Subaru Outback 2018 review

Five-model range

There are five models in the Outback range: two 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol versions, two 2.0-litre diesels and a 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol model. We drove the 2.5i Premium, which at $42,640 plus on-road costs is in the middle of the price range that has increased only marginally with the upgrade.

For these few extra dollars, Outback now gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology, and rear-seat passengers will appreciate extra USB ports in the back. Premium models get a larger eight-inch screen, an easier-to-use navigation system and adaptive LED headlights with steering-responsive beams. Subaru’s impressive EyeSight driver assistance system gains lane-keep assist, and the pre-collision braking cut-off has increased from a 30km/h maximum to 50km/h. The system also benefits from camera enhancements, as well as front and side-view monitoring at speeds under 20km/h.

Smartly trimmed

There’s a classy new centre-dash layout and steering wheel for the 2018 Outback, and the car is smartly trimmed throughout; our test car displayed an excellent standard of build, fit and finish. For the driver, there are plenty of good features and a few quirks. It is quite a busy presentation with lots of switches that take a little learning to make the most of what the car can do. The front seats provide a respectable level of comfort but are a touch firm and don’t have a lot of side bolstering. There’s a tendency to slide around on the leather and the seat base is short.

For a medium/large wagon, rear leg and head room is good, for extra comfort the rear seats recline, and all up there’s enough room here for three adults. Even so, the middle seat is not an ideal position, but it’s still better than in many vehicles. A spacious luggage compartment puts most other SUVs to shame, and the simple seat-folding action extends the load capacity and creates a flat floor. To Subaru’s credit, Outback also carries a full-size alloy spare wheel.

Refined delivery

With no increase in power and torque figures, changes to the 2.5-litre petrol engine have focused on a smoother, more refined delivery. Weight and friction reductions and tweaking of the engine and transmission controls, including expanded ratios, an additional kickdown control and a seventh step in the manual mode of the CVT gearbox, are all designed to create a more responsive feel and reduce fuel consumption, which on our test week was 8.5L/100km.

The engine’s performance is smooth and flowing, and it does a good job around town and on the open road, but lacks punch if called on to accelerate quickly. The six-cylinder engine has stronger performance but at the expense of higher fuel consumption.

Responsive feel

Tweaking of the steering, suspension and brakes has produced a smoother, more responsive feel. When changing lanes or cornering, there’s less body roll, and under braking the pedal feedback is better. Like the performance, the ride is at its best in everyday driving around town, the firmness of the suspension being more apparent at higher speeds on second-class roads where the rougher surfaces generate body movement. Rounding out the package, Subaru’s long-serving constant all-wheel-drive system has proven to be better than most of the on-demand set-ups in other vehicles.

Subaru’s service intervals are more frequent than many other brands but buyers can pre-purchase a three-year service package to ease the bill shock.

The verdict

Subaru Outback’s ability to cover a wide range of roles, and master each better than most, makes it an appealing package, and the latest update adds to its attraction.