(April 6, 2017) NEW YORK — Subaru of America, Inc., today announced that it will debut the 2018 Outback at the New York International Auto Show on April 12. The 2018 version of the Outback, Subaru’s best-selling model, will arrive in dealerships this summer.

Featuring revised front and rear styling for a more robust stance, the 2018 Outback also debuts significant upgrades to comfort, safety and multimedia capability. Many new engineering and design details throughout the 2018 Outback enhance the driving experience and the vehicle’s versatility.

Billed as the World’s First Sport Utility Wagon the Subaru Outback was instrumental in launching the crossover trend more than 20 years ago, with rugged styling that highlighted increased capability. Today, the Outback offers the most interior room in an expanding segment of sport-utility wagons: total passenger volume 108.1 cu. ft., plus 35.5 cu. ft. of space behind the rear seats and 73.3 cu. ft. with the standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback folded. The load floor is nearly flat, and the cargo area features convenient rear seatback release levers.



Numerous details help make the Outback convenient to load and carry cargo, as well as items such as kayaks and bikes. Roof rails with integrated retractable crossbars are standard on all models, except Touring, which features exclusive low-profile roof rails in a silver finish with available detachable crossbars. Step-style doorsills allow a person to stand firmly when securing objects to the crossbars on all Outback models.

The Outback shows a bolder, more rugged looking face for 2018, highlighted by wider, lower grille openings and a new bumper that complement the iconic Subaru hexagonal grille. The C-shaped headlights, parking lights and new horizontal character lines extending outward from the grille subtly suggest the piston motion of the BOXER engine, a Subaru core technology. The redesigned headlights feature distinctive “Konoji” daytime LED running lights.

The redesigned front cladding enhances protection from mud and stones when the vehicle is driven off pavement. A new high-contrast wheel design on Limited trim highlight the luxury-class appearance for the 2018 Outback. The 2.5i base and Premium trims are equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, and all Limited and Touring models offer 18-inch alloy wheels.

A proven safety standout, the Outback adds to its array of driver-assist features for 2018, including available new Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH). Available in conjunction with LED headlights, SRH aim the lights into turns as the driver steers. Also for 2018, Outback Limited and Touring models with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology feature High Beam Assist, which automatically turns the high beams on and off depending on traffic conditions.

The Outback 2.5i is powered by a 175-hp double overhead cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter BOXER engine that produces 174 lb-ft peak torque. The Active Grille Shutter system helps to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance. The DOHC 3.6-liter 6-cylinder BOXER engine in the Outback 3.6R produces 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of peak torque, sustaining 90 percent of peak torque from 2,000-6,000 rpm for exceptional response at all vehicle speeds.

Both engines are teamed with standard Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) now with a seven-speed manual mode and paddle shift control switches. The CVT offers smoother response for 2018, thanks to a retuned electronic control unit.

Enhancements made throughout the Outback chassis include retuned suspension dampers for a smoother ride, along with retuned steering and brake systems for a more direct feel and a more enjoyable driving experience. The Electric Power Steering yields a smoother, more linear response to driver input.