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

- 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
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +17% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | +31% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -1% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +20% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Legacy AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | +9% | $3,350 | 444 |
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
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 Legacy/Outback | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 Legacy/Outback | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 Legacy/Outback | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 Legacy/Outback | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Legacy/Outback | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 Legacy/Outback | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →