Used 2018 Subaru Outback for Sale nearMilwaukee, WI

How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.66% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,586 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 4.7/5 user-rated vehicle with 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 Outback also fits well if you want a practical, capable vehicle that can handle a wide range of driving situations without feeling flashy or overdone.

The model’s appeal is especially strong if you value substance over excess, since its core identity is built around usefulness, versatility, and everyday comfort. 35.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which adds some shopping flexibility.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle people tend to trust and keep, with repeated praise for its smooth ride, strong safety features, and ample cargo space. The broader feedback also reinforces the Outback’s practical, dependable character, especially for drivers who want a vehicle that can handle everyday use and tougher conditions with confidence.

The expert notes also support that impression by describing the Outback as a vehicle that goes places most other crossovers can’t and remains comfortable for hours behind the wheel. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that some examples may have been worked hard in demanding conditions, so condition and maintenance history matter.

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 you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one that has seen rough-weather use. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the vehicle’s practical features still work as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model starts at $25,895 and comes with standard all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission, while the cabin updates and quieter interior help the higher trims feel more polished. The base trim is the one to scrutinize most closely for feature gaps, since EyeSight is not standard there.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder makes 175 horsepower and is described as underpowered for this vehicle, while the available 3.6-liter 6-cylinder delivers 256 horsepower and is the better fit if you want stronger acceleration.
• 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 apps, and over-the-air software updates.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5i is rated at 28 mpg in combined driving, 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 model: This is the entry point, but it’s the least appealing if you want the Outback’s best safety and convenience mix, since EyeSight is not standard here. It makes sense only if you’re focused on the lowest starting price.
• 2.5i Premium: This is the best-value trim. The cost-effectiveness guidance specifically recommends the 2.5i Premium with the optional EyeSight package, which gives you the strongest balance of price, practicality, and safety equipment.
• 2.5i Limited: This trim adds more polish and a more upscale feel, including the cabin upgrades and quieter interior changes that help the Outback feel more refined. It suits you if you want a nicer daily driver without moving all the way to the 6-cylinder models.
• 2.5i Touring: This is the most fully equipped 2.5i version, aimed at buyers who want the most comfort and convenience features in the four-cylinder lineup.
• 3.6R Limited: If you want the 6-cylinder engine, this is the minimum trim you need. It’s the right choice if stronger power matters more to you than keeping the purchase price down.
• 3.6R Touring: This is the top-end choice for buyers who want the strongest engine plus the most upscale equipment in the lineup.

EyeSight 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 have room to shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 35.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,586 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.66% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,585, 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 $15,585 sits slightly below last year's $16,877.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also limit short-term upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the softer pricing means you should expect buyers to be value-conscious and to compare your listing closely against similarly priced examples.

The Outback’s practical reputation and strong owner satisfaction should still help support demand over time. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback safe?

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

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

EyeSight is the named driver-assistance suite, and it uses a dual-camera system behind the windshield. Standard functions include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, and reverse automatic braking is also part of Subaru’s safety technology set. EyeSight is available on every Outback except the base trim.

The main caveat is the rollover result, which is lower than the other 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:

• 35.2% 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.
• Prices have softened 7.66% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 model year brings updated bumpers, lights, grille, quieter cabin changes, faster infotainment start-up, and over-the-air software updates.

The bottom line: The 2018 is a smart pick if you want a well-equipped, safety-focused Outback at a softer used-car price. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can also compare nearby years, but the 2018 stands out for its mix of value, safety, and updated tech.

How does the 2018 Subaru Outback compare to the 2018 Honda CR-V?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.