A facelift for the Subaru Outback wagon has been unveiled ahead of its in-the-flesh debut next week at the New York motor show.
The revised raised-height Outback wagon has gained a similar suite of revisions as were bestowed on the Liberty/Legacy sedan just a few months ago.
Visually, the updated Outback wagon is distinguished by new C-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights, a revised grille, and new bumpers. Subaru says that the redesigned front cladding provides improved protection from mud and stones.
In the States, the Outback rides on standard 17-inch alloy wheels, with new look 18-inch rims available on higher spec models.
On the safety front, the Outback is available with headlight units that can adjust their beam in accordance with steering wheel input. The EyeSight system is now available with automatic high beam activation, and updates to the tyre pressure monitoring and lane keeping assist functions.
Among other changes, the Outback also features reshaped wing mirrors, and tweaks to the suspension, braking and electric power steering systems. The updated Outback should be quieter too thanks to a short-pitch chain for the CVT, thicker rear wheel well aprons, and new sound-insulating glass for the front side windows.
As with the Liberty/Legacy sedan, the Outback features lots of small changes to the interior, including a redesigned climate control interface, dashboard stitching, piano black highlights, silver-coloured bezels, and a new steering wheel design.
The infotainment system has been upgraded with 6.5- and 8.0-inch displays in place of the existing 6.2- and 7.0-inch units. These new units feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, more accurate voice recognition, and a faster processor for the 8.0-inch system.
For US market models, the Outback will be powered by unchanged versions of the company’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engines. As is currently the case, all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission are standard.
Australia
The updated Liberty sedan is due in Australia in 2018. We’re waiting to hear back from Subaru Australia about local timing, but we expect the revised Outback to arrive at around the same time.
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