Subaru has enjoyed its best sales year ever while other automakers struggle, mainly due to its strong lineup of new and redesigned products, such as the Legacy Outback crossover. (Photo: Subaru)
Motor Trend magazine has named the revamped Subaru Outback as its 2010 Sport Utility of the Year, the second year in a row that Subaru has won the prize.
For 2009, the redesigned Subaru Forester won the coveted SUV award.
"The 2010 Subaru Outback offers a unique combination of comfort, efficiency, versatility and value,” said Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend editor in chief. “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.”
The Outback was chosen from a field of new or substantially upgraded vehicles, including many of today’s popular crossovers, that have gone on sale in the 12 months from November 1 of the previous year.
During the difficult economic climate of 2009, Subaru is one of the very few automakers who have made consistent gains in sales, year to year.
"To win the 2009 award for the Forester was wonderful enough, but to have won for the 2010 Outback this year is truly an outstanding achievement,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America Inc. “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."
Motor Trend editors test the SUV contestants on a three-phase system of road, traffic and off-road conditions, and judge them in terms of design advancement, engineering excellence, intended function, safety and value, the magazine said.
