Unless you really need three rows of seats, the 2018 Subaru Outback is the sensible SUV alternative.
Pros Swiss Army knife utility More refined than ever Lots of safety tech Comfortable, roomy interior Good ride and handling
Cons Optional 6-cylinder is thirsty Short on high-end luxuries No EyeSight on base Outback Touring’s roof rack lacks cross bars
The 2018 Subaru Outback ranked #3 in Wagons. Currently the Subaru Outback has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 41 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Standard all-wheel drive Spacious seats Lots of cargo space
Cons Unimpressive base engine
The 2018 Subaru Outback receives a variety of changes. On the outside, the grille and front and rear fascias have been updated for a more aggressive look, and there are new headlights that feature LED daytime running lights. A new side mirror design reduces interior cabin noise. On the inside, the Outback features a new infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a new center console and steering wheel design. Premium and higher trims receive contrast stitching on the doors, seats and dash.
PROS A more spacious and comfortable cabin than those of many rivals Roof and cargo-loading heights are lower than those of most SUVs Excellent visibility in all directions Off-road ability is above average
CONS Gas and brake pedal feel make it hard to drive four-cylinder smoothly Acceleration is lackluster, especially with four-cylinder engine
Pro: Well-built and spacious cabin Comfortable seats in the front and second rows Strong acceleration, especially in the XC90 T8 Cons: Third-row seats are only good for small adults or kids One USB port in a luxury family crossover is unacceptable
Pros Sharp new look and style; spacious second- and third-row seating; many standard safety technology features; confident handling; available hybrid model.
Cons Overly busy and firm ride quality; base engine comes up short on performance and real-world fuel economy; some touchscreen controls are hard to use.
Endnote: The XC90's suspension tuning is another mixed bag. On smooth pavement, the XC90 feels calm and controlled on its available air suspension. But over ruts, bumps and broken pavement, the vehicle delivers too many impacts and jitters to the occupants for a luxury SUV. We've only driven the XC90 with the big 21-inch wheels, but based on that experience, we recommend going with smaller wheels if possible to help smooth out the ride. Around turns, there's better news, as the XC90 inspires confidence with its planted character, feeling smaller and lighter than it really is.
The 2016 XC90 is raising the design bar in the premium three-row large crossover segment. And with a long roster of standard equipment that includes leather seating, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a smartphone-like infotainment system and state-of-the-art safety gear, the XC90 provides an intriguing alternative to the German-branded competition.
