Euro-Spec Subaru Outback and Legacy Tourer Arrive With New Faces and More Standard Equipment

October 14, 2009

From the October, 2009 issue of Truck Trend

By Benson Kong

The 2010 Subaru Outback and its sibling, the Legacy Tourer, have landed on European soil with new front ends and more upscale standard equipment. The two new Subarus share underpinnings and are taller, wider, and sit on longer wheelbases than their previous generations, increasing interior space for passengers and cargo.

At the front, you can tell the difference between the two crossovers. While the headlights are the same three-dimensional design, the Legacy features a smiley, one-bar front grille, while the Outback sports a more conservative, three-bar look. The lower bumpers and fog light housings utilize different styles, with the Legacy exhibiting an overall more aggressive front end. Subtle hood scoops accentuate the front on diesel-equipped models.

The rest of the Subarus’ bodies have smooth lines, flared wheel arches, and chrome-framed glass housings for a premium look. Subaru’s vaunted Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System remains situated underneath the all-steel body, along with newly re-engineered suspension helping the Outback and Legacy Tourer with their on- and off-road activities.

For the new decade, the Outback and Legacy Tourer’s well-laden standard features list includes leather seating, front and rear power windows, dual-zone air conditioning, Bluetooth, rain-sensing windshield wipers and headlights, and aluminum alloy wheels, among numerous other amenities.

Under the hood, the Legacy Tourer will present the choice between the diesel 2.0-liter flat-four with 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and the normally-aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four with 164 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. The Outback features the same engines, plus the 257-horsepower, 3.6-liter flat-six with 258 pound-feet of torque planted in the topline 3.6R trim. Available transmissions include a six-speed manual for diesel models and Subaru’s five-speed Lineartronic automatic.

On-the-road pricing for the new Outback and Legacy Tourer in the U.K. are as follows:

2010 Subaru Outback