Sharing several aspects of what underpins Subaru's Legacy sedan, the all-new Outback also features extensive improvements throughout. The Outback is intended, as the name implies, to provide even more ground clearance, track width, and off-roading capability than its more street-prove Legacy sister vehicle.

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the all-new Outback features a fairly broad list of transmission and engine choices, one of which is capable of up to 29 mpg on the highway when equipped with the base engine and optional CVT transmission. That model averages 22 mpg in the city, while the six-speed manual Outback 2.5i is rated at 19/27 mpg. For those with a heavier foot, the 6-cylinder 3.6R with its standard five-speed automatic is rated at 18/25 mpg.

Subaru's all-new 2010 Outback will start at $22,995, the same price as the outgoing model. The optional CVT will add $1,000 to the price. Those seeking a six-cylinder Outback will have to step up to the $27,995 Outback 3.6R -- a $4,000 decrease from last year's six-cylinder Outback entry price.

Outback will be available in six trim levels -- 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, as well as 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited (powered by a 3.6-liter boxer-six with 256-horsepower) trim levels.

The 2.5i Premium adds to the base 2.5i fog lights, tinted rear windows, a power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy wheels, among other options. It starts at $24,295 for a six-speed manual model.

The 2.5i Limited comes with the CVT only and adds heated leather seats, a harman/kardon audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels and a few other features for its $27,995 asking price.

The Outback 3.6R might be $4,000 cheaper than the outgoing six-cylinder 3.0R Limited, but it doesn't include quite as many luxe features. It adds tinted windows, fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, the CVT and, of course, two extra cylinders, to the base 2.5i.

For $1,000 more, the 3.6R Premium includes a power driver's seat, heated seats and leather for the steering wheel -- which pretty much mirrors the 2.5i Limited's trim. The 3.6R comes with a 3.6-liter, 256-horsepower boxer six-cylinder hooked up to a conventional five-speed automatic with a manual mode.

The Outback shares a lot with the Legacy, but a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase helps with stability and ride quality while adding an extra four inches to the rear legroom. The Outback grows two inches in width, as well.

Ground clearance is up to 8.7 inches for this soft-roader. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is standard across the line, though each of the engine options features a specially-tailored AWD configuration.

The 2.5i models are powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer mated to a six-speed manual or an optional "Lineartronic" CVT transmission. Subaru says fuel economy and acceleration are up with either transmission. The CVT is standard on the Limited, optional otherwise.

Base 2.5i models will come with 16-inch steel wheels; 17-inch alloy wheels will be standard otherwise.

Manual transmission 2.5i models feature a permanent all-wheel-drive system that employs a viscous-coupling locking center differential. CVT 2.5i models have an active all-wheel-drive system with an electronically managed continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to send power to the rear wheels.

Six-cylinder Outbacks get a planetary gear-type center differential with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic clutch that offers the fastest transfer of power between front and rear. Stability control is standard across the lineup.

Standard roof rails on all models feature crossbars that swing into position when needed to alleviate wind noise and to improve aerodynamics.

Dealer-installed options are numerous and can be added to any Outback