How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.64% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,481 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $16,069.06, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Subaru Outback earns a 4.67/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating, which points to broad appeal for shoppers who want a capable, practical crossover. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, strong safety features, and ample cargo space. The model also fits drivers who want one vehicle that can handle a wide range of situations, with all-wheel drive, good fuel economy, and generous ground clearance supporting that use case.

The market also shows healthy interest, with 31.7% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a vehicle that many drivers trust and count on, with praise centered on its smooth ride, strong safety features, and practical everyday usefulness. That kind of repeat-positive feedback matters when you’re looking for a used vehicle you can depend on over time.

The expert evaluation also reinforces that dependable, all-weather character by emphasizing the Outback’s broad capability, standard all-wheel drive, and comfort for long drives. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the specific vehicle you choose has been maintained well and hasn’t accumulated hidden wear from hard use.

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

At 68.6% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on condition details that matter for daily use, including signs of prior body damage, interior wear, and whether the vehicle’s features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model comes with standard all-wheel drive and a CVT, but it lacks the EyeSight suite that is available on every Outback except the base trim.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder makes 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder makes 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5i is rated at 28 mpg in combined driving, and the 3.6R is expected to get 22 mpg.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the named driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. It is available on every Outback except the base trim.
• Infotainment: Starlink is the infotainment system, and the larger 8-inch display gets faster start-up and response times, better voice recognition, new on-screen applications, and over-the-air software updates.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5i is rated at 28 mpg combined, while the 3.6R is expected to get 22 mpg.

Which 2018 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2018 Subaru Outback is offered in 6 trim levels: base model, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited, 3.6R Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: It gives you standard all-wheel drive and a CVT, but it misses the EyeSight suite that is available on every Outback except the base trim.
• Sweet-spot trim: The 2.5i Premium is the best value because it adds more equipment while staying below the higher-priced Limited and Touring models.
• Premium/top trim: The 3.6R Touring is the most fully equipped choice if you want the 6-cylinder engine and the highest level of luxury and convenience.
• Off-road trim: The Outback’s ground clearance and X-Mode traction system make it appealing for rough roads and trail use, but the 2.5i’s underpowered engine can be a drawback if you expect frequent demanding driving.

EyeSight is the key safety-package note to keep in mind, since it is not available on the base trim.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,481 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.64% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,069.06, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Subaru Outback's resale value?

The current average of $16,208 sits slightly below last year's $17,362.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point if you plan to keep the vehicle for a while. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend more on condition, mileage, and trim than on broad market momentum alone.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback safe?

It earns five-star ratings across the board from the federal government, except for rollover resistance, which rates four stars due to the Outback’s raised suspension. It also earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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

EyeSight is the named driver-assistance suite, and it is available on every Outback except the base trim. Its functions are powered by a dual-camera system behind the windshield and include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The Outback also offers reverse automatic braking.

Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Outback 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:

• 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 68.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.64% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 model year brings updated bumpers, lights, grille, quieter cabin tuning, and improved Starlink performance.

The bottom line: If you want a used Outback with strong safety credentials, broad practicality, and a softer price than last year, the 2018 is a sensible target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can also compare nearby years to see whether a lower-mileage or better-equipped example offers a better overall value for your budget.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.