The rugged Subaru Outback,a 5-passenger all-wheel-drive station wagon,has undergone a redesign for 2010. The suspension and brakes have been upgraded; the interior is roomier; and audio controls have been added to the steering wheel. The Outback is a rough-terrain performer,and Subaru positions it to compete with larger crossover SUVs.

The 2010 Subaru Outback offers three trim levels with a choice of two engines. The base-level Outback 2.5i trim features 16-inch wheels,cruise control,adjustable roof apparatus,automatic headlights,some power accessories,and a 4-speaker sound system. The Outback 2.5i Premium and Limited trims add various enhancements,while the Outback 3.6R,3.6R Premium,and 3.6R Limited feature a larger and more powerful engine. The Outback Limited trim,with either engine,offers the most features. It boasts 17-inch alloy wheels,power driver?s seat,leather upholstery,dual-zone automatic climate control,a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system,and more. A navigation system with touch-screen interface is optional with the Limited trims,and a sunroof is optional on all trims except the base 2.5i. The Outback provides 71.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats folded down,according to the manufacturer.

The standard power plant in all 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i trims is a 170-horsepower,2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder engine with 6-speed manual or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT),which is standard with the Outback Limited trim. This engine produces 170 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway,according to the EPA. The Outback 3.6R trims feature a 256-horsepower,3.6-liter flat 6-cylinder engine that delivers 247 lb.-ft. of torque,18 mpg in the city,and 25 mpg on the highway with its standard 5-speed automatic transmission.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Subaru Outback include anti-lock disc brakes,stability control,traction control,front side air bags,and side curtain air bags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Outback its highest-possible ?Good? ratings in front- and side-impact crash tests.

Starting MSRPs for the 2010 Subaru Outback ranged from $22,995 to $30,995.