Tow test: Subaru Outback 2018

Hallowed history

One constant in the explosion of new SUV models has been the Subaru Outback. It’s now in its fifth generation (introduced in late 2014), with a mild refresh arriving earlier this year.

The 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R is not only the premium version of the five-variant Outback model range, it also is the most powerful and has the highest towing capacity — 1800kg braked, with a maximum of 180kg on the towball.

While 1800kg is not enough to tow most current tandem-axle caravans, large trailer boats or a horse floats, it’s more than enough for most camper-trailers and single-axle caravans.

It’s more than the Outback 2.0 diesel or 2.5 petrol models can tow (1700kg/170kg and 1500kg/150kg respectively) and when you consider both towball download and maximum towing capacity of its direct competitors it is only bettered by the Holden Commodore Tourer (2100kg/210kg).

What’s different?

The key changes for the 2018 Subaru Outback are new alloy wheels, a revised grille, front bumper, headlights, more aerodynamic side mirrors and a larger 8.0-inch screen for the 3.6R that now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus front-view and side-view monitors.

The steering wheel is also new and a touch more stitching here and high-gloss panels there cap off the revised interior.

Subaru’s new third-generation Eyesight safety system features improved pedestrian avoidance and autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and now includes lane keep assist.

Headlights are LEDs for both low- and high-beam and feature automatic beam selection, and lighting is directed by steering inputs. Daytime running lights are now incorporated within the headlights.

What else do you get?

The Outback 3.6R is the premium model in the Outback range and is well-equipped for its $50K ask.

Aside from the features mentioned above, notable standard inclusions for the 3.6R includes blind-spot monitor, front and side view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, leather trim, 12-speaker Harmon-Kardon audio, active cruise control, powered tailgate and heated front seats.

For a vehicle you’d potentially be using in remote areas, it’s good to see the Outback has a full-size spare.

Another useful (and convenient) feature for touring are roof rails that include integral cross bars. They’re secured within the rails when not in use and can be folded out and locked into place when needed.

Inside view

The front seats are comfortable for long touring days and there’s plenty of room both in the front and the back for most.

The driver has good vision to the front and sides and the main instruments and controls don’t cause any grief. This is one of the better vehicles for getting into and just driving.

With the exception of some trip computer menus (getting from L/100km readout to speed, for example, is a bit of a chore), this is car whose controls and instruments you don’t need much time to get used to operating.

Infotainment screens can be a bit hit or miss — the not-so-good ones increase driver distraction with their illogical menus and slow response times. The Outback’s infotainment set-up is not one of those — it’s simple, quick and easy to use.

The 8.0-inch infotainment screen offers Android Auto and Apple Carplay but you don’t need to be tethered to the phone to get sat-nav — it's built in.

The bonus for charging your devices is that the Outback has plenty of USB ports: two ports up front and as of this new 2018 model, two in the back.

While the Outback is not a premium luxury vehicle its interior quality is close to what you’d expect from one. There were no glaring panel fit issues or cheap-looking materials and the leather even smelled like, well, leather. Not a given in cars fitted with cow-hide.

Towing the line

For this test we towed a 1500kg camper that had a 125kg towball download. Backing up to the camper was made easy with the Subaru’s reversing camera – the screen not only displayed predictive side lines but also a centre marker for lining up the towball.

Unfortunately, this marker wasn’t entirely accurate, but at least it gave a reference point to start lining up the ball and coupling when backing up to the camper.

The rear dropped 26mm and the front rose 8mm with the camper hooked up – not alarming figures and certainly not ones that would have you racing out to buy a weight distribution hitch.

Sure, the rear drop was just over the 25mm figure where you’d start thinking about either a WDH or repacking payload for better balance, but the more important front-end height increase was well under 25mm.

The Outback had plenty of get up and go with or without the camper attached. The six-cylinder boxer engine is smooth and quiet, except at full throttle, and the CVT has it pegging revs in the upper range.

The Outback gets a little thirsty when towing. It averaged 15-16L/100km on test. Fuel range isn’t so great either; with its 60-litre fuel tank and allowing a 50km safety margin, you’ll get about 350km down the road before wanting to find another petrol station.

On our long, steep test hillclimb, the Subaru held the 80km/h it started the climb with right to the measurement point, but the pedal was almost to the floor to do so.

Engine braking down the hill was very good – in part because the Subaru didn’t need to hold back a great deal of extra weight, but also because the CVT’s manual mode held steadfastly to the selected gear.

Speed was down from a 70km/h start at the top of the hill to 58km/h at the measurement point.

The Outback absorbed most bumps well. The Subaru was stable with no yawing and very little pitching.

That towing stability can be explained in part by the fact that we didn’t really tow all that quickly. We were tethered to the 80km/h limit Subaru decrees for the Outback.

Summing up

The Outback 3.6R is an all-purpose wagon that tackles towing as easily as it does other transport duties, from doing the daily commute to back-road touring without a trailer.

But while it tows well, the biggest drawback is its 80km/h towing speed restriction.

How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R cost?
Price: $49,140 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol
Output: 191kW/350Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 9.9L/100km (ADR Combined); 15.1L/100km (as tested, see text)
CO2: 230g/km (ADR Combined)