How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.50% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 2,537 listings available, you have a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy. 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 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 practical crossover with all-wheel drive and a roomy cargo area. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners repeatedly praise the smooth ride, strong safety features, and ample cargo space. The Outback’s use-case fit is especially strong if you want a family-friendly vehicle that can handle bad weather and outdoor gear without giving up everyday comfort. Even with some complaints about infotainment and interior lighting, the market still shows 32.0% good or great deals, which suggests there are worthwhile examples to shop.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. In owner feedback, the Outback is described as dependable and trouble-free, with praise centered on its smooth ride, strong safety features, and practical cargo space. The expert evaluation also emphasizes its cost-effective nature and its ability to handle snowstorms and rough pavement with confidence.

The powertrain and chassis notes reinforce that sense of durability, with the CVT described as agreeable and quieter for 2018, and the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive setup adding confidence in tough conditions. Subaru also says the available EyeSight suite is powered by a dual-camera system, and the model includes reverse automatic braking. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that underpowered engines and higher real-world fuel use can make the vehicle feel less satisfying if you expect strong acceleration.

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

At 68.7% 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 prior bodywork. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the vehicle’s safety and driver-assistance equipment still functions properly. Because this model is often bought for weather confidence and utility, it’s worth making sure the drivetrain, brakes, and cabin electronics all feel solid in real-world use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model comes with standard all-wheel drive and a CVT, but it does not get EyeSight. Higher trims add more equipment, and the Limited trim also gets a new wheel design for 2018.
• 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.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the named driver-assistance suite, and it adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability plus lane-keeping assist. It is available on every Outback except the base trim.
• Infotainment: Starlink is offered with an 8-inch display screen, 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: 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 EyeSight, so you give up the model’s key driver-assistance suite.
• Sweet-spot trim: The 2.5i Premium is the best value because it adds more equipment while staying aligned with the model’s practical mission, and the cost-effectiveness guidance specifically points you toward it with the optional EyeSight package.
• Premium/top trim: The 3.6R Touring is the most fully equipped choice if you want the 6-cylinder engine and the highest trim content.
• Off-road trim: There isn’t a dedicated off-road trim here, but the 3.6R models are the ones to consider if you want stronger real-world passing power for daily driving.

EyeSight is the safety-package note to keep in mind: 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 patiently but still move quickly on the right example.

• Deal availability: 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,537 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.50% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.7% 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 $16,248 sits slightly below last year's $17,377.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to give you some negotiating room today, but it also means future sellers may face a softer resale environment if depreciation continues at the same pace. The good news is that this model still has broad shopper appeal thanks to its practicality, safety reputation, and all-wheel-drive capability. 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 IIHS.

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 plus lane-keeping assist. The model also includes reverse automatic braking. The main caveat is the rollover result, which is lower than the rest of the federal crash ratings because of the vehicle’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 68.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.50% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 model brings quieter cabin updates, improved Starlink performance, and a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

The bottom line: If you want a used Outback with strong safety credentials, broad utility, and a market that has softened enough to create buying opportunities, the 2018 is a sensible target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, focus on well-kept examples near the low end of the range and prioritize history, condition, and equipment over chasing the cheapest listing.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.