Used 2018 Subaru Outback for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.56% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,690 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Subaru Outback earns a 4.7/5 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 Outback also fits buyers who want a practical, versatile vehicle with all-wheel drive and good fuel economy, while still feeling comfortable for everyday use.

At the same time, the model’s appeal is strongest if you value utility over flash, since the overview emphasizes a carlike driving feel, plenty of ground clearance, and broad all-weather capability. 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

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 dependable, trouble-free ownership experience for many shoppers, with repeated praise for the Outback’s smooth ride, safety, and everyday usefulness. The expert driving notes also frame it as a vehicle that remains comfortable for hours behind the wheel and capable in demanding conditions.

Subaru’s maintenance-friendly reputation is reinforced by the mention that the first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the specific vehicle you choose has been cared for properly, especially if it has seen hard use or higher-mileage ownership.

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

At 68.2% 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 the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the vehicle’s equipment and safety systems work as expected. It also makes sense to pay close attention to interior condition and electronics, since some owners mention navigation and infotainment issues.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model includes standard all-wheel drive and a CVT, while the Premium, Limited, and Touring trims add more equipment and refinement. The base trim also misses the EyeSight package, so feature gaps matter if safety tech is important to you.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder makes 175 horsepower, while the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder delivers 256 horsepower and is the better choice if you want stronger acceleration.
• 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 available with an 8-inch display, faster startup 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 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 if you want the lowest starting price and standard all-wheel drive, but it skips the EyeSight safety suite, so it makes the most sense only if you are shopping strictly on price.
• 2.5i Premium: This is the best-value trim because it adds more everyday comfort and is the version specifically recommended for value-minded buyers, especially when paired with the optional EyeSight package.
• 2.5i Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more equipment than the Premium, along with the cabin upgrades and added refinement that come with the higher trim.
• 2.5i Touring: This is the right pick if you want the most fully equipped 2.5i model and are willing to pay for the top-end comfort and convenience features.
• 3.6R Limited: This is the minimum trim you need if you want the 6-cylinder engine, and it is the better choice for buyers who care more about power than price.
• 3.6R Touring: Pick this if you want the strongest engine plus the most premium 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 looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,690 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.56% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,531, 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 $15,531 sits slightly below last year's $16,801.

That price movement suggests the market has become more favorable for buyers, which can make resale a little more challenging if you plan to sell soon. If you buy at the right price now, you may have less downside exposure than someone who bought when values were higher.

The Outback’s broad appeal helps support future demand, especially because shoppers continue to value its safety, practicality, and all-weather capability. 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 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 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

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

The EyeSight suite is the named driver-assistance package, 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, so safety equipment is one of the clearest reasons to move up from the entry model.

The main caveat is the rollover result, which is lower than the rest of the federal crash ratings because of the vehicle’s higher ride height.

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:

• 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 68.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.56% 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 tuning, and improved Starlink software with over-the-air updates.

The bottom line: If you want a used Outback with strong safety, solid value, and a lower average price, the 2018 is a sensible choice. If you are shopping mainly for the best-equipped version of this generation and want more standard safety tech, a newer model year may be worth a look; if you are focused on stretching your budget, the 2018 gives you a lot of the Outback formula for less money.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.