2018 Subaru Outback Barely Messes With a Good Thing

It’s just slightly easier to notice the changes made to Subaru’s 2018 Outback compared to, say, next year’s radically refreshed Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Though subtle, the Outback’s 2018 styling tweaks brings the all-wheel-drive wagon’s design more in line with its corporate siblings, each of which tries to emulate the brand’s endless parade of Viziv concepts. If you were hoping for a power boost from the vehicle’s stalwart 2.5-liter flat-four, well, dream on.

For its mid-cycle refresh, the Outback maintains its present level of matte body cladding, the acreage of which shrank heavily after the end of the GM Plastic Fantastic era.

Sharp eyebrows creased into the front fascia now surround the Outback’s fog lights. The lower grille opening grows wider, while the headlights adopt C-shaped wraparound running lights. A single chrome crossbar now centers the badge in the upper grille.

Besides this, the only other exterior changes you might notice are new wheel designs, reshaped side mirrors and, if it’s after dark, available steering-sensitive headlights. Limited and Touring models now sport a high-beam assist feature. This automatic system prevents the drivers of other vehicles from being blinded by your headlight negligence, making the world a less aggravating place.

Both engines — the 2.5-liter four and 3.6-liter flat-six — carry over into 2018 with no changes in output. To its credit, Subaru has adjusted the base engine’s timing to reduce drivetrain noise during acceleration.

You might, however, notice a change in the Outback’s transmission. While the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission returns, it does so with a retuned electronic control unit. The automaker claims the changes makes the gearbox (rubber band box?) smoother and more responsive, while a quieter short-pitch chain should help reduce “CVT drone.” Let’s hope the retune also reduces the lag its previous transmission exhibited after shifting.

Other ride-quality areas seeing subtle finessing include the power steering system, brake system and suspension dampers. For a quieter cabin, side window glass grows in thickness.

Inside, the Outback sprouts a redesigned console, higher-quality materials, new colors, and an available 8-inch Starlink multimedia touchscreen. That’s 1-inch wider than last year’s. Base systems make do with a 6.5-inch screen, up by three-tenths of an inch over 2017.

Subaru promises an improved voice recognition system on next year’s model, assisted by two microphones and technology borrowed from the maker of Dragon software. Using Apple Siri or OK Google voice commands should become easier. While the list of minor tech improvements is a long one, some notables include the addition of steering-sensitive guidance lines displayed on the media screen while the vehicle is backing up, as well as a lane-keeping system that now kicks in above 37 miles per hour.

Pricing remains a mystery for now. As the release date draws near, expect any changes to be — like the Outback’s styling — evolutionary.

[Images: Subaru of America]