2010 Subaru Outback

The new Outback sits higher than before, too, with a commanding view of the road. Popular Mechanics calls the 8.7 inches of ground clearance "Hummer-humbling," and Motor Trend notes that "you could drive it through all but the toughest trails in Moab." Still, the Subaru Outback wagon offers an easy step-in height low enough for MotherProof.com's 5- and 7-year-old kid-testers. Several experts agree that the bigger Outback isn't as agile as before, but they also agree that it's competent for normal driving -- "never clumsy," The New York Times' Christopher Jensen says.

As always, standard all-wheel drive is one of Subaru's biggest assets. Other wagons offer all-wheel drive as an option -- including fellow Best Reviewed pick, the 2010 Ford Flex (Base MSRP: $28,950 to $42,465), which seats seven -- but year after year, various experts marvel at the Outback's superiority in the snow. Cars.com names the Outback the Best New Wagon of 2010, saying it "has outshined many competitors in wintry Chicago."

Fuel economy and power have traditionally been the Outback's downfalls, largely thanks to that all-wheel drive. But testers say the 2010 Subaru Outback has improved there, too.

Two of Subaru's trademark boxer engines are offered. Outback 2.5i models keep the same well-liked 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder from last year, achieving the same 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined with the standard six-speed manual transmission. A new, optional continuously variable transmission boosts fuel economy to 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, which reviews say is good for a big all-wheel-drive wagon. Most reviewers like this powertrain, which Edmunds.com calls "punchy," although TheTruthAboutCars.com's reviewer complains of slow throttle tip-in with the CVT.

Nobody complains about power from the Outback 3.6R's 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter flat-six. A five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is the only option here, and Autoblog.com says it's a good one: "Power delivery is so fluid and consistent," reviewer Chris Shunk writes. MotherProof.com's Sara Lacey finds "plenty of power on demand," even through Colorado mountain passes. This combo delivers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway/20 mpg combined. All 2010 Outbacks run on regular unleaded gasoline.

The Subaru Outback seats five. The entry-level Outback 2.5i (Base MSRP: $22,995) and bigger-engined Outback 3.6R (Base MSRP: $27,995) include full power accessories, cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering, a height-adjustable driver's seat, CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack, automatic headlights and -- a touch that gets a lot of praise -- a roof rack with crossbars that fold away into the side rails to reduce wind drag and noise.

With either engine, the Premium trim (Base MSRP: $24,295 to $28,995) adds bigger 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Options include an upgraded Harmon Kardon stereo with Bluetooth, and an All-Weather package with heated mirrors and front seats and a windshield wiper de-icer (the 3.6R Premium also has a sunroof option). The Limited trim (Base MSRP: $27,995 to $30,995) makes the All-Weather package and Harmon Kardon stereo standard, along with dual-zone automatic climate control and leather seats; the 3.6R Limited also offers the sunroof and navigation with backup camera as options.

The 2010 Outback's cabin is "more sophisticated" than before, Kiplinger.com says, and Cars.com says the "materials are a step up from the previous model." Others disagree. "While the seats are stitched up in relatively high quality leather, dash materials are hard plastic and the center stack feels a bit bargain basement," Autoblog.com's Shunk says. TheTruthAboutCars.com's Jonathan Gregory describes the fake stainless-steel trim as "cheezy glitz."

Crash ratings are nearly perfect. The 2010 Outback earns the highest possible ratings in all government and independent front, side, rear and roof-strength tests, with 4 stars (out of 5) for rollover avoidance. Experts predict excellent reliability, based on the Outback's history. It is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Most major review sources have tested the redesigned 2010 Subaru Outback station wagon, and most find a lot to praise. ConsumerReports.org subjects the Outback to a thorough battery of tests and includes it in its best-to-worst ranking of 2010 wagons. The 2010 Outback lands at the top of the wagon charts after comprehensive tests at Edmunds.com, Cars.com, Popular Mechanics and Kiplinger.com, and in both federal and independent crash tests. The Outback even beats all SUVs in Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year contest. The New York Times, Autoblog.com and TheTruthAboutCars.com cover all of the Outback's important points in their tests. MotherProof.com tests the Outback from a mom's viewpoint, and CNET from a tech-lover's viewpoint. Federal fuel-economy estimates are posted at FuelEconomy.gov.