hope it is going to be just as reliable and cheap to run as the "old" one.

[@ironchopsticks]

consumer reports - your reviews are getting much much better!

[@TheBadBuffalo]

finally consumer reports does a proper review with numbers and all! why didn't they do this with all their other reviews???

[@bobpfaff2258]

Lol - “if your driving round a corner too fast” the tail swings out. Solution - dont drive too fast

[@saintjabroni]

🤣

[@theblackpearl3880]

No, if you go too fast on the corner, and you want to slow down, the tail swings out. Meaning if you take a corner too fast and you try to press on the brakes in the middle of it, the anti-lock brakes and stability control don't work fast enough, and the car begins to slide. The later facelift of the Subaru Outback for 2013 - 2014 addresses this issue with stiffer suspension and more aggressive stability control.

[@Doc1855]

We LOVE our 19 Outback. It’s super safe and comfortable. The CVT steals the engine of hp torque and mpg.

[@hakkujin]

I love my Outback.

[@charger19691]

I've taken Consumer Reports advice in the past and they weren't always right.

[@BatDroppings]

It's 4 cylinder, non-turbo, not a race car like the WRX... It gets me around and it's safer than other wagons out there. So yeah.. 0-60 in 10.7 secs.. I can live with that.

[@saintjabroni]

Respect.

[@Lexolo999]

Hey the ability for the tail to slide out like that just makes it more fun :)

[@rockymountainman7]

It is true. Consumer Reports statistics show that Subaru is the best car maker right now. Our 2010 Outback (2.5 CVT) has just about 150000 trouble free kilometers on it now. Sure we looked in to volvo as well and yes they are a lot more money (They look much nicer too). The XC60 and 70 are just not as capable on snow and ice, and since we got six months of that the Subaru is for us the better choice. We drive the Subaru for the practicality end of it and as a winter car it is quite fantastic.

[@kzero70]

@shekshishekki a lot of people always mistake the boxer rev with engine knock. It does sound "gutteral" but that's not a bad thing!

[@Mixedbreed3]

@agent0295 I agree with you on this one. My dash board is soft and for some reason, I have never had a desire to sit or lay on it. It just might be an issue for those who like taking off their shoes and using it as a foot rest. Personally, I have never had that desire either.

[@ssphoto66]

I have a 2014 base model. Yes, there a several things that are annoying, like the crappy radio/head unit, but it's functional. I've taken in on a few road trips and it's a pleasure to drive long distance; comfortable. CVT doesn't really bother me either; in fact it constantly reminds me I'm really not in a hurry!

[@palebeachbum]

Subarus are generally fantastic vehicles. Well-built, dependable. I've always loved the way Subaru flat-4 sounds. That handling is horrendous though. The stability control needs to be more aggressive to tame that. The sharp cutoff of light from the headlights is typical of projector beam headlights. Same deal on the Optima I used to have. Hated that.

[@saintjabroni]

Any way to rectify the headlight light spread/travel issue? Better bulbs? Or nothing can improve it?

[@MrChonkers]

16 mpg? Correct me if I am wrong, but that is a lot of fuel consumption even for AWD. The CVT is also a drawback in my opinion. Otherwise an incredible vehicle.

[@stevecrocker6904]

what? my 3.6 will get 13 kilometres to the litre on an easy trip or 7/8 kpl around town. That 2.5 must have been towing a caravan

[@Backs4more]

US gallons are smaller than UK gallons. Mine got about 30 mpg for a 2.5

[@nmende00]

That is to be expected.The outback pricing on the subaru maxes out around where the base volvo models start. Both competent cars, but when you pay more, you get more.

[@KentuckyRanger]

The more I read and see about the 2010 Outback, the better I feel about going with the 2009. The CVT was one of my biggest concerns and I've been seeing reports that it's not that good. I do know you can get a 2010 with the old transmission and that would be a better choice, I do wish my 09 had the added room in the back though.

[@outrigger777]

2:23 is evaluating emergency maneuvering capability.

[@outrigger777]

I know three people who have owned both Outbacks, and one of the 70 series Volvos (V70/XC70), and while they liked their Outbacks, they much preferred their XC70s.

[@samuelpike1248]

I have to disagree Outrigger. I used to work for a local Volvo dealer in the service department. I can tell you that the Volvo XC70,while it may look cool,costs a heck of a lot more to maintain than most other cars its size. For instance,a 90,000 mile service where they check everything on those? Can cost you well over 650.00(even on my 1994 Maxima,I never paid that kind of money for any repair). No thanks. Obviously too many Volvo owners fail to do their homework,and as a result,end up paying through the nose in repairs for them. Those XC70'S,again,while they may look cool,you will pay higher costs over the life of the vehicle. But I guess if people don't mind paying 700-1,000.00 in repairs every few months,then have at it. I won't pay that kind of money in repairs for any kind of car. It DOES pay to do the research,thoroughly,before you buy any wagon type vehicle with all wheel drive. Would take a Subaru over a Volvo any day of the week. The point is simply this,people need to do their homework,research everything before they buy. Just because a high end vehicle like an XC70 might be popular does not mean one should buy it(and yes,I drove a few of them so I know how they handle and drive,and they are also in the shop quite frequently).

[@dahgutone]

Wow, this is a pretty thorough review.

[@beautyinmetal]

very helpful review. i thought i knew a lot about this car, but i didn't know about the unique roof rack. thank you.

[@gregherman4691]

I purchased a new Outback in 2017. It had RAB and many other electrical problems from the start. I had it in the shop 10 times for repair. Went a total of 42 days without my car. It was a Lemon. Had to have it towed into the dealer no less than four times. Even the district service manager told me to contact Subaru Customer service to get a full refund, as they could not figure out what is wrong with the car. After months of being given the run around, Subaru customer service did not refund my money as they should have. I traded my car in, still under warranty, still not fixed. I lost over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars. Toyota is looking better all the time.

[@OneOfaKind949]

WOW... we actually get to comment now. I like this review... much better then the ones before... Again thanks for letting us comment.

[@elijahlukobo1728]

the best subaru outback were between 2005 and 2009.they are safer and traction really works so well.i personally have a 2006 model it works great both on road and off road.the newer models are bigger and unstable safe for extra features.

[@stevecrocker6904]

safer? how?

[@Mixedbreed3]

Actually, their is no other competition for a Subaru other than another Subaru such as the Forester as he mentioned. Subaru's Symmetric All-Wheel Drive technology is one of the best if not the best I have every seen. The other vehicles are limited in their capabilities because their AWD systems are simply useless in real world situations. I believe "stuck" would be the best word to describe them. Only a dead battery, an empty fuel tank, or a boxer engine without oil will stop a Subaru.

[@AutoNaija]

What of the quattro?

[@panama-canada]

@agent0295 It's important because it rattles with time and, due to change in temperatures, materials shrink or expand, which causes rattles.

[@SPSC97]

And it can pull 2700 pounds. Still driving my AWD 1996 Legacy wagon, best AWD cars built.

[@im1greatman]

This car is sweet in the winter! Nothing compares to Subaru's AWD. Side note: watching this on 3G blows. =]

[@kzero70]

@Zinizzle haha, Subaru's vehicle designs have always been odd and quirky. It always takes me a few years to grow onto them and appreciate it.

[@BrantFortunate]

simple, accurate rating system. nice.

[@sjchun79]

Subaru is always awesome.

[@TheMowgli420]

the early 2000's were a nightmare with headgasket failure. (2.5l engine.)

[@Zinizzle]

@consumerreports Please tell Subaru to change those headlights and taillights, and maybe the front fascia, and the interior material quality really needs an upgrade. For 30k I want a padded dashboard, and less hard plastics. If they can do this, I will buy one. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way about the styling.

[@panama-canada]

@wengil494 Yes, this is awful! That actually happened to me on a highway when one of the wheels hit a puddle at 120. I went swirling sideways!!! Scary!

[@panama-canada]

@iaincro92 It's cramped inside, feels narrow, seat cushions are short, offer not enough support. The dash is too easy to scratch, and visibility outward is awful!

[@shekshishekki]

how the hell is the gutteral flat 4 sound displeasing?!?!

[@saintjabroni]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Jackthesmilingblack]

Shame about the head gaskets and the "mission slip".

[@andrewerdna100]

@WingedUnicornOne the crosstour is ugglier than the outback and not as good off road. the outback is way better balanced

[@AnhYeuEmMaiMai69]

lol at the Subaru being a handful in emergency handling...looks like someone does not understand the handling dynamics of an AWD gotta learn how to use it to your advantage....

[@outrigger777]

He does gives you the impression that small items. that might be worthy of a critique, are more like pancreatic cancer, or something.

[@theMidnightGoggles]

Dude sounds like Kip from Napolean Dynamite.

[@saintjabroni]

🤣🤣🤣

[@tlccar1]

Totally disagree on it not being sporty. He is annoying

[@EverythingOtaku]

Subaru is AMAZING!!!

[@nmende00]

I do. Have you ever had a child or deer suddenly dart out into the road?

[@BandiGetOffTheRoof]

I like the new OB styling...it's the Venza that looks like Homer Simpson dreamed up. ....BUT WHAT ABOUT THE STEERING SHAKES??? C'mon Suburu...address the issue! It's keeping folks from buying the otherwise great OB!

[@ImportOwner]

Either Portland hipsters are all over the rocky mountain west, or that statement is completely idiotic. There isn't some secret Outback Manifesto, it's simply a highly capable wagon that's efficient to boot. Does it have the power of my hemi? No. But it isn't supposed to either. And for the record, we're dog owners. And we like them enough to not toss them in the back of a pickup truck.

[@outrigger777]

Not meaning to say anything bad about the Outback--It's a great car, with much to commend it. But at the end the reviewer throws a little bomb, without presenting any evidence, by saying, "the XC70 costs quite a bit more , and it's not a better car". While the XC70 does cost more, I know several people who have owned both Outbacks and XC70s, who would disagree about which car is "better".

[@Charsept]

i think they used to look better

[@ParaTroopa506]

Who cares if the dash is padded? And having the tail come out is fun not scary.

[@saintjabroni]

😂😂😂

[@gazistar5526]

Very good review but Subaru isn’t better than Volvo Sorry Subaru but you never going to get as good as Volvo

[@TheMowgli420]

I don't understand why car manufactures are putting the hazard light button in with the climate control..such a horrible location!! When changing climate modes- it's too easy to hit the Hazard button instead.

[@doh1976]

These cars have near unsolvable shaking problems. The dealer isnt helpful even though subaru has tsb that replaces most of the steering

[@andrewang17]

too picky, no car is good, i driving outback, is one engineered car, and is a sucess

[@A3apoBcs]

If you know,Subaru is wrc team,but almost 10 second to hundred,suck

[@HFLanciaStratos]

I'm sorry, but it's hideous compared to its predecessors. It's probably a great car though.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

CVT = Fail, New Front end = Fail, Interior Quality = Fail, this fellows half grown beard is Fail! *Feints*

[@MrCondoriano]

now that is a consumer advice video. 1 thing they never talk about is styling and most Subaru's are ugly XD.

[@erikkauffman1913]

And not only that, this car has never been smooth on the highway. It's even got Micehlins on it now and it still has a shimmy. My 2008 Outback was smooth as glass no matter the road or the speed. This thing is just trash....that's howI feel about this car....it's garbage and I really dislike it. And it's topped off with sheet metal that's no thicker than an aluminum pie plate....a little creeative cost cutting there, Subaru???

[@TheMowgli420]

shimmy at speed is usually due to out of balance wheels.

[@jgg204]

I feel bad for anyone who bought this gen of Outback. The real version of this gen just came out in 2015. Same goes for the bastardized 2009-2013 Forester which was a chintzy pieces of garbage as Subaru tried to transform from a wagon to something that resembled an SUV. The real version came out in 2014. What buyers of that gen did for Subaru is subsidize the R&D costs associated with developing the next one by purchasing an inferior vehicle with all-plastic interior, no soft touch surfaces, a three-decade old 4 speed planar gear transmission, a chintzy uncomfortable seat, and a sound system that's worse than a $75 sony boom box from the 90's.

[@rockymountainman7]

No that radio really isn't great and yeah there are a lot of hard plastics in it. There is little to complain about the seats. It is a real shitty job to stick new lightbulbs in the headlights though. Anyway, we got 275000 km on it now and it just had its very first real repair! The rear brake callipers needed replacing. So far it has been a great vehicle and i can recommend it to anyone. The Subaru Outback is the ultimate tool for people that spent half the year on snow and ice like we do.

[@Tmillz131]

1. ugly car 2. horrible quality 3. buy a better car for 30,000 like an audi 4. subaru should be goin out of business 5. they suck

[@SexyBulldozerMan]

cvt is slow but how is the manual? any better?

[@Harry_Meredith]

I have the manual and yeah the car gets out of its own way and is still a ton of fun to drive... Especially in the snow

[@IdentifiableUser]

I'll tell you, there's an Outback in every corner of Vermont. On every street in every city, town or village of the state there's an Outback lurking in it as well.

[@drcastilloserulle]

2011 OB with over 200k miles and I love it! The only replacement considered is a 2018 OB

[@TheCarArchives96]

the engine on the 2009-present Subaru Outback Engine 2.0 L DOHC turbodiesel 148 hp (110 kW) H4 2.5 L SOHC i-AVLS 170 hp (130 kW) H4 3.6 L DOHC DAVCS 256 hp (191 kW) H6

[@rockymountainman7]

It is at a trouble free 170000 km right now. And no we are not doing cross country trips on the weekend. My wife drives it to work and back five days a week which adds up to 1000 km. What we drive on the weekend comes on top of that. Here in the great white north we drive half the year on snow, ice and and early in the morning often on unplowed roads. Equipped with a full set of winterboots the Outback is the ultimate tool for the job.

[@TCB1468]

I like this review It gives alot more info than other consumer report reviews.

[@erikkauffman1913]

If the 2013 got a suspension update and decreased roll by 40%, it's because it NEEDED it!! I have a 2012, and it may very well be the sloppiest handling vehicle I have ever had. I had a 2006 Dodge Dakota that may have been worse, but this Subaru is pathetic. It rolls, it bounces, the struts have absolutely zero rebound damping, they top out and go "clunk" especially in the rear, and to even attempt to do even halfway spirited driving is impossible. I drive my cars hard, I don't baby them. This thing is a big wobbly turd that I wish I had never purchased. The roads I test drove it on were not like the roads I have to drive on daily, and my 2008 Outback held the road better than this pig. Also the amount of engine noise that comes through into the cabin is totally unacceptable in my opinion.

[@stevecrocker6904]

hmm, my 2010 3.6 doesn't do those things

[@BODEGA-BAY-814]

@@stevecrocker6904 🤣

[@Fussinated]

Man as much as I want to be positive to this reviewer there is something fundamentally irritating with him. I can't stand his reviews to the end.

[@Justin-C]

@JDHoffa You can expect that kind of a scare in just about any top heavy suv/crossover type vehicle. Hardly limited to the Outback.

[@rockymountainman7]

My wife drives a 2010 Outback 2.5 L pzev and cvt transmission. This vehicle has performed very well and we will get another one some day. The cvt can keep the reffs high at times when you pull away but that is fixed easily by shifting up with the flappy peddals while still in auto mode. It uses less than 8 liters/100Km overall. The 2010 has more legroom in the back for Jack and Jill and it has the best AWD system out there (snow and ice 6 months of the year). And don't forget it's very safe.

[@rangerover06sc]

It looks like the 2013 Subaru Outback is going to get a suspension update that will decrease body roll by 40% and significantly improve avoidance maneuver speeds.

[@utubelin670]

why cant CR do this to all the other videos, I like the ratings and good, very good, and the other things

[@voodazz]

150k on a 2010??? Do you drive cross country trips every weekend??

[@joeypalochak9985]

all haters subaru changed the outback in 2015

[@tlv156]

I love Subaru, but this car is ugly imo. My best friend just bought one. The CVT ruins it further....

[@mindtraveller100]

The tail slides out?! But it´s a Subaru...

[@outdoorsurvivalshop8986]

I have an 03 outback with 345,000 miles on it! Still running like a dream! Love that thing!

[@gazistar5526]

I don’t thing you have that many miles probably rebuilt engine or new engine

[@iaincro92]

I like the inside of the car..its light with lots of space, which is what you want in a Family wagon.....there is just a few things that i dont like about it...First its that Styling....its hideous, i mean look at the shape of those head lights?!!...and the overall shape of the car looks Bloated, and swollen....with the smooth edges and the curvy front, its not as sharply designed as the XC70..i think that the inside is better than the old one....but the old one certainly looks a lot better. :)

[@jamestl124]

Just hit 180,000 miles on my 2011 2.5i Prem. CVT.. she runs great and I love her.

[@Mixedbreed3]

@agent0295 I agree with you on this one. My dash board is soft in my vehicle and for some reason, I have never had a desire to sit or lay on it for comfort.

[@outrigger777]

Most of the recently redesigned SUV's are clad with far too much chrome--a Buck Rogers car-of-the-future look. Good job on the redesign of the Outback.

[@importcarenthusiast]

I want one of these so badly!!!! thanks for the awesome review, as always.

[@OfficerSheepDog]

Very Very good review! way better than KBB

[@gakatem6004]

Foresta

[@CC58]

Have they fixed the steering wheel shimmy and dead spot yet? Made the car wander on highway. Seems this showed up on 2010-2012 models.

[@saintjabroni]

Any update on this matter?

[@Dankcatvacs]

the flat 4 not pleasing ?! your not pleasing

[@BODEGA-BAY-814]

🤣

[@WC3POchannel10A]

@iaincro92 The Subaru design team should be fired! The interior is nice, but the outside is indeed hideous.

[@saintjabroni]

Take a chill. Love or hate it.

[@megrai4137]

Thank you for your video

[@pvp_python2632]

Did he just call the vvt “variable transmission”? I already trust him to much...

[@mindtraveller100]

He called the cvt (not vvt) "continuously variable transmission". What´s wrong about that?

[@Whatitup]

I have seen the faux wood trim in person and it is so glossy its awful

[@saintjabroni]

It’s not that bad. Makes ya feel good, too.

[@panama-canada]

@treridings MT named it utility car of the year for its UTILITY, not DRIVABILITY! My drawer, if compared to the Outback, will win the utility contest :-) As to "not all that pleasing" rumble, the author is actually right. The engine seems underpowered and suffocates when pushed just a bit. CVT tranny keeps the revs high and everything higher than 2000 rpm and Subaru boxers scream like a lawn mower! Terrible!!!

[@fastfiddler1625]

Is he always this whiney? 8.7" ground clearance in a crossover style and it did that maneuvering at 48mph? I don't see a problem. They missed the point entirely. It's meant to be a jack of all trades vehicle. That means it won't take you through the roughest rock climbing or beat a WRX in autocross, but it does a damn sight better than most other cars at either. I'm looking into the 3.6R. Coming from a 2004 gas guzzling Explorer, even the 3.6's economy is a massive improvement. (~17 @70mph FYI)

[@frankpo123456789]

Wow 10.7. It's with the crew and the trunk with all Tv stuff.