The 2018 model year Subaru Outback range has landed in Australia, bringing in some styling tweaks, advances in technology, and refinements to the powertrain and suspension.
Visually, the new model differs with a redesigned front grille and bumper bar, with fresh headlights installed, and shorter-stemmed side mirrors compared with the outgoing model. There’s also restyled alloy wheels for a spruced up look, measuring 17 inches on the 2.0D and 18 on all other variants. Crimson Red Pear and Wilderness Green Metallic paint options have also been added.
In terms of the hardware underneath, Subaru says the 2.5-litre engine has been refined for improved response and efficiency, while the suspension and transmission have come in for some minor tweaks to assist with driving pleasure.
For the interior Subaru has fit a larger 8.0-inch head unit for the 2.5i Premium variant and above, with improved usability. A larger centre dash panel has a “classy flat face”, Subaru says, which gives off the impression of a tablet device.
Two additional USB ports are placed in the back of the centre console to keep rear passengers happy and their devices charged, and there’s a new steering wheel for the driver, plus instrument panel stitching for a more premium look. Subaru Australia managing director Colin Christie spoke of the update, saying:
“Outback sold 11,340 in 2017 and has been a consistent best-seller for us in the current generation, so we think the latest long list of refinements will only add to its appeal in the SUV space. The upgrades across every key area underline our commitment to value for our customers, together with the durability, engineering and, of course, safety, for which Subaru is renowned.”
Lastly, safety has been improved thanks to an expanded recognition of the on-board EyeSight active cruise control, with enhanced pedestrian detection and pre-collision autonomous braking, and there’s now a side-view camera and front-view camera system on offer.
The 2018 Subaru Outback range is now on sale in Australia, all fitted with a CVT automatic as standard, priced from the following (excluding on-road costs):
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i – $36,240
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium – $42,640
2018 Subaru Outback 2.0D CVT – $38,740
2018 Subaru Outback 2.0D Premium –$45,640
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R – $49,140
