Used 2018 Subaru Outback for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,467 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

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. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, strong safety features, and ample cargo space. The overview also points to decent driving dynamics, good fuel economy, all-wheel drive, and lots of ground clearance, which makes this a practical fit if you want an all-weather family vehicle that can handle everyday use without feeling overcomplicated.

There’s also a clear market signal that this model year remains in demand, with 32.0% 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 people tend to trust for everyday use, with repeated praise for its smooth ride, strong safety features, and practical cargo space. The expert notes reinforce that dependable character by describing the Outback as a vehicle that goes places most other crossovers can’t and remains comfortable for hours behind the wheel.

The main ownership risk for used buyers is that you should still verify condition carefully, since long-term satisfaction does not replace a thorough inspection and maintenance review.

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

At 69% 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 body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the vehicle’s equipment works as expected, since used examples can vary widely in how they’ve been maintained.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model starts with standard all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission, while the Premium, Limited, and Touring trims add more equipment. The Limited trim also gets a new wheel design for 2018, and the EyeSight package adds sophisticated driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems along with navigation.
• 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 6-cylinder is the stronger choice if you want more passing power, especially in hilly or mountainous driving.
• Safety package: EyeSight is available on every Outback except the base trim, and it includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. Reverse automatic braking is also part of the safety story, and the model earns Top Safety Pick+ recognition along with five-star federal crash ratings except for rollover resistance, which rates four stars.
• Infotainment: Starlink is paired with an 8-inch display on better-equipped versions, and this year it gains 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. Real-world testing showed 21.9 mpg for the 2.5i test vehicle.

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 model: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, and it already includes standard all-wheel drive and a CVT. It makes sense if you want the core Outback formula and plan to keep the budget tight, but it misses the added convenience and safety content that make the higher trims more appealing.
• 2.5i Premium: This is the best-value trim because it adds meaningful equipment without pushing the price too far up. The cost-effectiveness guidance specifically recommends the 2.5i Premium with the optional EyeSight package, which makes it the sweet spot for most used buyers.
• 2.5i Limited: This trim adds more upscale cabin content and is a good fit if you want a nicer-feeling interior and more features than the Premium. It also pairs well with the EyeSight package if you find one equipped that way.
• 2.5i Touring: This is the most feature-rich 2.5i version, so it suits you if you want the most comfort and convenience without moving to the 6-cylinder engine.
• 3.6R Limited: Choose this if you want the stronger 6-cylinder engine, since the cost-effectiveness guidance says you need at least this trim to get it. It’s the right pick if power matters more than keeping purchase price as low as possible.
• 3.6R Touring: This is the top-end choice for buyers who want the 6-cylinder engine plus the most equipment. It’s the most expensive route, so it makes the most sense if you want maximum content and don’t mind paying for it.

EyeSight is available on every Outback except the base trim.

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

The market looks moderately favorable if you’re selective and willing to compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,467 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.58% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,929, 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 $15,943 sits slightly below last year's $17,250.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may also limit upside if you’re thinking about future resale. If you buy at the right price and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you’ll be better positioned to preserve value than someone who pays near the top of the range.

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?

The 2018 Subaru Outback earns Top Safety Pick+ recognition from IIHS and five-star ratings across the board from NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, which rates four stars.

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

EyeSight is the named driver-assistance suite, and it’s available on every Outback except the base trim. Its standard functions include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, and the vehicle also offers reverse automatic braking.

One 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:

• 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.58% 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, solid owner satisfaction, and a lower average price than last year, the 2018 is a sensible primary target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can still shop carefully within this year’s range and focus on well-kept examples with clean history and the right equipment.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.