2018 Subaru Outback: Comprehensive Car Seat Safety Evaluation
The Subaru Outback remains the brand's flagship family vehicle, blending wagon practicality with SUV-like versatility. Our in-depth 2018 model year assessment focuses specifically on child safety seat compatibility - a crucial consideration for parents researching family vehicles. The 2018 refresh brought upgraded interior materials and enhanced infotainment, but we'll examine how these changes (or lack thereof) impact real-world child seat installation and daily use.
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Car Seat Compatibility Overview
Through rigorous testing with multiple car seat configurations, we've determined the 2018 Outback maintains its reputation as one of the most child-friendly midsize wagons. The unchanged rear seat dimensions from previous models continue to accommodate most child safety seats comfortably, though with some considerations parents should note.
Key Finding: Two car seats install easily in the 60/40 split rear seats, while three-across configurations require careful seat selection. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance (higher than most wagons) doesn't compromise easy child loading thanks to wide rear doors and a low step-in height.
Detailed Car Seat Grading System
Our evaluation uses a standardized grading scale developed through extensive testing across vehicle segments:
Test Methodology
Our assessment uses three industry-standard child restraints representing different developmental stages:
- Infant Seat: Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 (rear-facing)
- Convertible Seat: Britax Marathon (rear and forward-facing)
- Booster Seat: Graco TurboBooster (belt-positioning)
We evaluate installations with:
- Front seats positioned for a 6-foot driver and average-height passenger
- All possible seating configurations in the second row
- Both LATCH and seat belt installation methods
- Three-across arrangements where physically possible
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2018 Outback Specific Findings
Rear-Facing Infant Seat Installation
The Graco SnugRide installed easily behind the front passenger seat using either LATCH or seat belt. Key observations:
- No front passenger seat adjustment required for proper fit
- Clear lower anchor access with minimal seat cushion interference
- Top tether anchor easily accessible beneath seatback
- Grade: A
Forward-Facing Convertible Seat
The Britax Marathon performed exceptionally well in forward-facing mode:
- Ample legroom for preschool-aged children
- Direct lower anchor access without seat cushion removal
- Minimal seat belt overlap when using that installation method
- Grade: A
Booster Seat Compatibility
The Graco TurboBooster demonstrated why the Outback remains popular with school-age families:
- Proper seat belt geometry across child's shoulder and lap
- Stable seating position without excessive side-to-side movement
- Easy independent buckle access for children ages 6+
- Grade: A
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Three-Across Installation Test
While the Outback officially seats five, we tested the practicality of three child seats across the second row:
Successful Configuration:
- Infant seat (passenger outboard)
- Narrow convertible seat (center)
- Backless booster (driver outboard)
Considerations:
- Requires careful seat selection (narrower models recommended)
- Center LATCH unavailable - must use seat belt installation
- Booster occupant may need assistance with seat belt buckle
Overall Grade for Three-Across: B-
LATCH System Evaluation
The 2018 Outback's Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system shows thoughtful implementation:
- Clearly marked lower anchors with minimal seat cushion interference
- Tether anchors positioned at all three rear seating positions
- Reminder: Combined child + seat weight limit of 65 lbs for LATCH use
- Upper tether anchors easily accessible on seatbacks
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Comparison to Competitors
How the Outback stacks up against similar family-friendly vehicles:
- vs. Toyota RAV4: Outback offers 2" more rear legroom and wider door openings
- vs. Honda CR-V: Comparable LATCH accessibility, but Outback has superior tether anchor placement
- vs. Volvo V60: Similar safety ratings but Outback provides more affordable ownership
Pro Tips for Parents
Maximize your Outback's child safety potential with these expert recommendations:
- Use the rear seat tether anchors for all forward-facing seats to reduce head excursion
- Consider weathertech mats to protect seats from spills and car seat indentations
- Utilize the rear seat reminder system to prevent forgetting children in the vehicle
- Take advantage of Subaru's free car seat installation clinics at dealerships
Final Verdict
The 2018 Subaru Outback continues its legacy as one of the most family-friendly vehicles in its class. With excellent car seat compatibility across all stages of child development, thoughtful LATCH implementation, and practical interior dimensions, it remains a top choice for safety-conscious parents. While three-across installations require careful planning, the Outback excels at typical two-child family transportation needs.
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