The mid-size Subaru Liberty, known as the Legacy in most other parts of the world, has been completely redesigned for 2010, and it’s grown larger inside and out, including a refreshed power train lineup, with upgraded engines in the turbocharged 2.5GT and six-cylinder 3.6R models. While the outgoing Liberty could trace a few of its components all the way back to 1989, the new version is built on a new platform, based somewhat on the Impreza and WRX, and shares nothing with the 2009 model.
At first glance, there’s no mistaking that the new 2010 Subaru Liberty is larger and more substantial, compared to the ’09 model, the 2010 Liberty is wider and taller, and the wheelbase stretched but in total is only marginally longer. Outside, the Liberty might not be the most exciting midsize sedan, but it looks tasteful and modern. The grille is a reverse trapezoidal shape that works especially well with the hood scoop on the turbocharged 2.5 GT models. It’s easy to identify the Liberty as a Subaru, but the design is generic enough to appeal to most midsize sedan shoppers. We appreciate the subtle bulge at the wheel flares, which gives the profile some character and a hint of muscle. It also showcases the standard all-wheel-drive.
Inside the Liberty offers many luxurious technologies and features – starting with full-frame doors that bring noise, vibration, and harshness levels down considerably. You’ll also find larger, more comfortable seats, better materials, including some very supple leather on the high-end cars, and nicer looking gauges than on other Subaru products. Options are limited but include an upgraded Harman-Kardon stereo, Bluetooth phone and iPod connectivity, rear view reversing camera, sunroof and a voice-activated navigation system.
What is comparable to the new Subaru in the Australian market place? I think the Mazda6, Maxima, and Passat are the new Liberty’s primary rivals. In all three cases, these cars have a little more personality and more driving enjoyment than some of the other mid-size rivals like the Camry or Sonata. With the CVT, the base 2.5i model gets better fuel economy with all-wheel drive than front-wheel-drive competitors.
SUBARU OUTBACK
For fifteen years, the Outback as all but defined Subaru in Australia. The high-riding wagons have been the perfect vessels for the brand’s signature all-wheel-drive system. Through three generations, the Outback formula has effectively remained the same. For the fourth-generation 2010 Outback, Subaru has made the most significant changes so far to its best-known model.
Of course, a major component of the Outback image is its ability to venture off-pavement, and that capability is slightly enhanced, as all Outbacks now have 22 cms of ground clearance and the front and rear overhangs have been trimmed. For most Outback buyers, ‘off-road’ likely translates to ‘dirt roads’. We took it to the test down plenty of off road tracks, and the Outback never put a tyre wrong. More impressive was the car’s body structure, which proved tight and rattle-free despite the pounding.
In keeping with its outdoorsy image, the Outback is often shown with bikes, skis, or kayaks on its roof, so it’s fitting that a roof rack is standard. An interesting new twist, however, is that the rack’s crossbars–which often are sold as an extra-cost accessory or, if they’re standard, can’t be removed and therefore contribute to wind noise–pivot out from the side rails, where they’re stored when not in use. A new Harman/Kardon sound system is available, with a USB port and an iPod input (for those who don’t upgrade to the H/K system, and iPod input is available as a dealer accessory). Other new options include navigation, a rear-view camera, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The parking brake is now electronically activated by a button on the dash, and includes a useful hill-holder feature.
I think the 2010 Subaru Outback has few direct competitors, but many Outback buyers never look at any other car. The Volkswagen Tiguan is a car-based crossover, available in all-wheel drive, and offers a fuel-saving four, but it’s heavier and has less room inside. The Volvo XC60 offers traditional Swedish safety and surprisingly avant-garde styling, but it may cost $10,000 more than a comparable model of Outback, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the granddaddy of all-wheel-drive crossovers, with available V-8 power. It’s crude and long in the tooth, though, and its best mileage doesn’t even come close to being as good as the thirstiest Outback.
The new Outback looks less like the overachieving wagon that won legions of fans and more like any other crossover. But its abilities remain and have even been enhanced. Despite looking more like its competition, the Outback is still lighter, more economical, and more off-road capable than most.
Andrew Koch
