2017 vs 2018 Subaru Outback: what's the difference?

[@J.Young808]

Rear bumper is Departure Angle. The reason I was told when selling Subaru was that “in the event of an accident first responders can open your door from the outside”

[@chrisgravel7157]

You forgot the increased sound insulation and accustic glass in the 2018 which is now much quieter

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

They also forgot to insulate the sound on the camera - use a muff on your mic!

[@davey929]

Just bought the 2018 outback limited yesterday. So far...Love it! Love it! Love it! After having many Hondas over that last 22 years we're so impressed I think it's safe to say that we are a Subaru Family now!

[@jjcaron72]

My previous 3 vehicles were a 1987 Accord, 2006 Accord sedan, 2012 Accord coupe HFP, I’m ready to try something else. I’ve test driven the 2018 Forester and the 2018 Outback. There’s no way I’m buying a XT that takes premium gas. So I’m really liking the Outback.

[@tomtalker2000]

Get yourself a 3.6R or the 6cyl. They will be gone after this year as Subaru won't be making them anymore from what i've been hearing from a friend who works for the company...!!!

[@ersandy4u]

Bro how is it doing now?

[@tyjack1702]

Just bought a 2018 outback. How's yours doing now?

[@jduncanm3golf]

17's cosmetically better on outside, but those little improvements on 18' inside like rear fan and usb ports are nice too

[@gratefultube]

Another happy 2018 Subaru Outback Limited owner.

[@sierramalella]

My grandpa has the 2017 one. And honestly I like the look of the car better than the 2018 one.

[@craigt9415]

I like the rear bumper better on the 18 as the cladding comes up higher on the corners over the marker lenses. Otherwise I prefer the look inside and out of the 17.

[@tomtalker2000]

AGREED...!!! That's why i'm getting a 2017 3.6R

[@tomtalker2000]

I MUCH prefer the styling cues on the 2017 then the 2018 model. The rugged look of the 2017 is what make the Outback AN OUTBACK...!!! The silver bumper guard on the 2017 the alloy wheels on the 2017 the grille on the 2017 ALL outshine the 2018 by far. I think they should have left things alone on the exterior. And focused more on the INTERIOR appointments on the 2018 such as removing the "cone shaped" instrument cluster back to a flat screen or make it an all digital layout. However, now that i think about it two things i would have done to the exterior on the 2018 model is re-style the fog lights from there circular design to something more "stylish". And also give the exhaust the chrome tip it's been longing to have for YEARS now. Although i will tell people that the Subaru Forester chrome exhaust tip DOES indeed fit and work on the Outback in either 2.5 or 3.6R versions. Lastly on the interior options of the Touring trim models. Subaru needs to give customers MORE color choices besides being stuck with the "poop brown" color...!!! In the shade it may look somewhat attractive but if the sun hits it it's a hideous reddish poop brown color. VERY VERY unattractive indeed...!!! They should offer the dark java brown exterior color with the beige interior color. Those together with the wood trim accents that are already in the car would make for a GORGEOUS looking vehicle. You weren't thinking much about color options Subaru yet still price your Limited and Touring model Outbacks near $40k when brand new. I think folks deserve more color choices such as my recommendation above ESPECIALLY at that price point...!!! Food for thought and hopefully you'll listen. Otherwise AWESOME vehicles that other car manufacturers simply can't touch.

[@Hallowsaw]

At this price point you are getting a capable off road and passenger car that does not have many weaknesses. The way it is now is worth more than what they charge for these cars. No other cars offer an all around package like subaru.

[@haileycasey5595]

I love this video, thank you so much! I was debating between a 2017 and 2018, but much prefer the blind spot monitoring and other safety additions. Note: When you switched to the back of the vehicles, you switched which side the year was on. The beginning of the video, 2017 was on the left. Then, the 2017 was on the right. Thank you for sharing.

[@dailypotstirrer]

Stop zooming out. Zoom in and stay zoomed in when you’re talking about specific parts. We want to see the part/feature you’re talking part.

[@TheRealPolly]

I bought a beautiful 2018 Outback Limited last week and am IN LOVE! I think I've now watched every video you've made, Brendan, and have learned so much! Is everyone at Groove Subaru as pleasant as you? If so, it will be my preferred dealership even though I live up in Glen Haven, near Estes Park!

[@S955US84]

You need more cutaways and close-ups and split screen side by side comparisons

[@soflarockson]

Something you failed to mention...the 2018 Outback no longer has a “Mute” button on the steering wheel. My 2016 does. Why would they take that away???

[@sidchem1]

How about a full sized spare so that you can confidently go on back roads?

[@SubieandFriends]

I prefer the cleaner chin look of the 2018 model, it makes it look more rugged

[@e.simons6964]

The less black plastic cladding..the more attractive it looks!

[@Quantalume]

I'm very happy with my 2018 Outback. I like the grille changes--it looks more like my wife's 2016 Forester than the 2017 OB. I also like the reduced use of silver plastic in the interior. To me, silver plastic looks trashy. The only negative for me was the stock speakers in the Premium. I replaced all 6 speakers, putting JL Audio in the doors and Infinity in the dash. After proper equalization (there's a tremendous boost at 65 Hz in the stock head unit to make up for cheap speakers), it sounds fantastic.

[@jeannelangan9311]

Wish they would give the option of a better roof rack. All of the other subaru models have more functional roof racks.

[@ericripley9739]

Agree 100%. The cross bars can only be set at either 30" or 40" . No other choice.

[@bethanyleigh216]

My 2013 Outback headlights go out literally every 6-months - do people with newer models have that same issue? Also my doors do not stay open, they are constantly closing on me. Frustrating when trying to load kids and things. I’m hoping this some of these issues will be corrected when I trade in for a newer model.

[@b.terenceharwick3222]

A pretty good overview of the "Limited" model but doesn't explain any differences that may apply for those who don't need leather and so are happy with the "premium" outback model.

[@offroad5594]

Bottom line is all the exterior changes were made to be cheaper to manufacture. Much prefer the 2017 model.

[@jonathanbernstein181]

What about the auto-high-beam steering responsive headlights in the 2018?

[@ThomCordeiro]

Thanks for the great review! Still trying to decide between a '17 and '18!

[@jimprivate6006]

I have the 2017 limited. Overall I like the car. Mine has lots of interior rattles. Front doors, dash, and one in the rear I can't find. I find the titanium and chrome outlines on the dash create very bad glare when the sun hits them. Including glare on the front windows which hits the outside mirrors. They should have used a none glaring color like brown. There is wind noise that comes from the front windows at freeway speeds. The navigation system is slow and the key board is in alphabetical order which I do not like. My windshield wiper assembly was loose they day I bought the car and had to take it back. The touch screen to work the audio has too many processes to make changes. Prefer real buttons! I wish it had a 6 CD changer. I still like my CD's. I known those are being fazed out. The clock is hard to read (too small and dim) so the 2018 this would be a plus. The power seats do not adjust as much as I was expecting.The heated seats work great but I wish it has vented seats for the summer. I find there is a slight delay when shifting from reverse to drive. You have to "wait"before you can go forward. I have the 4 cylinder engine and find the power to be just fine. I travel to Tahoe and does well going up the mountains. I like the grill and wheels better on the 2017. My stereo sounds GREAT! My headlight are GREAT and the auto high beams work well. A/C works well.One of the reasons I picked this car is that it has heated windshield under the windshield wipers to melt snow and ice in the winter. Hard to find. The rear dimming mirror works well.

[@717dash_cam]

Totally different rear bumper, newly insulated front side windows, wouldn't have really called there 2017s available interior 'black' more of a slate gray with some black elsewhere. Personally I would trade my 16 in in a heartbeat just to get the LED headlights and new infotainment. Subaru needs to just make LED headlights standard, as well as remote start for keyless cars standard. Oh and for the love of, someone please give us small displacement turbos! Oh well, my lease is half way through in December. I can be patient.

[@Savorychicken41]

The lady filming you was distracting, I could see her in the reflection texting on her phone.

[@jbjones3892]

Great video thanks,but when describing the rear you said approach angle when it’s obviously the departure angle but it’s all good;)

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

Old one looks way more polished and better.

[@rafaelmartinmeuldijk6030]

what i understand is : most of the changes is a mather of taste ...the 2018 model didn,t had a rearcamera on the mirror ! Sorry for my englishe

[@sierramalella]

Consumer reports says 2017 is better and I agree. Owner satisfication is better on the 17 as well.

[@bmwmsport11]

Considering the rest of the body is the same...i wonder if anybody considers it worthwhile to put together a kit for a conversion. Grill, bumper, headlights. I think the 15-17 looks more mature and rounded. The new one just follows the current trend in design.

[@HillbillyRaceCars]

bmwmsport11 you can swap the bumper grille fogs without any conversion. The bumpers are masked and the mounting is all the same. The lights i believe have different connectors on them or else thatd be a direct swap as well. Same with the rear bumper, same as front

[@rogerklettkespickleballcha39]

Thanks, I have a 2017 3.6 Touring which I really like except that it has slightly more wind noise above 60 mph than I like. I admit I'm more sensitive to wind noise on the highway than most, but the vehicle is so nice and quiet until you reach highway speeds. I heard that the 2018 has added sound deadening glass also. Is this true, and does this do away with any of the wind noise at speed? Thanks.

[@kayopechtate6357]

How much money did Subaru spend making unnecessary (and questionable) aesthetic changes?... yet... still no height adjustment available (at any price) for the passenger seat???

[@tomtalker2000]

Excellent point...!!! The outside of the 2018 model vehicle is less attractive then the 2017. I happen to like the rugged silver front bumper guard and the alloy wheels on the 2017 over what they did to the 2018 wheels. And change of grille design not to mention taking away the silver bumper guard. Looks FAR less rugged and attractive too me.

[@johngrimes6665]

SLOOOOOW down the speech pattern. It isn't a race! Also, try using a wind shield of the mic - both videos I saw you did not use one and when outside - very obnoxious. And like jebjeb05 said, show the interior features from inside the car when discussing them. and don't forget to sloooow down. Really liked Jonathan's remarks. Have heard alot about the insuffiecient battery in the Outback - needs to be addressed apparently. Love have this resource and got some good ideas on the one about the Nav system.

[@baby-boomer3693]

Why didn't you show the back seats folding down and the back of the car?

[@boonjabby]

Great video. Answered a fair few questions. Cheers

[@gap0gap]

This is a discussion of all the cosmetics and make-up and not a single word about the engines, the transmissions, the brakes, the all wheel drive, driving performance, leg and head space for tall people, etc. ? ? ?

[@ram89572]

He was just comparing the changes between the 2017 and 2018 models. 2018 is a mid-cycle refresh, not a new design so all the major points are the same between them and thus not necessary for the point this particular video is making

[@GuillermoCinque]

I am keep driving my 2009 Outback. I want the new one but in Argentina it´s cost USD 70.000.

[@bryanseverino3674]

Why so much?

[@jebjeb05]

So much pointing and referencing things while filming from what appears to be the starbucks down the street while he sits in the car. Need that camera in the car yo.

[@arrrzilla]

jebjeb05 seriously. It looks like there's a camera person not doing a damn thing.

[@insanegnyc]

Minor differences...... id like vented seats (massage seats would be the SHIT!!!!) heads up display, and headrest monitors. That would make the world of a difference and i would pay $5000 extra for those options.

[@Ibby25]

This dude is cool. I like his review style.

[@davewolly3682]

Every Subaru comes with a black license plate bracket. I don’t understand why a lot of dealers don’t install them. I hate when they drill into a new bumper. Doesn’t look good at all !!! PS. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL THE LICENSE PLATE BRACKET ??? SELL THEM ???

[@fasksaleem4109]

A good review and a great idea.

[@pito405]

Good comparison.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

These cars do last a long time - but how they do it leaves something to be desired. Getting dents in the sheetmetal from rocks is a constant. Having the engine burning oil is a pain but manageable (and bad for the environment). Easy scuffing of the interior finish from young children (an annoyance, not serious). I am okay with my older car (2013) and my parents managed to get 11 years out of their Subarus before the engines self-destructed at 120,000 and 130,000 miles, but not sure I will buy another.

[@edermitt]

With to possible exception of rust no car "self-destructs". It just depends on how much one is willing to put in it to keep it on the road versus buying another car. From a strictly dollar point-of-view a new engine is usually cheaper than a new car. And it doesn't really matter if the new engine costs more than the car is worth.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Yes, that is true - you can buy a new engine but most people won't make that effort. Most just buy another new or used car. The engine "self destructed" because they started consuming so much oil it was not worth operating anymore (e.g. - putting in oil every other day after 200 miles or a half a quart).

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

I should mention - my Subaru burns a about a quart every 2000 miles. My 2006 Saab 9-3 with 164,000 miles does not burn any oil at all.

[@edermitt]

I've owned a 2013, a 2016 and I now have a 2018 all with the 2.5 engine. I don't drive enough to even know if they burn oil. If they did I would think that a lot of the problem was the 0w/20 oil. From what I read a lot of cars are experiencing excessive oil consumption. In any case an couple of quarts of oil between changes only amounts to $150. over 100,000 miles.

[@kamX-rz4uy]

Subaru seems to have fixed the issue in the newer models. I believe it had to do with the coating on the Piston rings not being compatible with the water-like 0W-20 oil and letting it slip past. Our 2014 Legacy had the problem but not our 2015 Legacy or 2016 Outback. I understand the frustration as none of the five Subarus we've owned have been without issues.

[@yonihales9133]

The 18 is looking more like a bland Ford from the front :)

[@tomtalker2000]

EXACTLY...!!! The outside of the 2018 model vehicle is less attractive then the 2017. I happen to like the rugged silver front bumper guard and the alloy wheels on the 2017 over what they did to the 2018 wheels. And change of grille design not to mention taking away the silver bumper guard. Looks FAR less rugged and attractive too me.

[@MetaView7]

hate those annual minor grill changes. love the new steering wheel. love the extra USB ports (but are they 2A?)

[@SubieandFriends]

Yes they are

[@Tamereno]

Really well made video

[@sisiohl]

I love my 17 limited, but if the car was not 13 months old, I would have traded it for the 18 model. Only reason is the infotainment and Navigation systems. So slow, so cumbersome to operate and so clunky - in so many ways, every time I try to change a radio station, or add an address to the Navi system, it totally renders all the safety systems mute because of all the buttons you have to press to do anything, the time you have to wait after pressing any button, and all the frustration and cussing that it causes...

[@allenhenry1113]

does the 2018 have 360 deg. view camera system when backing up?

[@alanmtb9927]

very informative! quick question, does the 2018 outback comes with adjustable lumbar support? thanks!

[@GroovesubaruDenver]

Yes it does in the premium, limited and touring trim levels. It is only on the driver's side however. While the Limited and Touring have power seats on both sides, only the driver has lumbar support.

[@alanmtb9927]

thank you! im sold!

[@kamX-rz4uy]

Groove Subaru did they fix the overly aggressive lumbar that many find painful even when set all the way back?

[@oreshileadeshina1639]

I need Subaru outback 2017 Model Price

[@rascalman7]

Wouldn't it be nice if the video showed what he was talking about while he was saying it.... hmmm. Must be a bit too difficult to edit for this team.

[@JanBartos24]

Great comparison!

[@allendavid4139]

The front two USB ports are too close together making charging more than one device difficult,how can you turn off that annoying mpg gauge and the Cvt gearboxes are horrible in any large cars they’re only good for compact cars that don’t do long trips

[@volvo850rex]

I have the 14 outback, 40000 miles on it. The horn connection went out everything else is fine. Still i am concerned that the CVT will be known as the disposable transmission. Expensive for being disposable too. Can I get 200000 out of it?

[@debramack1853]

Mike Corder I have a 2014 with 226,000 miles without issues other than the horn just went in it. The only other issue is it’s oil consumption issue. Looking to sell it now.

[@jonathanhole8240]

I have a 2016, I do love it, great to drive, extremely comfortable but.... have they addressed the following issues for 2018? weak battery/high drain (low cca, short drain life, mine repeatedly died with car sitting for reasonable times, and often when just cleaning the car with doors open.) crack prone windshield (mine lasted under a year, and yes it was the newer "non-defective" type they had problems with.) poor paint finish/clearcoat (defects in paint on roof and clearcoat eats away in minutes with bird poop and tree sap.) being able to switch interior lights and panel info off with rear gate open (for camping with gate open.)

[@craigt9415]

2017 saw a larger battery to fix those issues, buy a 2017 battery when you replace it and you should be fine. 2017 also added a few more features to eyesight, 7" infotainment now standard in touring trim and heated steering wheel standard on top trims. 2017 is the last year of the 6spd manual.

[@kamX-rz4uy]

The car has battery drain protection (enabled by default I think) for when a door or the rear gate is not closed. It does not work though if the key is in the ignition.

[@mhkuang]

There is no way the battery drains with just the doors opened. I have left the car for weeks at a time and the battery is fine. Get your charging system and battery checked.

[@kamX-rz4uy]

What year do you have? The earlier ones were prone to getting dead batteries. If you have a 2015 or early 2016 then consider yourself lucky as numerous complaints can be found online and I've had experience with this with my 2016 Outback and my wife's 2015 Legacy.

[@allenhenry1113]

Kaityn Kuang i had the same issue with my 2015 Forrester, the dealership could not find the problem!! took 3 times before they replace the battery, then we traded it in for the Outback witch so far has no issues with the battery.

[@Ivandrago89]

gr8 review!!

[@irenafacelli2882]

Where can I get one of those awesome hats?? :)

[@pepper13111]

Blind spot on mirror oh 2016 on

[@tristangardner3889]

I've been doing research on the Subaru Outback for three years, and both models look amazing. I do have a question, however, and someone may have answered it already. Does the 2017 Outback have steering responsive headlights?

[@ICESNOWMAN]

No, just fog lights

[@АндрійПептюк]

The same old engine and trasmission... what are talking about?

[@charlesebyjr2925]

Did you start this video by saying you own an Xterra? What?

[@cjenner865]

Thumbs up as soon as he said Xterra...

[@AydenSchofield]

My 2017 Subaru doesn’t have vents in the back seats

[@ICESNOWMAN]

I believe only limited and touring models do

[@Honda295Legend]

Is is available with height adjustable passenger seat?

[@natalienaranjo9597]

TravellingMan Doubt it, so ridiculous. I test drove the 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited and the new 2019 Subaru Ascent Limited; no height adjustable passenger seats. We are going to test drive the Outback tonight. My 2017 Kia Sorento SX had this and it looks like I will be buying that one again. It got crushed by a tree which is why I am in the market again.

[@ralphcasafrancisco283]

Can a 2017 front grill Fascia fit on a 2018?

[@HillbillyRaceCars]

Ralph Casafrancisco yes

[@ericripley9739]

Much prefer the 18 grill over my 17. Wanna trade??

[@danielsnyder2288]

Looks.like a Chrysler front end now

[@dillonh321]

Looks like a buick

[@danbolton3180]

I’m not spending anymore on Subaru. I have a 2017 Outback Touring. Too nice to be used as a Subaru. I should have bought the base model and saved $10,000, or bought a Toyota. Why no more Subaru? Dealerships are dicks and too bad if you don’t like it because it’s a Subaru, they’re expensive, and it’s only a car. I’ve bought 5 Subaru’s in a row over 25 years. Time to move on.

[@ram89572]

I'm confused on why it is too expensive compared to the base model, you paid for all the upscale extras they put in it. You didn't pay extra for it to suddenly be a different car entirely. Frankly the things I want in a car is cloth seats, soft touch everywhere my body will go, the latest tech in my radio, power everything, really good lights, and a good sound system. Unfortunately car makers want to also make me buy all the bs crap like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control and leather seats just to get a good radio and sound system and good lights.

[@texas70.32]

Detailed explanation but camera work is poor.

[@jpmackin]

No trunk comparison?

[@kamX-rz4uy]

I don't think they changed anything there.

[@edermitt]

They're exactly the same.

[@misterlinh]

she has nice sandals

[@shaunny0208]

This Hancock dude is so damn hot 😍

[@ЮрийСаввиди-я9ч]

All-new Subaru?

[@vladinstrashun7010]

How about Subaru joins the 21st Century and adds a tire pressure monitor? Way more important than silly information about how much the car tilts forward...

[@haileycasey5595]

Does Brendan Hancock have an instagram? hahaha.

[@billp4]

1

[@Tonkaman13]

The host is cute.

[@robshell5367]

question is, why do people want automatically locking doors? So when a passenger wants gets out they try the door and get denied. Then, oh yeah, it is locked. Then people say, I don't know why it does that? Its really stupid. Don't listen to stupid people Subaru.

[@dannyscarpati7049]

auto locking doors prevent things like car jacking

[@kdomster9141]

The worst transmission the POS cheap ads CVT disqualifies it for spook many buyers. Instead of adding nice 8speed automatic that would help its drivetrain to feel much more in control and more premium not to mention more reliable at cost of 1 mpg loss . CVT is used on almost all econo cars and for a reason. No premium or performance cars use CVT . Sorry Subbie no 30K car should ever come with CVT

[@ssshuvo]

I can get uptp 600 miles per tank with Good weather. I dont think your 8 speed would do that. Just calm down

[@teabag3854]

I've owned 5 Subarus with the cvt.....its way better than the automatic. I drive alot 75000 every three years. O issues 0 complaints.

[@highwaymaintainer]

2 bicycles

[@mhkuang]

Minor tweaks on a very ugly car that pretends to be an SUV.

[@edermitt]

It doesn't "pretend" to be anything. It's a raised station wagon. It's had record sales for the last several years so I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@l.marcadella4099]

it is an ugly car thats packed with features. thats its only saving grace. other than that is just your run of the mill average middle aged white dude mobile. "Hey honey time to get some groceries in the 4x4" "Its not a 4x4 Dean, its a fucking station wagon."