2018 Subaru Outback Makes Final Appearance in NY; 5 Upgrades You’ll Want to Know About

The 2018 Subaru Outback is coming this summer, and consumers looking for an SUV-alternative vehicle will want to know about these five upgrades for the 2018MY. Today is the last day of the New York International Auto Show where the newly-refreshed Subaru Outback made its North American debut.

Revised styling and newly available steering-responsive LED headlights

Outside, the refreshed 2018 Outback wagon gets a few new styling cues featuring wider, lower grille openings, and a new bumper. The headlights have been redesigned with daytime LED running lights, and the redesigned front cladding provides additional protection from mud and rocks when the vehicle is driven off pavement. Also new are the steering-responsive headlights (SRH), available in conjunction with LED headlights. The new SRH’s light up the corners as the driver steers making it safer at night.

Premium materials enhance refreshed interior with new multimedia capabilities

We can’t see it, but Subaru says the new horizontal character lines extending outward from the grille “subtly suggest the piston motion of the Boxer engine.” What consumers will be able to see are the new premium materials inside along with a redesigned center console. It will also feature an available 8-inch display screen for enhanced multimedia capabilities. These new capabilities will now include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Nuance voice recognition. Also new for 2018, the Outback’s rearview camera comes with guidelines displayed on the screen that move in sync with the steering to provide more accurate vehicle positioning.

Smoother quieter ride

Consumers will notice a smoother and quieter ride in the new Outback. It comes as a result of Subaru engineers making upgrades to the chassis that include retuned suspension dampers, along with retuned steering and brake systems for a direct feel and an improved driving experience. The electric power steering yields a smoother, more linear response to driver input.

Outback gets quieter inside as the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission for 2.5i models now uses a quieter short-pitch chain, while adjustments to engine timing under acceleration further reduce powertrain noise. Subaru engineers also reshaped exterior mirrors that further reduce wind noise. New sound-insulating glass for the front side windows makes the front seat area quieter and thicker rear wheel well aprons should reduce noise in the backseat. Go to Page 2.

As the NYIAS closes its doors after today, the newly-refreshed 2018 Subaru Outback finishes its North American debut in NY. It gets at least five upgrades consumers will want to know about including revised styling outside, new premium materials inside, a smoother quieter ride, new multi-media capabilities, and new available steering responsive LED headlights. The new SUV-alternative Outback will begin arriving in U.S. showrooms this summer.

Photo credit: Subaru