"The fuel economy is stellar," logs executive editor Edward Loh. "It rides tall (lots of clearance) and can carry a ton of gear and people, yet I saw over 25 mpg on two successive tanks (one went over 400 miles). Climbed the Conejo grade on the 101 Freeway from Camarillo up to the Newberry Park/Thousand Oaks area with four adults on board and plenty of gear. The engine droned a bit and required extra throttle, but the pedal didn't need to be floored and car never slowed down. That, in my book, is evidence that the four-cylinder Outback is not underpowered. It does take some getting used to. Those accustomed to gobs of torque or stirring acceleration at the crack of the gas pedal will need to look elsewhere. You have to be comfortable with rpm to get full use out of this car."
| 2010 Subaru Outback |
| Months/miles in service | 6/14,714 |
| Avg econ/CO2 | 24.6 mpg/0.79 lb/mi |
| Unresolved problems | None |
| Maintenance cost | $147.52 (oil change/inspection/rotate tires) |
| Normal-wear cost | $0 |