2018 Subaru Outback Barely Messes With a Good Thing

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

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]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Ldl20 Ldl20 on Apr 07, 2017

    2015 2.5i Limited owner here. This refresh is what I expected, but I think Subaru is missing on the boat on not at least offering an XT package with this car. Offer unique colors (Polestar blue, for example), tighten up the suspension a bit, and drop in the WRX motor. My car has been great, but the 2.5, especially for the 1st 10-15 minutes on a cold morning below 35, is painfully loud and slow.; I feel like I'm hurting the damn thing by pressing the accelerator!

  • Wintermutt Wintermutt on Dec 01, 2017

    wife bought a 2018 6 cylinder touring with all the options. so far so good! note that consumer reports under "problems" states "none" for this vehicle. it is the only vehicle in the entire 2018 issue with "none" in that column. i hope they are right on this one. we paid out the door about 40K.

  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
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