How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.15% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 2,483 listings available, you have a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $16,067.86, 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 from owners, 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 overview also points to a spacious interior and standard all-wheel drive, which fits your needs if you want a practical family vehicle or something that can handle outdoor use. Even with some complaints about infotainment and interior lighting, the overall ownership experience reads as strongly positive.

The market also backs that up: 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner summary also points to a vehicle that many drivers trust for the smooth ride, strong safety features, and overall practicality, with several owners specifically praising the power in V6-equipped versions.

The expert notes reinforce that dependable, long-haul character: the Outback is described as comfortable for hours behind the wheel, brilliant in a blizzard, and capable of going places most other crossovers can’t. The cost-effectiveness notes also frame it as a practical, cost-effective solution for snow-prone or rough-road environments.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the specific vehicle you choose has been maintained well, since the experience can vary depending on engine choice and how hard the car has been used.

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

At 68.8% 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 careful inspection of bodywork, alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because this model is often bought for family use and outdoor duty, condition matters as much as mileage. Pay close attention to how the cabin, infotainment, and drivetrain feel in real-world use, since those are the areas owners most often discuss.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model gets standard all-wheel drive and a CVT, but it does not include EyeSight. The Premium trim adds the best value path when paired with the optional EyeSight package, while Limited and Touring trims bring more equipment and, in the 6-cylinder versions, more power.
• 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 acceptably powered in some driving, but the 6-cylinder is the stronger choice if you want more passing power.
• 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 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: It gives you standard all-wheel drive and the CVT, but it lacks EyeSight, which is a meaningful omission if safety tech matters to you.
• Sweet-spot trim: The 2.5i Premium is the best value because it adds the features most buyers want, and the optional EyeSight package makes it the most balanced choice.
• Premium/top trim: The 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring bring the most upscale equipment, while the 3.6R Limited is the minimum choice if you want the 6-cylinder engine.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims is a dedicated off-road model, but the Outback’s ground clearance and X-Mode capability make it appealing if you regularly drive in snow or on rough roads.

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 market, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay disciplined.

• Deal availability: 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,483 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.15% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,067.86, 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 $16,270 sits slightly below last year's $17,336.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. If you plan to sell later, the current softness means your near-term upside may be limited unless you buy especially well. Still, the Outback’s broad appeal and practical reputation should help support demand.

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.

EyeSight is the named driver-assistance suite, and it is 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 offers reverse automatic braking, adding another layer of low-speed protection.

The main caveat is the rollover result, which is lower than the rest of its federal crash ratings because of the 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:

• 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 68.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.15% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 model brings updated bumpers, lights, grille, quieter cabin tuning, and improved Starlink software with over-the-air updates.

The bottom line: If you want a well-rounded used Outback with strong safety, broad practicality, and a softer market price, the 2018 model is a sensible target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can shop aggressively for a clean, well-kept example near the low end of the range and still get the core Outback strengths without paying top dollar.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.