Photo Credit: Subaru

Subaru of America, Inc. revs up with another achievement at it snatches a motoring magazine’s 2010 sports utility vehicle (SUV) award for the second time in a row.

Described as “spacious, tough, thoroughly modern, exceedingly capable sport/utility vehicle,” recognized motoring authority Motor Trend named the Outback as the SUV of 2010.
According to Motor Trend, Subaru’s back-to-back win is the first in the history of the competition. Last year, Outback’s predecessor, the Forester, brought home the Golden Caliper trophy.

“Fighting off several tough adversaries — and undoubtedly some unspoken but very real bias among our judges against repeat winners — Subaru’s new, fourth-generation Outback scored a decisive 10-1 victory in the final voting,” the automobile magazine said in a statement.

“Subaru was successfully reshaping the very definition of SUV- melding the multi-mission prowess of true SUVs with the driving refinement, fuel-frugality, and easy access of wagons and sedans. Once again, our judges began taking extra notes,” the magazine added.

Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie said the Outback got the nod for offering “a unique combination of comfort, efficiency, versatility and value.”

“It boasts car-like refinement, drivability and gas mileage on the road, yet is as capable in the rough stuff as all but the most off-road focused sport utilities,” MacKenzie said.

For his part, Subaru of America Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Thomas J. Doll was elated with the win, saying it was “an outstanding achievement.”

“The Subaru Outback is an icon of performance and capability and was the original SUV alternative. Now with its improved power, economy and increased dimensions it is the complete package,” Doll said in a statement.

The all-new Outback, priced at $22,995, is available with either a 170-hp 2.5-liter four cylinder boxer engine or a 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine. The 2010 Subaru Outback is built featuring a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase (now 107.9 inches), improving interior space. (Grace R)

Sources: Motor Trend and Subaru