AWDReport.com - A Buyer's Guide to All Wheel Drive Cars, Wagons and Crossovers

Under $20,000 | $19 - $21,000 | $20 - $23,000 | $22 - $25,000 | $24 - $27,000 | $26 - $29,000 |
      $28 - $30,000 | $29 - $31,000 | $30 - $33,000 | $31 - $34,000 | $32 - $35,000 | $34 - $38,000 |
           $36 - $40,000 | $39 - $42,000 | $41 - $44,000 | $42 - $45,000 | $44 - $47,000 | $45 - $48,000 |
               $46 - $51,000 | $49 - $53,000 | $51 - $57,000 | $55 - $60,000 | $60 - $69,000 |
                        $66 - $73,000 | $69 - $79,000 | $78 - $92,000 | $88 - $125,000 | More than $120,000 |

  All Wheel Drive Report

CarsDirect.com
2010 WRX

Subaru

Subaru enters 2010 with 5 basic models. These are Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Forester and Tribeca. (Justifiably proud of their WRX, it is, nonetheless, an Impreza variant.)
Beginning in 1997, Subaru became the first brand in the U.S. to make All-Wheel Drive standard on all its models.
Models equipped with 5-speed manual transmissions utilize a viscous-type locking center differential with torque distribution normally configured at a 50/50-split front-to-rear. If wheel speed differs between front and rear axles, the system helps distribute power to the wheels with the most traction.
     Models equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions utilize an electronically controlled variable transfer clutch to distribute power to where traction is needed. Sensors monitor parameters such as wheel slippage, throttle position and braking, to help determine torque distribution and direct it to the wheels with optimum traction.

Subaru AWD Choices

2010 2.5i Impreza  sedan The 4 door Subaru Impreza is also the basis for the WRX and the Outback Sport. For 2010,the entry model is the 2.5i. Upgrades from there ate the 2.5i Premium, the Outback Sport, and the top of the line 2.5GT. The 170hp 2.5 liter 4 cylinder boxer (flat) engine is mated to a manual 5 speed transmission. Outback Sport versions have a taller suspension, Premium variants are more richly detailed, while the $26,995 GT gets the 224hp intercooled turbo 2.5liter motor. The base 5 door lists for an attractive $17,995, while the base 2.5i sedan remains at $17,495
2010 Subaru Forester The 2010 Subaru Forester is also in its second year after a 2009 redesign. The boxier outline of the new Forester has proven to be Subaru's best selling vehicle. It is offered in 5 trim lines for 2010. The 2.5X is one of the best values in the crossover SUV segment. The 2.5X Premium adds a 10-way power driver's seat, large panoramic power moonroof and interior enhancements and offers an available All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). The Forester 2.5X Limited includes the All-Weather Package and offers more luxury. For performance, the 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited are powered by the 224-hp turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine. Prices for the Forester 2.5 X start at $20,295.
2010 Legacy 2.5i

The 2010 Subaru Legacy is built on a new platform that increases room and comfort. The Legacy offers 3 levels of performance; the Legacy 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited -- are powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine (with available PZEV rating) and are equipped with a new standard 6-speed manual transmission or the new Lineartronic ™ CVT. The Legacy 2.5GT is available in Premium and Limited trim, powered by a new 265-hp turbocharged / intercooled Boxer engine. The Legacy 3.6R , Premium and Limited trim versions are powered by a new 256-hp 3.6-liter engine. The 3.6R is exclusively equipped with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. Compared to the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine it replaces, the new, more powerful 3.6 has can run on regular-grade fuel, rather than premium. Prices for the base, manual transmissioned Legacy 2.5i start at a reduced $19,995.

2010 Subaru Outback The 2010 Subaru Outback interior volume is almost 7 percent bigger in a package that is slightly shorter than the previous model. The wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer and rear seat legroom is improved by almost 4 inches, but front and rear overhangs are reduced by around 2 inchesy. A new rear double wishbone suspension enhances rear cargo space. The Outback is also 2.0 inches wider to improve passenger comfort and has more headroom than the previous model. The Outback line for 2010 includes the 2.5i, powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine, and the new Outback 3.6R powered by a 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine teamed with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. The efficient Outback 2.5i offers a new standard 6-speed manual transmission, or the available Lineartronic™ CVT . The Base Outback comes with a manual transmission and starts at $22,995
2010 WRX The 2010 Subaru WRX's are still basically Imprezas, but are marketed as a different car. Power stays at 265hp for 2010. The hot rod of Subaru's line, WRX is available in Base, Premium or fire breathing 305hp (5 door) STI with Brembo brakes. All WRX are equipped with 5 speed manual gearboxes. Still not the all-out rally racer for the street that it used to be, it remains about the quickest in its class. WRX For 2010, the Premium trim line replaces Premium Package option. WRX 4 door pricing remains at $24,995.
2010 Subaru Tribeca The 2010 Subaru Tribeca; Subaru's largest vehicle loses its 5 passenger configuration. Tribeca is available in Premium, Limited and Touring trim lines. All the Tribecas use the 256hp flat 6 engine with a 5 speed automatic. received the highest rating (5-stars) in all of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. These results are in addition to the 4-star rating in the NHTSA tests for rollover resistance. (No SUV to date has earned 5-stars in the rollover test.). Tribeca prices start at $30,495

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