SUVs & Trucks

2018 Subaru Outback Introduced: The SUV Gets a Little Bit of Everything

Well, we have to admit that the refreshed 2018 Subaru Outback isn’t everything we had hoped for, but it’s still a quite cool piece of metal. The car manufacturer revealed a facelifted SUV a few days ahead of official debut that’s going to happen at the 2017 New York auto show, so we know pretty much everything about it.

The 2018 Outback doesn’t feature too many exterior changes. They updated a face with several details, but this pretty much everything. As you may notice, the nose sports a restyled grille that’s now wider and lowered and more aggressive headlights. Also, the front bumper appears to be bulkier than before, while the rear end gets just several minor tweaks. The manufacturer added a new wheel design, but it’s available only for the topping Limited trim level.

Inside, the interesting SUV sports a lot more luxury than before, but this isn’t the most important change. No, you need to start up the engine, and then you will notice that there is no so much noise as earlier. Go further, and you will also notice that the vehicle features incomparably better ride quality. The new Outback gets a completely redesigned center console and steering wheel. A new dash sports new stitching, while you can choose a fourth interior color as well. Aside from the current paints (Slate Black, Warm Ivory, and Java Brown), the 2018 Outback will be offered with Titanium Gray leather, which is absolutely gorgeous.

Tech wise, the refreshed SUV features an updated Starlink multimedia and infotainment system with a bigger touchscreen. In contrast to the old 6.2-inch screen, you can choose between a standard 6.5-inch and optional 8.0-inch screens. The upgraded infotainment offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as TomTom navigation. There is also Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs, and two USB inputs, while the whole system gets updates via Wi-Fi.

Subaru updated its already amazing safety system as well, so it’s now better for adaptive headlights, a standard rear-view camera, and a new tire-pressure monitor that checks every tire individually. While automatic locking doors and a reverse-braking system stays standard across the range, EyeSight camera and sensors stay optional.

We have to disappoint you because there will be no changes under the hood. We were pretty sure that Subaru plans to add a new engine option, but this will have to wait until the arrival of the new generation Outback. Until then, you will be able to choose between a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder, which makes 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet. Of course, all-wheel drive and CVT will remain the only option, yet the transmission now has a manual mode and paddle shifters.

According to the carmaker, the 2018 Subaru Outback will become available this summer. They haven’t released any pricing information yet, but let’s say it will cost around $1,000 more from the current model.