2018 Subaru Outback Revealed Ahead Of 2017 New York Auto Show

The upcoming auto show in New York will host a number of interesting cars. Moreover, most of the carmaker opened cards already, so we know what’s cooking for the next week. For instance, Subaru revealed the updated 2018 Outback SUV, which received a number of useful changes.

It’s quite fair to say that facelifted SUV isn’t featuring plenty of changes from the outside. More precisely, the high-riding vehicle looks almost the same as before. The front-end styling received a bit redesigned grille and revised C-shaped headlights, which everything else stays untouched. Okay, the new LED lights are pretty cool, because they are following the direction of the steering wheel, but this comes as an option only. In addition, the base model uses 17-inch wheels, while Limited and Touring models ride on 18-inch alloys. The Touring, which stays the topper by the way, also sports low-profile rails and detachable crossbars, and this you won’t find anywhere else. No, the rest of the lineup is featuring retractable crossbars.

According to the carmaker, the 2018 Subaru Outback hides some pretty important improvements under the skin as well. The crossover appears to have an updated chassis and suspension, which should enable a smoother ride without unpleasant noise inside of the cabin. They promised a better CVT transmission system, but the engine options stay unchanged. Yes, you will still be able to pick between the base 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque and a 3.6-liter that pumps out 56 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Of course, no matter which one you choose, the power goes to all four wheels.

The refreshed crossover features a number of useful changes inside. Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system has been completely updated, so it will host plenty of standard options such as Bluetooth phone and audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a TomTom navigation. You will have to choose between the standard 6.5-inch and the more suitable optional 8-inch touchscreen. The interior gets the fourth color option, so aside from the current Slate Black, Warm Ivory, and Java Brown leather, you can go for the all-new Titanium Gray.

Safety-wise, the 2018 Outback features a new Subaru’s EyeSight system which now includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, lane-keep assist, and blindspot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The carmaker also added a rear-view camera and a far better tire-pressure monitoring system that checks pressure individually for every tire.

The carmaker hasn’t revealed any pricing information now, but this will happen pretty soon because the 2018 Subaru Outback should hit the dealerships at the beginning of this summer.