2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Subaru Legacy/Outback
Pictured: 2011 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon 2.5i EyeSight in Ice Silver Metallic, front right. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2010 midsize car (22.2 MPG).
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 17% better than the 2010 midsize car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

What changed for 2010

  • Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 22 to 26

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Legacy/Outback →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Legacy AWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+17%$2,600342
Outback Wagon AWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 24+31%$2,800370
Legacy AWD2.5L 4-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22-1%$3,050404
Outback Wagon AWD2.5L 4-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+20%$3,050404
Legacy AWD2.5L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-5%$3,900423
Legacy AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-10%$3,350444
Outback Wagon AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20+9%$3,350444
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.2 MPG2010 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback under the current (2011+) test program.

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Legacy/Outback years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 Legacy/Outback29–Not rated00
2016 Legacy/Outback29–Not rated00
2015 Legacy/Outback29–Not rated00
2014 Legacy/Outback27–Not rated00
2013 Legacy/Outback27–Not rated00
2012 Legacy/Outback25–Not rated00
2011 Legacy/Outback25–Not rated00
2009 Legacy/Outback22–Not rated00
2008 Legacy/Outback22–Not rated00
2007 Legacy/Outback23–Not rated00
2006 Legacy/Outback23–Not rated00
2005 Legacy/Outback23–Not rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →