It also plays much more nicely with the Outback’s CVT-a middling unit that never offends but fails to stand out from the ever more crowded CVT pack. Subaru’s six-cylinder engine is far better suited to the Outback’s size and weight. Although more fuel efficient, the four-cylinder engine provides underwhelming performance when extra forward momentum is needed. Like all Subarus not named BRZ, the Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive. The six-cylinder is limited to high-end 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring trims. Both of the Outback’s engines are of the horizontally opposed (“flat”) variety, a design also used by Porsche in the 718 and the 911. Due to changes in the pricing structure for 2018, upgrading to the 3.6-liter engine now can cost up to $2700. Despite this, we expect performance to stay the same. The Outback’s four- and six-cylinder engines are unchanged for 2018, and the only transmission-a continuously variable automatic (CVT)-has been retuned for smoother response. Subaru offers the Outback with two engine options and one difficult choice: go with the base 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and suffer its lackadaisical performance, or shell out significantly more for one of the top two trim levels that give you access to the punchier 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder. Adaptive headlamps are an added feature for 2018 and turn with the steering wheel to provide an improved field of view in night driving. The Outback’s standard infotainment screen grows from 6.2 inches to 6.5 inches and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time a new 8.0-inch touchscreen (up from last year’s 7.0-inch screen) is optional. Cabin updates include a redesigned steering wheel and center console. Subaru has made a number of changes in the name of refinement: The electrically assisted power steering has been retuned, the suspension has been tweaked to provide a more comfortable ride, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is now-according to Subaru-quieter, and exterior noise is reduced thanks to thicker wheel-well liners in the rear, more aerodynamic side-view mirrors, and insulated side front-window glass. Limited models get a new wheel design to distinguish them from the rest of the lineup. The rugged Outback gets spiffed up for 2018 with a fresh revision to its front bumper, grille, and headlamps. All-wheel drive is standard-a hallmark of the Subaru brand-and helps the Outback earn its reputation as an outdoorsman’s carryall. Safety takes the front seat in the Outback, though, and in addition to stellar crash-test results, Subaru offers a suite of active safety features such as automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Subaru’s signature horizontally opposed engines-a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder-provide good fuel economy, but the Outback lacks the fun-to-drive nature we look for in a car. Subaru calls it an SUV, but the Outback is really a station wagon with ground clearance, and its capability as both a cargo hauler and an all-weather companion appeals to buyers with adventure on the mind.
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