10 Reasons the 2018 Subaru Outback is the AutoWeb Buyer’s Choice Best Wagon

2018 Subaru Outback front quarter driving ・ Photo by Subaru

There aren't many wagons left in the U.S. market, and of those that remain, the most popular ones often come disguised as SUVs — like the 2018 Subaru Outback. But fear not: People who still love wagons will find that the mid-size Outback features all the utility and value they've always valued from this type of vehicle. All the while, Subaru also makes a strong pitch to buyers who ordinarily prefer SUVs and crossovers.

The 2017 Outback was already our Buyer's Choice winner for top wagon last year, and the 2018 model benefits from a host of upgrades that further secure its position as the class leader. Its affordable base price of $25,895 also ensures that you don't have to break the bank to take home this safe, comfortable and practical wagon.

10) It offers lots of high-end features.

Subaru has cultivated a reputation for selling strong, durable cars — but not exactly luxurious ones. One look inside the 2018 Outback's Limited or Touring trims will convert many skeptics. While Subaru still prioritizes function over form, well-equipped Outback models boast rich perforated leather upholstery; a high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen; a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo; and tasteful woodgrain accents. The Touring edition, priced from $36,490, is particularly dazzling with its exclusive Java Brown leather trim.

For the 2018 model year, Subaru has added further refinements to the Outback's cabin, upgrading various materials throughout to provide a more upscale look and feel. Most of these enhancements grace even the base 2.5i model.

Photo by Subaru

9) Its connectivity has improved.

The Outback has featured a fair touchscreen infotainment system for several years now, but it's better for 2018. The new units are larger — 6.5 inches on the base 2.5i model, and 8 inches on the rest of the lineup. All support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. That handy feature, new to the Outback this year, allows drivers to essentially control specific phone functions such as GPS directions through the dashboard touchscreen.

The Outback also comes with hands-free Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and music and four USB ports. Two of those ports, which are included on all but the 2.5i trims, are new for 2018 and serve the rear passengers.

Photo by Subaru

8) Subaru has just freshened the styling.

Since its debut more than 20 years ago, the Outback has always featured rugged styling cues to distinguish itself from on-road-only wagons. Today's model continues to include plastic cladding on the lower bumpers and body, which serves as a visual reminder of the Subaru's off-road potential while also adding a level of functional protection to the vehicle.

For 2018, Subaru has revised the Outback's front and rear styling. The most obvious difference is a bolder grille with a prominent chrome slat, and classy new headlamps with C-shaped LED running lights. The overall silhouette remains intact, though — protecting this wagon's roomy interior and large windows.

Photo by Subaru

7) An improved ride quality enhances its refinement.

Another of the 2018 Outback's many enhancements was a revised suspension that yields a smoother ride. Potholes and other bumps now register only as muffled thumps, giving this wagon a sophisticated feel and keeping the cabin serene. Not many SUVs or crossovers can trump this Subaru's ride quality, particularly for less than $30,000. Nor can many affordable wagons or sedans either, for that matter.

But don't worry — Subaru didn't achieve the smooth ride simply by allowing sloppy handling. While no sports car, the Outback corners with respectable composure for such a spacious vehicle. Meanwhile, in addition to the smoother ride, Subaru has also reduced the Outback's noise levels for 2018 by tweaking the automatic transmission and increasing insulation on the window glass. 

Photo by Subaru

6) Its six-cylinder engine offers smooth, quiet power.

The Outback has two available engines. Standard on every trim is a perfectly adequate four-cylinder unit, which returns 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. But buyers can also upgrade to an optional 3.6-liter six-cylinder, which makes 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.

Not only does this engine make this wagon impressively quick, but it also provides a richer and quieter engine note under acceleration. That's an important consideration for buyers who looking for refined luxury — and, accordingly, Subaru offers the 3.6-liter only on the luxury Limited and Touring trims. You'll pay $2,700 extra for the 3.6R six-cylinder trim compared to the corresponding 2.5i model with the four-cylinder, but even the top-of-the-line 3.6R Touring remains under $40,000.

Photo by Subaru

5) Fuel economy on its four-cylinder engine is exemplary.

If you're not interested in maximum acceleration performance, the Outback grows even more appealing. That's because its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offers such outstanding gas mileage. The EPA rates it for 25 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg overall. That's an impressive 6 mpg overall better than the six-cylinder Outback.

To be sure, the four-cylinder Outback isn't as quick or as quiet as the six-cylinder. But with this choice of engines, Subaru offers a pair of compelling options to buyers with a diversity of tastes — both those who prioritize affordability and fuel efficiency and those who'd gladly pay a premium for more power and less engine noise.

Photo by Subaru

4) Its interior is usefully spacious.

The Outback offers generous space for four adults plus enough room to fit a fifth. Passenger room is in line with a mid-size family sedan — which isn't surprising because the Outback is the wagon version of the Subaru Legacy. Drivers get excellent visibility through the large windows, a hard quality to come by these days. 

Cargo room is even more impressive. There are 35.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and 73.3 cubic feet with the rear folded flat. Those figures compare favorably to the leading crossovers. Even if you don't think of the Outback as an SUV, it capably handles the “utility” part of that abbreviation.

Photo by Subaru

3) It has a sterling safety record.

Subaru has been a safety leader in recent years, and the Outback is no exception. It earned perfect scores from the IIHS and NHTSA in every front- and side-impact crash test — even the newly introduced IIHS passenger-side small-overlap frontal evaluation, which has tripped up many other cars.

The Outback is also available with Subaru's excellent EyeSight suite of optional safety tech. It bundles adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a safe following distance in traffic; automatic emergency braking, which can slam the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision; and automatically apply gentle steering corrections to keep the car in its lane. Subaru was among the first automakers to make these systems widely available, and the Outback benefits from the company's lengthy experience.

Photo by Subaru

2) It's capable of tackling a wide variety of conditions.

Although the Outback is a wagon, it can handle mud and snow with an ease that some crossovers would envy. Subaru famously designs nearly all of its vehicles with symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment — meaning that the Outback was purpose-built to send power to all four wheels as traction needs demand, in contrast to a front-wheel drive vehicle that was merely retrofitted with all-wheel drive.

Subaru's all-wheel drive system also happens to be one of the most highly regarded in the industry, and the Outback boasts an excellent 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The brand's ubiquitous presence in mountainous regions of New England and Colorado is a testament to the battle-tested performance of Subaru vehicles.

Photo by Subaru

1) It's a vehicle that can do nearly anything.

The Outback is one of the most do-anything vehicles on the market, even more so with the 2018 model's improved luxury and refinement. By blending proven all-weather capability with everyday virtues of comfort, roominess and fuel efficiency, the 2018 Outback checks nearly every box associated with similarly priced crossovers — and also plenty of models that are bulkier and more expensive.

And at the same time, Subaru keeps prices low enough to offer few compromises to someone who's shopping mid-size sedans as well. It's tough to distinguish the Outback wagon from its Legacy sedan variant from behind the wheel — until you look to the back and see how much more cargo you can carry. That's the marvel of any wagon, and the Outback's unique strengths make it the Buyer's Choice for the year's best option in its class.

Photo by Subaru