Here’s Why Active Families Are Drawn To The SUV-Alternative Subaru Outback

Subaru’s Outback wagon has always been good seller in America, but now it’s the number one selling vehicle in the Japanese automaker’s stable. It’s edged out the popular Forester SUV for the top spot. The newly-redesigned 2018 Subaru Outback is arriving at dealers now and it’s upgrades should keep it number one for the rest of the year. Forester isn’t due for a remodel until the 2019 model year, so Outback could keep its run going for awhile.

Why are so many consumers drawn to Outback?

What has drawn many loyal customers to Subaru in the past is it’s the longest-lasting vehicle in its class. Subaru touts that 98 percent of their vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road. This is based on the average of vehicles still in operation vs. new registrations for each model year using IHS Markit data for MY2007–2016 as of October 2016. Many buyers who can’t afford a new Outback will look for an older model, but if you find one in good shape, they do hold their value.

What consumers can expect with the new SUV-alternative 2018 Outback wagon

The newly-redesigned Outback gets an updated infotainment system with a new 8-inch touch screen for high-tech families including Subaru Starlink multi-media with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and and Pandora integration as standard on all trims. A built-in and voice-activated navigation system powered by TomTom is newly available.

Outback gets safer with Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. It’s standard on 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited, 3.6R Touring, and available on 2.5i Premium. It also comes with Reverse Automatic Braking standard on 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Touring and available on 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited.

High-tech features and safety are things many families are looking for in a new vehicle, but there’s one thing that sets the Outback apart from the competition. What sets the Subaru brand apart is its standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather capability. It comes standard on every Outback and provides sure-footed control in all driving situations. The wagon also comes with 8.7-inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for maximum traction on slippery surfaces and can be used in off-pavement recreation with its Hill Descent Control. You won’t find this on any other family hauler.

The newly-redesigned fifth-generation 2018 Subaru Outback has been around for more than 20 years and will likely stay the brand’s top-selling vehicle in the lineup. Outback gets plenty of new high-tech features and safety equipment, but it remains a unique rugged off-pavement recreation-purposed vehicle. You will see many Outbacks with kayaks, mountains bikes, or car carriers loaded with camping equipment getting away from civilization. It’s still the biggest reason so many active families are drawn to the SUV-alternative wagon.

Photo credit: Subaru