2018 Subaru Outback facelift on sale in Australia

Australian pricing and specifications for the 2018 Subaru Outback range have been revealed, with the car’s midlife update now in Subaru dealerships. Comprising of a light exterior update, added equipment and a revised interior for a more comfortable driving experience, the 2018 Outback pricing has even remained largely static, kicking off from $36,240 plus on-road costs.

It’s not all good news however – manual transmission variants have been removed from the range due to low sales, and the engine lineup continues largely unchanged.

Subaru Australia Managing Director, Colin Christie, said: “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.” said Mr. Christie.

Best described as a light update to keep the car fresh, the 2018 Subaru Outback facelift has introduced a raft of small changes – there’s a new infotainment system, added equipment for all models and a light exterior refresh, with slightly updated styling. New 17-inch (2.0D) and 18-inch (2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.0D Premium and 3.6R) alloy wheels, as well as slightly reshaped headlights that now incorporate the car’s LED daytime running lights.

The headlights have been restyled across the range, with Premium and 3.6R variants now incorporating steering responsive bi-LED beams with automatic high beam. Trainspotters will also notice newly-designed mirrors with integrated LED side indicators, a revised grille and bumpers all around. There are also two new colours to the Outback range – Crimson Red Pearl (shown in pictures) and Wilderness Green Metallic.

The interior of the 2018 Subaru Outback has also been updated, with a new infotainment system across all models. A 6.5-inch unit sits in entry level models, now with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Stepping up to Premium models earns a higher-definition 8.0-inch screen with integrated satellite navigation with live traffic – DAB+ digital radio is yet to feature, however.

Subaru has also revised the 2018 Outback’s dual-zone climate control, with a new look to the panel to make the system easier to use. Interior trims have also been revised for a ‘more premium’ look, with greater use of stitching and gloss black trim, as well as a newly designed steering wheel and even rear seat USB ports for passengers to charge their devices.

Under the skin of the 2018 Subaru Outback, Subaru claims to have revised the car’s suspension settings for less body roll in corners, as well as a retuned power steering system to give more linear highway response. Subaru has also made changes to the highest-selling engine variant, the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. A lighter crankshaft, crank pulley and connecting rods enable less vibration to enter the cabin, and Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission has also been revised to include seven simulated ratios, up from the previous model’s six. Subaru claims that these changes have enabled a 3.0 percent reduction in fuel usage for the 2.5-litre engine, which is claimed at 7.3L/100km combined.

Otherwise, the 2018 Subaru Outback’s engine lineup remains unchanged. 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models are powered by a 129kW/235Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with a 190kW/350Nm 3.6-litre straight-six engine sitting atop the range. Those preferring diesel power can choose a 110kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo donk. Fuel economy for the 3.6R is listed as 9.9L/100km, and 2.0D variants use a combined 6.3L/100km – as usual for Subaru engines, they are all horizontally-opposed Boxer units.

Subaru has also upgraded the 2018 Outback’s available technology. A new front and side monitor camera system is standard on Premium and 3.6R models to enhance the car’s visibility below 20km/h – it appears on the centre screen like the rear camera.

Subaru’s EyeSight active safety system has also been upgraded to include lane-keep assist, pre-collision brake assist up to 50km/h (up from the previous 30km/h) and a further range of pedestrian detection abilities. The radar cruise control has also been retuned to give smoother reactions and is now capable of detecting brake lights.

Starting at $36,240 plus on-road costs, the entry level 2.5i and 2.0D models ($38,740) are equipped with 17-inch (2.0D)/18-inch (2.5i) alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights and wipers, a reversing camera, and Subaru’s EyeSight active safety system with forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control and lane keep assist.

2.5i Premium ($42,640) and 2.0D Premium ($45,640) models add leather upholstery with heated front seats, power front seats with electric lumbar support for the driver, piano black trim highlights, an electric bootlid, an electric sunroof, keyless entry with push button start, inbuilt satellite navigation with live traffic heated and power-folding mirrors, a front wiper de-icer and Subaru’s Vision Assist with front and side view monitoring, automatic high beam and steering responsive LED headlights.

The top spec 3.6R variant ($49,140) also add a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system and chrome exterior highlights.

2018 Subaru Outback pricing (plus on-road costs):
Outback 2.5i CVT: $36,240
Outback 2.5i Premium CVT: $42,640 (+$400)
Outback 3.6R: $49,140
Outback 2.0D CVT: $38,740
Outback 2.0D Premium CVT: $45,640

The 2018 Subaru Outback will be launched into Subaru dealerships in February 2018, with equivalent Liberty sedan models not far away from being released. Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for news regarding the Subaru range.