How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.02% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,448 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and equipment. If you find a listing below $16,071.29, 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 — 4.67/5 owners’ rating points to strong satisfaction, and the Outback also earns 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. You also see recurring appreciation for its practicality and all-wheel-drive confidence, which fits the Outback’s role as a family-friendly crossover with outdoor versatility. The market still shows 32.8% good or great deals, which suggests there’s room to find value if you shop carefully.

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 feel good about keeping for the long haul, with repeated praise for its dependable nature, smooth ride, and practical everyday usefulness. On the expert side, the Outback is described as a vehicle that remains comfortable for hours behind the wheel and is especially capable in harsh weather and rough conditions. Subaru also notes that the Outback is a cost-effective solution for buyers who need practicality and all-wheel-drive confidence.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the specific vehicle you choose has been maintained well and hasn’t been worn down by hard use or neglected service.

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 first: bodywork, interior wear, tire condition, and signs of hard use matter a lot when a model is valued for practicality and all-weather duty. If you’re shopping a trim with added equipment, make sure the features you want are actually present and functioning.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim comes with standard all-wheel drive and a CVT, but it does not include the EyeSight suite that’s 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 described as underpowered, while the 6-cylinder solves much of that problem.
• 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 not available on 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: 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 lacks EyeSight, which means you miss out on the suite of driver-assistance features available on higher trims.
• Sweet-spot trim: The 2.5i Premium is the best value because it adds the optional EyeSight package, and the cost-effectiveness guidance specifically recommends this trim with that 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 level, but it comes at a much higher price.
• Off-road trim: The 3.6R Limited is the minimum choice if you want the 6-cylinder engine, but that higher sticker price makes it less compelling for typical daily drivers than the 2.5i Premium.

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

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

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,448 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.02% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,071.29, 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 $16,345 sits slightly below last year's $17,392.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to create a more buyer-friendly entry point today, but it also means future sellers may face some pressure if pricing softens further. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation compared with someone who paid closer to last year’s average. Strong demand for practical, safety-focused crossovers should continue to support interest in the model.

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

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. The Outback also includes reverse automatic braking, and Subaru positions the vehicle as one with exceptional crash protection for occupants.

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:

• 32.8% 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 6.02% 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 over-the-air software updates.

The bottom line: If you want a 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, you may also want to compare nearby years, but the 2018 stands out for its combination of value, safety, and everyday usefulness.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.