2018 Subaru Outback Road Test and Review

Subaru calls the Outback a crossover. The truth is that it’s the best-selling wagon in America, recording 43 consecutive months of more than 10,000 units sold. The 2018 Outback also has a real shot at being the automaker's highest-volume model.

Built in Lafayette, Indiana, and now in its fifth generation, the Outback was first introduced back in 1995 as a trim level on the Legacy wagon. Struggling Subaru of America called it the “World’s First Sport Utility Wagon.” It was such a hit that it saved the company. And the 2018 Outback continues to offer families a unique combination of space, price, style, safety, and versatility, along with its staple of standard all-wheel drive.

Once unicorns, wagons have been multiplying lately. The Subaru Outback competes with the smaller Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 Allroad and Volvo V60; the new Buick Regal TourX; the far more expensive Volvo V90 Cross Country and Mercedes E-Class; and a gazillion popular SUVs.

The 2018 Subaru Outback is available in six trim levels, with prices starting at just $26,810, including $915 for the destination charge, for the 2.5i model. Prices and standard equipment increase as you move up to the 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 2.5i Touring, which starts at $37,405. These models are powered by a 175-hp 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. Our test vehicle, an Outback 2.5i Limited with navigation and Subaru’s EyeSight safety systems, cost $35,695.

If you’re looking for more horsepower and more amenities, Subaru also offers the Outback 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring. These models are powered by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, which makes 256 hp. That gives the Subaru more muscle than a BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon. Prices start at $36,310 for the Limited and top out at $39,605 for the Touring. All Outbacks use a continuously variable automatic transmission and Subaru's well-respected all-wheel-drive system.

For 2018 Subaru has improved the Outback’s interior with a smattering of premium materials, and the inside of our 2.5i Limited test vehicle had an overall feeling of quality. There was wood trim on the dash and doors, and French seams and contrasting stitching adorn the dash, seats, doors, console and steering wheel. The console also features a mix of faux aluminum trim and chrome. Everything feels expensive, and the knobs for the climate and audio controls are much like a Bentley's. All the buttons and dials are well placed, and the standard automatic climate controls are simple and easy to use. Visibility is exceptional, and the outside mirrors are large. The heated front seats in our test vehicle were firm but well-shaped and extremely comfortable.

Our only complaint is with the Outback’s infotainment system. At 8 inches, the system’s touchscreen is large enough, and its menus and functions are easily navigated. The problem is the touch-sensitive buttons that surround the screen. They're too easy to engage accidentally while changing the radio station or turning up the volume.

Cargo space is massive. This is where the Outback earns many of its loyalists. The 2018 Outback offers 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat and 73.3 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seat folded flat. That’s significantly more space than any competing wagon. My 70-lb Flat-Coated Retriever fit back there comfortably.

Storage inside the Subaru’s interior is also generous and well thought out. The center console bin is massive, the door pockets have slots for water bottles, and there’s a larger covered bin forward of the shifter that's perfect for your phone or wallet. The two front cupholders are large and well-placed. There are also two rear cupholders in the fold-down armrest.

The Outback seats five comfortably, and its rear legroom is cavernous. Rear passengers can spread out and enjoy the rear heated seats, air-conditioning vents and adjustable headrests. Younger families will appreciate the easy-to-reach LATCH connectors in the outboard seats, and Subaru’s new safety system that automatically locks the doors at 12.5 mph and unlocks them only after the vehicle is placed in park and driver’s door is opened. The Outback has also achieved top crash-test scores and has earned a reputation as a safe vehicle; the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named it a Top Safety Pick+ and it received five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Overall, fuel economy is outstanding but not amazing. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is radically more fuel efficient than the more powerful six-cylinder, rated 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. I averaged 26 mpg during a week of mixed driving. The significantly more powerful 3.6-liter powertrain is estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Bluetooth is standard on every 2018 Outback, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The base model gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen, but all other models get an 8-inch unit. An easy-to-use navigation system is available on the Premium and Limited models, and standard on the top-of-the-line Touring. Unfortunately, the Outback’s voice-activated controls didn’t appreciate my New Jersey accent.  

Subaru also includes a secondary screen between the Outback’s large analog speedometer and tachometer. It offers a redundant digital speedometer — which should be more common — and displays trip information, including fuel economy. Our Outback 2.5i Limited test vehicle also came with a Harman Kardon premium audio system and a power rear tailgate with memory height.

Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is optional on the Outback. Updated for 2018, EyeSight includes lane keep assist, lane-departure and sway warnings, automatic pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on our 2.5i Limited model.

To help improve visibility, the 2018 Outback also has redesigned LED headlights and new features that angle the lights side-to-side as you turn the steering wheel, and that automatically switch between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic.

For 2018 Subaru has tweaked the Outback to give the wagon a quieter interior, a smoother ride and, according to Subaru, a “more enjoyable driving experience.” The results are mixed. Although the Outback is quiet and pleasant to drive, its ride could still be a bit smoother and its retuned steering and braking systems aren’t quite perfect. Some may find the steering to be a bit heavy, although we appreciate its exceptional linear response. The Outback’s brakes also respond well and feel powerful, but the brake pedal is just a little soft. And while the ride is wonderful over rutted city blocks or off road, there’s a surprising amount of road texture felt through the steering wheel, pedals and seat. Some might like this, though, as it gives the Outback a sporty feel.

Although the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is adequate for most buyers, enthusiasts will be disappointed in its 175 hp. In combination with the CVT automatic transmission, the Outback is not going to win any drag races. And fully loaded with five hipsters and a weekend’s worth of camping gear, it will require heavy throttle applications to merge on the highway or climb steep grades. The Outback’s standard paddle shifters help, however, as you can manually choose among the wagon’s simulated six forward gears.

Reshaped exterior mirrors and a wider, lower grille opening modernize the Outback’s look for 2018. The changes are subtle yet effective. But the biggest improvements are the new more aggressively styled headlights, which feature distinctive LED daytime running lights, and the new chunkier front cladding that adds a Mad Max-ish audacity to the Subaru’s schnozzle.

Attractive 17-inch wheels are standard, but the upper trim levels get 18s that better complement the Outback’s high ride stance. The Subaru not only offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, but its all-wheel-drive system also offers hill descent control and an off-road specific X Mode, making it ready for that dirt road to the trailhead. Baja, however, will have to wait; there’s no low gear or locking differentials.

Despite growing competition, the 2018 Subaru Outback continues to be a top choice if you’re looking for a sporty and affordable luxurious wagon with big cargo volume. The Outback is comfortable, it's versatile, and it's available with high-end safety tech and the highest safety ratings.

Although some desirable features and safety equipment are extra-cost options, the Outback remains an excellent value throughout its extensive range of models and trim levels.