How much does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek cost?

Prices have softened 3.42% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,819 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $15,471.02, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek a good car?

Generally — the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek earns a 4.2/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Technology and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its quality, safety features, and smooth driving experience, and many highlight the solid feel of the car along with the EyeSight safety tech. The Crosstrek’s practical, durable character also comes through in the way it’s presented as a high-riding wagon with real versatility rather than just crossover styling.

That lines up well with the overview: you’re looking at a model built around practicality, safety, and efficiency, with outdoorsy usefulness that fits buyers who want capability without moving up to a larger SUV. The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 27.3% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Owners rate it 4.2/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a dependable, solid-feeling vehicle that many buyers feel good about living with over time. The expert drive notes also emphasize that Subaru addressed earlier issues and improved the CVT, while the car’s composed ride and all-season capability reinforce the sense that it’s built to be counted on.

You should still pay close attention to maintenance history and how the drivetrain has been treated, especially because some shoppers question the 2.0-liter engine’s punch and value. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright fragility and more about finding a well-kept example that has been maintained consistently.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

At 65.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on cars that show signs of prior bodywork or heavy use. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and whether the car’s practical features still work as intended, since this model is often chosen for everyday utility and outdoor use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, integrated roof rails, manual seats, power windows, a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, and the 6.5-inch StarLink infotainment system, while the Premium adds fog lights, heated front seats, a windshield-wiper deicer, heated side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth seats with orange stitching, auto on/off headlights, and a six-speaker stereo. The Limited adds leather seats, automatic climate control, an 8-inch StarLink screen, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push-button start, and LED headlights that turn with the steering wheel.
• Powertrain: The Crosstrek uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission, and all-weather symmetrical all-wheel drive.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the named safety suite, and it includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and sway warning. Automatic high beams, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are also available, while X-Mode and Hill Descent Control are optional on Base and Premium and standard on Limited.
• Infotainment: Base and Premium trims use a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Limited gets an 8-inch screen. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Fuel efficiency: With the manual transmission, fuel economy is 23 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined. With the CVT, it improves to 29 city, 33 highway, 29 combined.

Which 2018 Subaru Crosstrek trim should I buy?

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is offered in 3 trim levels: Base, Premium, and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the simplest way into the Crosstrek, and it gives you the core rugged look, roof rails, and the essentials. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry price and plan to add only the features you truly need.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the comfort and convenience upgrades that make daily use easier, including heated front seats, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a better stereo.
• Limited: This is the right pick if you want the most upscale Crosstrek experience, with leather seating, automatic climate control, the larger 8-inch screen, keyless entry with push-button start, and standard X-Mode and Hill Descent Control.

EyeSight is available on the Crosstrek, and the safety content also notes optional blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 27.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,819 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.42% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 65.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,471.02, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek's resale value?

The current average of $16,258 sits slightly below last year's $16,834.

That softer pricing suggests the model is currently more buyer-friendly than it was a year ago, which can help you if you’re shopping now but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. Still, the Crosstrek’s practical reputation and broad appeal should help it remain attractive to used-car shoppers over time.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.2/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek safe?

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The Crosstrek comes standard with a full array of front and side impact airbags, a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring system, LATCH child-seat anchor system, and vehicle dynamics control with traction control. It is also available with Subaru’s EyeSight safety system, which includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and sway warning.

You can also get automatic high beams, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. EyeSight also adds a stoplight reminder feature that alerts you when the car ahead pulls away.

Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 27.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 65.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.42% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.2/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 Crosstrek is the first full redesign for the model, with a stronger focus on practicality, safety, and efficiency.

The bottom line: If you want the redesigned Crosstrek with strong practicality and a market that currently favors careful shoppers, the 2018 is a sensible target. If your priority is maximizing value, you should compare listings closely and lean toward the best-maintained example with the equipment you actually want.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.