If there is a silver lining to this recession, it's lower prices for vehicles. Case in point is the 2010 Subaru Outback, now with a base price of $28,995, about $2,000 less than last year's model. The reduction coincides with a significant revamp of the Outback, giving crossover buyers a good reason to put Subaru on their shopping list.

We drove a Sport model equipped with a continuously variable transmission.

Most revamps see vehicles getting bigger and the Outback is no different -- except it actually shrank a few centimetres in length. Otherwise it is taller and wider and boasts a longer wheelbase. The Outback is only available as a five-passenger and crossover/tall wagon configuration.

A stretched wheelbase translates into welcome extra leg and toe room for back seat occupants, a shortcoming on the previous generation car. Up front, occupants will immediately notice seats that are wider and comfier. The seats now sit higher, making it easier for those with mobility issues to enter and exit.

A taller vehicle body means not having to duck to get into the seat, either. Because occupants sit higher, visibility is excellent. Narrow D-pillars virtually eliminate any blind spots to the side and back.

The driver's seat is powered, including the lumbar support. A tilt and telescope steering wheel makes for easy customization for the majority of drivers. While I had no complaint about the quality of the materials, the look and design of the interior is ho-hum. Hard plastic abounds, with an uninspired aluminum-look centre stack.

The conventional handbrake is gone, replaced by an electronic push button on the dash to the left of the steering column.

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The centre armrest has power, USB and iPod connectors. Voice-activated Bluetooth connectivity is standard on the Sport model. Surprisingly there is only one-touch operation for the driver's window -- one would expect the same for the passenger. Ditto for the manual controls for the passenger seat.

A navigation system and back-up camera are available only on more deluxe models. A gauge on the instrument cluster gives instantaneous fuel economy performance and a separate digital read-out at the top of the dash delivers average mileage info.

But most buyers of a Subaru are unlikely to notice the styling and interior features anyway. They are probably more focused on the 40-plus years of all-wheel-drive technology when considering a Subie. This newest vehicle doesn't disappoint in that regard.

The Outback, like all Subarus, is more rugged than most people expect, with good all-terrain performance thanks to a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system backed up with 220 millimetres of ground clearance. Still, it isn't equipped with serious off-road equipment such as a low range setting for the transmission or a system to aid with steep hill descents.

On a paved road, the Outback is quiet and the longer wheelbase returns a well-controlled ride. This is always good news for families headed for the ski hills. To emphasize this specialization, the Outback comes equipped with nice features such as windshield wiper de-icers and heated front seats in anticipation of colder climes.

The engine remains a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder that develops 170 h.p. It can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or a CVT, which acts like an automatic but has no internal gears. When the four-cylinder is mated with the CVT, acceleration can be best described as leisurely. The power is there, but a heavy foot is required. For a speedier response, the transmission can be put into manual mode and shifted via steering-wheel paddles. The four-banger can tow up to 1,227 kg. This is the optimum package for frugal-minded drivers, as the CVT enhances fuel economy. Transport Canada rates the CVT-equipped car at 9.5 litres per 100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway -- numbers better than the manual-transmission equipped car. The same drivetrain setup is found in the Legacy sedan.

A more powerful, 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine with 256 h.p. and five-speed conventional automatic transmission is available. Towing capacity increases to 1,363 kg.

The advantage of using a revised double-wishbone rear suspension over the previous car is less intrusion into the cargo compartment. Cargo volume behind the rear seats is 972 litres, so people can carry lots of junk in the trunk. Rear seats fold 60/40 and also recline. A cargo cover keeps everything hidden. When not in use, the centre seat-back folds down to make a wide arm-rest with two integrated cup-holders.

Safety equipment includes ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), dynamic and traction control. The front seats have whiplash-reducing technology. There are front, front side and side curtain airbags.

With a lower price and beefed-up body, the Outback is well-positioned to take on competitors such as the Toyota Venza, Ford Edge and even its sister, the popular Subaru Forester.

parrais@tc.canwest.com

OUTBACK SPECS

Type: Four-door mid-sized crossover, front-engine, all-wheel-drive

Engine: 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, 170 h.p at 5,600 r.p.m., 170 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 r.p.m.

Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode and paddle shifters, electronically-controlled multi-plate transfer clutch

Dimensions (mm): Length, 4,780; width, 2,050; height, 1,670; wheelbase, 2,740

Curb weight (kg): 1,606

Price (base/as tested): $32,995/$34,520 (includes $1,525 freight and PDI)

Options: None

Tires: 225/60 R 17 all-season tires on alloy wheels

Fuel economy (L/100km): 9.5 city, 6.9 highway; regular gas

Warranty: Three-years/60,000 km new vehicle and roadside assistance, 60 months/100,000 km major component