Subaru has spruced up the Outback inside and out for 2018.
Easily one of Subaru’s strongest sellers, the Outback gains a number of updates and enhancements for 2018. The most obvious is the refreshed styling, but almost all of it’s in the details – the Outback wears restyled front and rear fascias, along with reshaped headlights and new wheel designs. It even gets a pair of reshaped mirrors, which Subaru says helps curtail wind noise.
For 2018, the Outback also gets a handful of new safety features, including steering-responsive headlights, automatic high-beams and a reverse automatic braking system. Of course, all of that is on top of Subaru’s available EyeSight suite of active safety goodies.
2018 Subaru Outback
Powertrains remain the same – the 2.5-litre flat-four and 3.6L flat-six still pump out 175 and 256 horsepower, respectively. What has changed is the transmission – it’s still a CVT, but Subaru has fitted a new chain (and made some overall tweaks to engine timing) in a bid to “reduce powertrain noise.” Subaru also worked to re-tune the Outback’s power steering system for better response to inputs, and fitted the front windows with sound-insulating glass.
Inside, Subaru has spruced up the Outback with more upscale materials and a larger eight-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system – which now includes optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The 2018 Outback – along with the North American-spec 2018 Crosstrek – will make its official debut next week at the New York Auto Show. We’ll bring you a closer look then.
