2018 MINI Clubman vs 2018 Subaru Outback Comparison

Iconic Curb Appeal

The Subaru Outback looks like most SUVs. It’s bulky and a bit awkward. The 2018 MINI Clubman has a distinctive look. Although it is bigger, it still retains the interesting shape and good looks of the classic MINI. Its racecar heritage shows through. Oval, eye-like headlights and a hood vent seem to be the eyes and nose of the grinning Clubman grille. You won’t lose this icon in a crowded parking lot. Helping it make a statement, the 2018 MINI Clubman comes in a bigger rainbow of colors than the Outback. Unlike Subaru, MINI lets you choose one of three ways to distinguish your Clubman. The roof and mirrors can be painted black, white or melted silver. A more original look gives it even more curb appeal. In a move Subaru will probably never make, MINI lets you add a roof decal. These include a black/white checkered flag, the Union Jack flag, a Black Jack Moon, or a black/grey checkered moon. You can also added white or black hood stripes. With the John Cooper Works edition, you can get a red roof, red mirrors, a red grille stripe, and red side stripes.

Distinctive Interiors

If you choose the Outback, there’s little flair and certainly no personality beyond limited upholstery color choices. Then there’s the 2018 MINI Clubman. For starters, you’ve got a double-stripe carbon black upholstery or a leatherette black pearl choice. Leathers come in shades of Indigo Blue, Pure Burgundy, and Satellite Gray. These colors can be echoed in door panels and other features. A checkered dash surface adds visual interest that is pure MINI magic. Surrounded by a wheel of light almost as big as the steering wheel, there’s a 6.5-inch standard touchscreen or an available 8.8-inch model. You can adjust the interior lighting to suit your mood. There are many settings and colors. You get to be the designer, adding color to the center stack, footwell and doors. If you choose the Union Jack roof decal, you may also want the Union Jack illuminated door sills. The JCW model has its own distinctive seats and special interior accents. The double rear doors set the Clubman apart from the Subaru and other hatchbacks. These can be activated with a foot sensor.

All-Wheel Drive

Subarus have standard all-wheel drive. The 2018 MINI Clubman has standard front-wheel drive on two models, but three models come with standard ALL4. This dynamic system reduces response time to less than one-tenth of a second. Like a European racer, it holds its grip regardless of the surface quality. It makes adjustments in real time, accommodating difficult road conditions or making the most of good road conditions. This gives the Clubman a handling advantage when you are taking curves at speed or enjoy long straightaways. These MINIs also benefit from an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission.

Before you go for something boring, head to our dealership and try out the 2018 MINI Clubman. It will definitely surprise you.