The current 5th-gen Outback started as the 2015 model year back in 2014. As usual, it is now due for a mid-cycle refresh.
We have just heard from Subaru regarding update details of the facelifted 2018 Outback. Compared to the 2017 model, the changes are:
- Front and rear styling are revised for a sportier look
- Interior trim uses more upscale materials, one more color selection (grey)
- Adaptive LED Headlight available as an option
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, added support for Asian characters in phone book and multimedia title/information display
- Added safety features such as: auto door lock with speed, window glass up/down power retained after engine shut off
- Upgraded AC compressors with more cooling power; temperature display moved onto the control knob
- Added USB ports for the rear seats
- Better noise control: window glass thickened, sound isolation enhancements to the wheel wells, new rear view mirror design with less drag coefficient
- New chain is used in the CVT which runs quieter under hard acceleration conditions
Generally speaking, changes in the mid-cycle refresh are moderate, but makes the Outback (which is currently the top-of-the-line model within the Subaru brand in US) a more refined vehicle.
The 2018 Outback will be on sale in August this year.
(The featured image is the 2015 Outback, not the upcoming 2018 model)
