2018 Subaru Outback Scores KBB Best Car For Active Families

The 2018 Subaru Outback fits in a niche market no other family SUV/crossover vehicle can squeeze in to. Kelly Blue Book announced their 12 Best Family Cars for 2018 and Outback scores one of the top spots. Outback does what other vehicles can’t do. The family hauler can get off-pavement and reach places most other SUVs in this category fear to go.

You wouldn't want to venture too far off the road with tame family vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, or Toyota Sienna. These were also winners of the 2018 12 Best Family Cars.

Kelly Blue Book says, “Half wagon and half SUV, the Outback is an amazingly capable and versatile choice for active families.” KBB also says, the Outback wagon’s all-wheel-drive, fuel efficiency, safety technology and resale value all contribute to its impressive credentials.

What sets it apart

Outback offers families a vehicle with a “go-anywhere” attitude with a higher ride height, standard all-wheel-drive, and a generous cargo area. The new SUV-alternative vehicle comes standard with a unique feature for extreme off-road use. All 2018 Outback models come equipped with the X-Mode system, which debuted on the 2014 Forester. Any family driver can engage it by simply flipping a switch on the console.

Add in Subaru’s stellar safety record and the Outback keeps families safe on-and-off road. When equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, the wagon just picked up the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Fuel efficiency is always a consideration for families, and the 2018 Outback offers up two engine choices. Consumers can opt for the standard 4-cylinder boxer engine that gets up to 32 mpg, or a 3.6-liter model 6-cylinder boxer powerplant producing 256-horsepower, achieving 27 highway mpg.

Overall, the 2018 Subaru Outback is a stellar choice, especially for active families who will use the vehicle for weekend excursions like mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking and camping trips. KBB says it’s one of the “12 Best Family Cars” for 2018. The family hauler can get you off-pavement and reach places most other SUVs in this category fear to go.

Photo credit: Subaru UK