How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 5.49% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,515 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $16,068.70, 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 4.67/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 8/10. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, strong safety features, and ample cargo space. The Outback’s practicality also comes through in its spacious interior and generous cargo area, which fit well with family use and outdoor gear. The overview frames it as a versatile crossover with standard all-wheel drive, which matches the recurring themes of capability and everyday usefulness.

31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?

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

The user feedback points to a vehicle that owners trust for its smooth ride, strong safety features, and overall practicality, with many also praising the V6’s stronger performance. The expert notes reinforce that dependability angle by describing the Outback as comfortable for hours behind the wheel and especially capable in harsh weather and rough conditions. The cost-effectiveness commentary also emphasizes that it remains a cost-effective solution for snowstorms and uncommon pavement, which supports the case for long-term usefulness.

For used buyers, the main ownership risk is making sure the specific vehicle has been maintained well, since the driving experience and equipment can vary meaningfully by trim and condition.

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

At 68.9% 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 if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with visible wear. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the equipment you want is actually present on the trim you’re shopping. Because this model is often bought for safety and utility, it’s worth checking that the features you expect are working properly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model comes with standard all-wheel drive and a CVT, but it does not get the EyeSight suite. Higher trims add more convenience and safety equipment, and the Limited trim also gets a new wheel design for this model year.
• 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 2.5-liter is described as underpowered, while the 6-cylinder solves much of that problem but still loses some punch at altitude.
• 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 offered with an 8-inch display, 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 rated at 22 mpg combined. In testing, the 2.5i returned 21.9 mpg.

Which 2018 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The 2.5i gives you standard all-wheel drive and a CVT, but it does not include EyeSight.
• Sweet-spot trim: The 2.5i Premium is the best value because it adds the optional EyeSight package, which brings the key safety tech without pushing you into the pricier upper trims.
• Premium/top trim: The 3.6R Touring is the most fully equipped choice if you want the stronger 6-cylinder engine and the highest trim content.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims is a dedicated off-road model, but the 3.6R’s higher price and fuel use make it a less practical daily-driver choice if you do not need the extra power.

EyeSight is the safety-package trim note to keep in mind, since it is available on every Outback except the base trim.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,515 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.49% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,068.70, 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 $16,359 sits slightly below last year's $17,309.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to give you a better entry point now than a year ago. If you buy at today’s average or below, you may have less downside risk than someone who paid closer to last year’s pricing. For a future seller, that also means resale value will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim desirability rather than broad market appreciation.

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 a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings across the board from the federal government, except for rollover resistance, which rates four stars.

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

The EyeSight suite is available on every Outback except the base trim, and it includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The reverse automatic braking system is also part of the broader safety story here. The main caveat is the rollover result, which is lower than the rest of the federal crash ratings because of the Outback’s raised suspension.

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:

• 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 68.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.49% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• This year stands out for its updated technology, including faster Starlink response times and over-the-air software updates.

The bottom line: If you want a well-rounded used Outback with strong safety, solid owner satisfaction, and a softer price than last year, the 2018 is a sensible target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, focus on the best-maintained examples and be selective about trim and equipment so you get the safety and convenience features that matter most to you.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.