In our opinion, the Outback 2.5i Premium would be the most value for money trim. It costs $2,100 more than the base 2.5i trim and offers a larger 8.0-inch multimedia screen, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, all-weather package, leather-wrapped steering and shift knob, 6-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control system and fog lights as standard. Surely, the list of additional features is quite desirable for a considerably reasonable price. However, if you are looking for more performance then you should look out for 3.6R Limited or 3.6R Touring trims

"The refreshed 2018 Subaru Outback gets a revised exterior design, a retuned suspension for a smoother ride, an updated multimedia system, and available adaptive full LED headlights." - Motor Trend

The 2018 Subaru Outback is offered in six different trim configurations: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R Limited, 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring. Subaru continues to offer 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter boxer engines, producing 175 hp and 256 hp respectively.The interior of every trim is functional and to the point. Some customers might be disappointed with the lackluster acceleration from both the engines. However, the availability of AWD drivetrain as standard has improved its off-road compatibility.

Starting with the base 2.5i trim, features like 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen, X-Mode with hill descent control, and welcome lighting are standard. From the 2.5i Premium trim onwards, Subaru offers desirable features like dual-zone climate control system, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat and larger 8.0-inch infotainment system with multiple connectivity options as standard. 

Subaru offers EyeSight driver-assist technology, blind-spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, power moonroof and power rear gate as optional features on the Premium trim. Even StarLink Safety and Security Plus features are available on all the trims except the 2.5i trim. Some other features like multimedia system with navigation, steering responsive headlights, high beam assist, EyeSight driver assist suite and high beam assist are available on the 2.5i and 3.6R Limited trims. 

"The 4-cylinder engine used in the majority of Outback models is merely adequate for acceleration and passing, and its standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) is efficient but won’t snap off shifts like a traditional automatic. The 6-cylinder engine on upscale models packs good power but also commands a significantly higher price". – Kelley Blue Book

The 2018 Outback is powered by two different engine options. A standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine produces 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 3.6-liter flat-six engine is available with the Limited and Touring trims, offering 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Both the engines are mated to a CVT and Subaru’s symmetrical AWD drivetrain is standard across all the trims. The maximum towing capacity with both the engines is 2700 pounds. 

The models powered by the 2.5-liter engines offer lackluster performance and do a 0-60 mph sprint in 9.4 seconds and complete a quarter-mile drag in 17.2 seconds. If you are up for better numbers then the 3.6-liter flat-six engine must be your choice. The 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring models are capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds and completing a quarter-mile drag in 15.6 seconds.

The 2018 Outback is quite manageable in urban conditions as compared to some of its rivals. However, the lack of engaging driving dynamics is evident around the corners. The ride is pretty comfortable and the suspension setup absorbs most of the undulations without any hiccups. The steering wheel is precise as well, but the feedback from the road could have been better. The rugged wagon takes about 126 feet to come to a complete stop from 60 mph. 

The 2018 Subaru Outback is the most underwhelming performer here. The Honda CR-V is the most powerful in the comparison by a small margin and offers good acceleration for its size. It is followed by Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue. The CR-V, RAV4 and Rogue offers shorter stopping distances of 117 ft, 122 ft and 124 ft respectively. However, the CR-V and Rogue lacks top speed as compared to the Outback and RAV4. For more performance-oriented customers, the 3.6-liter engine in the Outback would make more sense. 

"With its four-cylinder engine, the Outback has an above-average fuel economy rating in our wagon rankings." - Cars.USNews

The 2018 Outback is equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine in the 2.5i trims. Similarly, the 3.6R trims are equipped with a 3.6-liter flat-six engine. The 2.5i trims deliver an EPA-estimated fuel-economy of 25/32/28 mpg in city/highway/combined conditions. The 3.6R Limited and Touring trims deliver 20/2722 mpg in city/highway/combined conditions. With a 18.5 gallon tank on all models, the Outback 2.5i and 3.6R trims offer a combined range of 518 miles and 407 miles respectively. 

The 2018 Subaru Outback is not the most fuel efficient but with a large fuel tank, it offers the maximum range. The Honda CR-V offers similar efficiency to the Outback but comes with the smallest fuel tank of the lot, leading to least range on offer. The Rouge is the most fuel efficient, while the RAV4 is the least fuel efficient in the comparison. 

“There’s nothing fancy here, just plenty of passenger and cargo room, terrific outward visibility, solid build quality and easy-to-operate controls.” – Edmunds

The interior of the 2018 Outback is more functional than fancy. Subaru modified the center console and steering wheel for the 2018 model year. The quality of materials is good and everything inside the cabin is built to last. The space management is done cleverly and the outside view is good. The driving height is on the higher side for a clear view of the road ahead. Subaru has utilized soft touch plastics over the dashboard and door panels. The higher trims offer heated steering, powered driver’s seat and premium leather upholstery as standard. 

Subaru offers the interior cloth and leather upholstery in different colors like Slate Black, Titanium Gray and Warm Ivory. The Java Brown leather upholstery is reserved for the 2.5i and 3.6R Touring trims. The rear seat can accommodate three passengers with decent support and comfort and even the rear legroom is adequate for comfort on long journeys. The maximum passenger volume is 108.1 cu-ft while with the available moonroof, the passenger volume drops to 104.5 cu-ft.

With all seats in place, the cargo capacity is limited to 35.5 cu-ft. However, the rear 60/40 seat back can be folded down completely, extending the cargo space to 73.3 cu-ft. In-cabin storage solutions are also plenty, with seatback pockets, door pockets, and other cubbies for small-item storage. Other convenience features include heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, etc.  

The Nissan Rogue offers the maximum cargo space in the comparison. However, the CR-V can be considered as the most practical SUV, owing to similar cargo space and maximum rear seat legroom. The Toyota RAV4 offers decent cargo space but offers the least rear seat legroom. The Outback is the least practical with lowest trunk capacity but offers good rear seat legroom for the passengers. 

For the 2018 model year, Subaru increased the multimedia screen size from 6.2 inches to 6.5 inches in the base 2.5i trim. Other trims are equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Subaru StarLink interface. Some features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard. The volume is controlled via physical knobs and most other functions are controlled by touch-sensitive buttons on the panel. Navigation system with real-time traffic and weather updates is available, while WiFi hotspot is not available in any model even as an option. 

Some of the key interior features are: 

• Power-adjustable front seats
• Heated front seats
• Driver seat memory functions
• Premium leather upholstery
• Power moonroof. 
• 6.5”/8” touchscreen infotainment display. 
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. 

“The latest-gen Outback continues to cross over from a lifted wagon to a crossover SUV. Updates for 2018 embolden the Outback’s attitude.” – Kelley Blue Book

The 2018 Subaru Outback comes with refreshed styling. The front fascia offers updated bumpers, grille and headlamps. The Limited trims get access to new wheel designs. The new headlamps seem to be inspired from the Legacy sedan. The small hexagonal grille in black with a Subaru logo in between is pretty standard. The wagon-like body profile helps with decent cargo space and interior volume.

The side profile is accentuated by a chrome outline on the window frame and roof rails. The 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels differ in design and finish, depending on the trim level. The rear profile is also bland but the 3.6R Limited and Touring models offer dual exhaust outlets for a more sportier appearance. Subaru offers different exterior colors like Black Silica, Red Pearl, Brown Pearl, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Blue Pearl, Tungsten Metallic, White Pearl and Wilderness Green Metallic. 

The 2018 Subaru Outback is the longest and heaviest car in the comparison. It also boasts the longest wheelbase, allowing for better high speed stability and rear seat legroom. The highest ground clearance makes it mild off-road compatible, while its rivals are mostly apt for urban usage. The Rogue and CR-V comes with similar exterior dimensions. The Toyota RAV4 comes with a sedan-like ground clearance, preventing it from off-road usage. 

Some key exterior features are: 

• Roof Rails
• Body-Color Door Handles
• Fog Lamps
• Projector-Beam Halogen Headlights
• Body-Color Folding Side Mirrors (Optional)
• Power Tilt/Sliding Glass Moonroof (Optional)

"The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Outback a 2018 Top Safety Pick+, the organization's highest designation." - Cars.USNews

The rugged built quality and superior safety ratings are USPs of the 2018 Outback. The NHTSA has given it a 5-star rating for its impeccable safety. Even the IIHS has given it a Top Safety Pick+ award when equipped with an optional front crash prevention system, included in the available EyeSight driver-assist suite. Also, the top safety accolade is applicable to models built after September 2017 and equipped with specific headlights. 

According to Subaru, EyeSight reduces rear-end crashes with injuries by 85%, which is a huge claim in itself. It does have other advanced features as well like blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. Subau’s StarLink Safety Plus and Security Plus features are optional with all the trims except the base trim. However, the good thing is that a high-resolution rear view camera is standard on all the trims

Some of the key safety features are: 

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Starlink Safety Plus and Security Plus (Optional)
• EyeSight driver-assist technology (Optional)
• Brake Assist 
• Rear-Vision Camera 
• High Beam Assist 

2018 Subaru Outback vs 2018 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a complete stunner from end to end. It offers very good performance without compromising on gas mileage. With the best in class brake performance it also offers a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. With a spacious passenger room, it also offers the better cargo space. 

The Subaru Outback comes with better ground clearance and AWD as standard, making it more off-road compatible. The Outback offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds with the available tow hitch.  

2018 Subaru Outback vs 2018 Nissan Rogue 

The 2018 Nissan Rogue offers better gas mileage and cargo capacity as compared to the Outback. The Rogue is also a better performer and offers confidence-inspiring braking performance. 

The Outback offers better ground clearance and rear seat legroom as compared to the Rogue. Subaru's symmetrical AWD system helps with low-traction driving conditions. The Outback can is more versatile and is apt for on-road and off-road usage. 

2018 Subaru Outback vs 2018 Toyota RAV4 

The Subaru Outback offers better ground clearance and rear seat legroom as compared to the RAV4. The Outback is also more fuel efficient and offers better range than the RAV4. The 2018 Outback has also received the Top Safety Pick+ award, pointing at its impeccable safety 

The Toyota RAV4 offers better cargo capacity and braking performance than the Outback. The RAV4 also offers hybrid trim options which the Outback does not have. Toyota also introduced a rugged RAV4 Adventure trim for the 2018 model year with higher ground clearance. 

The 2018 Subaru Outback is a fine hatch that offers a total of six trims in its lineup and comes priced at $25,895-$38,690. It gets two powertrains a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and a 3.6L 6-cylinder engine. The two high-end trims are the ones that get the 3.6L engine, generating 256 HP and 247 lb-ft of torque. The basic engine offers a poor acceleration and brake performance but it does deliver in terms of towing capacity, with an ability to tow 2700 lbs. With an average fuel economy reading, on one hand, it offers the best in class passenger room on the other hand. However, in terms of cargo room, it is the Honda CR-V that offers a better room. It further bags the best safety tags and awards and offers a very good list of safety features. It isn't the best offering in its class but it can certainly be considered.