2010 Subaru Outback vs 2010 Volvo V50

2010 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is newly redesigned for 2010. This is its first redesign since 2005. Changes for this model year include a larger body size, adding much-needed space to the backseat, yet its mileage has improved. Safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, and an electronic stability system is now standard on all Outbacks. Standard airbags include frontal, front-seat side-impact and side curtains that cover the side windows along all seats. The Outback's two models, named after their engines, include the 2.5i and the 3.6R; both come in base, Premium and Limited trim levels.

Outback Power and Driving

The Subaru Outback is powered by either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder. The engines, respectively, deliver 170 horsepower and 256 hp. The 3.6-liter upgraded engine, which replaces the previous generation's 3.0-liter six-cylinder, gets lower mileage than the 2.5-liter, but it now runs on regular gas instead of premium, for some cost savings. A six-speed manual is standard on the 2.5i.  The 3.6R comes only with a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard, but the sophistication increases as you make the jump from the manual to the CVT to the 3.6-liter's five-speed.

2010 Outback Design

 The Outback is larger for 2010, and its ground clearance has increased to 8.7 inches.  Overall, the Outback has a more SUV-like presence.  Standard on the base 2.5i are 16-inch steel wheels; 17-inch alloys come on all other trim levels, including the 3.6R. Like the Legacy, the Outback's headlights recall Nissan and Infiniti designs, but the prominent bumper distinguishes it more than the Legacy. The roof rack, which is standard, has hinged cross-members that swing 90 degrees to tuck into the side rails when not in use, which reduces wind noise and improves aerodynamics.

Inside the Subaru Outback

With a larger cabin space, the Outback for 2010 offers more utility and versatility. The interior materials are upgraded and include metallic-look trim on the steering wheel and other surfaces. The driver's seat height adjustment is standard, as is a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise-control buttons. Power driver and passenger seats, dual-zone climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel come in successively higher trim levels. Standard on all trim levels are keyless entry, a CD player and an audio input jack. Bluetooth audio streaming capability, which serves the same purpose wirelessly with a compatible cellular phone, comes with a premium stereo and six-CD changer on some versions.

2010 Volvo V50

  The V50 is one of Volvo's smallest wagons in the lineup. It comes in 2.4i and T5 R-Design trim levels, and the availability of all-wheel drive. For 2010 the T5 R-Design gets a new standard six-speed manual transmission; a five-speed automatic is optional. The Volvo V50 is a stylish wagon version of the S40. It continues to enhance Volvo's reputation as a maker of superb sports wagons. Safety features include electronic stability control, side-impact and side curtain airbags, and all-disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. The V50 includes Bluetooth and HD radio and the T5 is only available with the unique R-Design package, enhancing appearance and comfort.

V50 Power and Driving

For power, an inline-five-cylinder engine is standard on either model, and high-performance T5 R-Design editions get a turbocharger for more power. The T5 R-Design also comes standard with all-wheel drive and a sport suspension. The front-wheel drive 2.4i has a 168-hp 2.4-liter inline-five-cylinder engine matched with a five-speed automatic transmission. The five-speed automatic transmission includes Geartronic, allowing driver selectable shifting.

2010 V50 Design

The V50 is similar in exterior design to its sibling S40. The V50 is sized at 178 inches long, and its width is 69.7 inches. A V-shaped hood bulge runs down into a sculpted nose, and there's a broad lower air intake. T5 R-Design models come with a standard sporty appearance package called R-Design, which includes a different grille, a sport body kit with body-colored side skirts, and front and rear spoilers. 

Inside the Volvo V50

Although the V50 is not as large inside as other Volvo model wagons, it is more focused on being a sport wagon.  In fact, the standard seat material is sportswear inspired slightly coarse, woven. Leather upholstery is available on the base model and standard on T5 R-Design. The rear seatbacks fold down separately, and the front passenger seat's backrest also folds flat. Passenger volume comes in at 93 cubic feet. Cargo space comes in at 12.8 cubic feet, but with the back bench down it increases to 44.2 cubic feet. Aluminum trim is now standard on both the 2.4i and T5 R-Design, while Nordic Light Oak trim is optional.

Summary

The Volvo V50 and Subaru Outback are both capable wagons that handle well and are large enough to accommodate a small family. While the Outback comes standard with all wheel drive, as all Subarus do, it is only available on the Volvo V50's upper trim level. The Outback got a full redesign for 2010; it has a larger, restyled interior, an optional CVT automatic transmission, a standard electronic stability system now standard, an even larger cargo area, and vanishing roof-rack cross-beams. The highlights of the Volvo V50 include its compact-sized wagon, relative interior space, long list of standard safety features, a blind spot warning system option, and a versatile cargo hatch. When compared the Outback and V50 get similar mileage: the Outback gets 22/29 mpg city/highway and the Volvo V50 comes in at 20/31 mpg city/highway. The base models also go head to head in power, the Outback is 170-hp with its 2.5-liter H-4 and the Volvo is 168-hp 2.4-liter I-5. While the Outback only requires regular fuel, and Volvo premium, the Volvo's upper trim does get more power: 227 hp compared to Outbacks 256 hp.  These are two very capable wagons. They both have pros and cons. The Outback has an MSRP of $22,995 - $30,995 and the Volvo V50 is priced at $28,700 - $33,050.