2018 Subaru Outback 2.0i-S EyeSight Review

In Malaysia's D-segment crossover market, there has always been a steady audience for models that balance urban commuting and light outdoor needs. These users want the comfort of a sedan, the off-road capability of an SUV, and have high requirements for safety features. The 2018 Subaru Outback 2.0i-S EyeSight, as one of the representatives of this segment, features the EyeSight active safety system, all-wheel drive, and balanced spatial performance as its core selling points. The primary purpose of this test drive is to verify its practicality in daily usage scenarios, driving quality, and whether its safety features can genuinely improve the driving experience.

From the exterior, the Outback's overall style leans towards being steady and pragmatic, without overly flashy design elements. The front features a signature hexagonal grille with a black honeycomb-patterned panel inside. The LED headlights on both sides are connected to the grille, and the lens structure inside the light assemblies is clear, offering good recognition when lit. The side profile displays straight lines, with a waistline running through the door handles from the front to the rear. The 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels have a standard design, and the tires are sized at 225/60 R18, balancing grip and comfort. At the rear, the LED taillight set adopts a horizontal layout, and the rear bumper adds a silver skid plate below, which adds a touch of crossover appeal. Overall, the design is harmonious and aligns with the aesthetic preferences of family users.

Inside the car, the interior predominantly features dark tones. The center console is wrapped in soft materials and accented with silver trim, giving it an overall quality that ranks above average within the same class. The center console is equipped with a 7-inch touch screen, featuring a simple interface and reasonable responsiveness, supporting Bluetooth connectivity and multimedia playback functions. However, the screen resolution seems slightly outdated for current standards. The multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather, with the left side integrating buttons for cruise control and volume adjustment, while the right side houses controls for the EyeSight system. The layout of the buttons is logical and easy to operate. Regarding seating, the front seats are wrapped in leather and support 8-way power adjustment (for both driver and passenger seats). The backrests and cushions offer decent support, ensuring long drives are comfortable without significant fatigue. The rear seats support manual reclining and 60:40 split-folding. Thanks to the 2745mm wheelbase, legroom is ample, with a passenger of 175cm having about two fist widths of space between their knees and the front seat, along with a headroom allowance of about one fist. In terms of storage space, the front central armrest box has a considerable capacity, the door panel storage compartments can hold two bottles of mineral water, and the trunk offers a standard capacity of 512 liters, which can be further expanded by folding the rear seats, meeting the needs of family trips or transporting large items.

As for performance, this Outback is equipped with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 175PS at 5800rpm and a peak torque of 235N·m at 4000rpm, paired with a CVT transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the power output at the start is smooth; throttle response is not overly aggressive, but it is adequate for urban commuting. During mid-to-high-speed acceleration, after pressing the throttle harder, the CVT transmission simulates gear shifts, and the engine revs up beyond 4000 rpm, delivering a noticeable burst of power sufficient to inspire confidence when overtaking. There are three driving modes: Economy, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle response becomes more sensitive, but overall, the performance remains more suited for family use. In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers good precision with minimal free play, and the return force is even. The suspension consists of a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear double-wishbone independent suspension. The tuning leans toward comfort, effectively filtering out most small vibrations when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, keeping the vehicle body stable. However, during high-speed cornering, there is noticeable body roll, which is a common trait in crossovers. Braking performance is decent, with a moderate pedal travel and linear brake release. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without a significant forward pitch.

The EyeSight active safety system is one of the highlights of this car, including features such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. During highway cruising, adaptive cruise control can accurately follow the car in front, maintain a safe distance, and reduce driving fatigue. The pre-collision braking system will issue a warning and apply the brakes automatically when encountering obstacles ahead, enhancing driving safety. In terms of fuel consumption, actual tests show that fuel consumption is about 10-11L/100km in urban driving and decreases to 7-8L/100km on highways. Overall fuel consumption performance is average, consistent with the level of a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine. Regarding noise control, there is some wind and tire noise at high speeds, but it remains within an acceptable range and does not affect normal conversations inside the car.

In summary, the core advantages of the Subaru Outback 2018 2.0i-S EyeSight are its full-time four-wheel-drive system, EyeSight active safety features, and spacious interior. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, it offers better off-road capability and more comprehensive safety features, but slightly lacks in interior technological sophistication and engine power. This car is suitable for family users who prioritize safety and occasionally engage in light outdoor activities, especially those who often drive on unpaved roads or require a four-wheel-drive system.

Overall, the Outback 2018 2.0i-S EyeSight is a well-balanced crossover family vehicle. It does not have any significant drawbacks, and its performance in all aspects can meet the daily needs of family users. If you are looking for a car with comprehensive safety features, a spacious interior, and a certain level of off-road capability, it will be a good choice.