2018 Subaru Outback review
Subaru Outback highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Versatile and rugged
- Refined and comfortable interior
- Plenty of room for cargo
Cons
- Weak four-cylinder engine
- Braking could be improved
- Boring driving experience
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 27 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All Subaru Outback years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru Outback generation from 2013 to 2026
What is new for the 2018 Subaru Outback?
- All models now include advanced safety features as standard equipment.
- New infotainment system with upgraded connectivity options has been added.
- Enhanced fuel efficiency ratings for all engine variants have been introduced.
- Standard warranty coverage has been extended to 5 years/60,000 miles.
2018 Subaru Outback trims
Curious how Subaru Outback trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities2.5I:
- 175-hp, 174-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- View our Subaru Outback 2.5I inventory
2.5I Premium:
- Includes all features available on the 2.5I
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Satellite Radio Ready
- CD Audio
- View our Subaru Outback 2.5I Premium inventory
2.5I Limited:
- Includes all features available on the 2.5I Premium
- Smart Key
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Memory Seats
- Leather Seats
- Sunroofs
- Harman Kardon Sound
- View our Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited inventory
2.5I Touring:
- Includes all features available on the 2.5I Limited
- Lane Departure Warning
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Automated Cruise Control
- Navigation System
- View our Subaru Outback 2.5I Touring inventory
3.6R Limited:
- Includes all features available on the 2.5I Touring
- 256-hp, 247-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
- View our Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited inventory
3.6R Touring:
- Includes all features available on the 3.6R Limited
- No significant upgrades found on the 3.6R Touring
- View our Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring inventory
Subaru Outback photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Subaru Outback
1. Super spacious
The 2018 Subaru Outback lives up to its heritage as a large wagon with a vast amount of space. It has a total passenger volume of 108.1 cu-ft and offers 40.8 inches of headroom and 42.9 inches of legroom in the front. In the back are 38.9 inches of headroom and 38.1 inches of legroom, which is more than enough for an adult to stretch out on your next road trip. The Outback shines with 35.5 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats and a huge 73.3 cu-ft with the 60/40 split-folding seats down. That's ample space for luggage, sports gear, or the fruits of a shopping spree.
2. Great base engine performance
The 2018 Subaru Outback offers decent mileage with the base 2.5L four-cylinder engine—it has 175 horsepower and it offers an EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg.
The base model achieves zero-to-60 in 9.4 seconds and handles more like a sedan than a wagon. And since it’s an AWD vehicle, you've got comfort over any terrain thanks to the absorbent suspension.3. Four exciting trims
There are four trim levels of the 2018 Subaru Outback: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Each comes with the 2.5L engine as standard, but the Limited and Touring models are available with a 3.6L V6. The base model includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen, USB port, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Premium trim adds to this dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an eight-inch touchscreen, and more. The Limited includes leather seating, blind spot monitoring, and lane change assist, offering drivers peace of mind. The Touring adds an extra layer of luxury with the addition of a heated steering wheel, navigation, and reverse automatic emergency braking.
4. Comfortable seating
Something you'll love about this vehicle is the comfort level inside the cabin. The 2018 Subaru Outback seats five, with ample legroom in both rows, cloth upholstery and a height-adjustable driver's seat as standard. Available features include leather seating, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated seats—fantastic for long drives and road trips where you will appreciate the little things that make a journey more comfortable. Treat yourself to a higher trim if the luxuries of heated seats and leather trim appeal, but even the base model prioritizes comfort beautifully.
5. Unique color options
Not every wagon comes with a color option for every taste but the 2018 Subaru Outback's options are refreshing. You can choose from vibrant colors like Crimson Red Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Wilderness Green Metallic, and more. These colors show that you don't have to sacrifice style or individuality even with a very practical, outdoorsy vehicle. The cabin area inside is sleek and sophisticated, with door and dashboard trim matching whichever of the seven colors of upholstery—from Warm Ivory Cloth to Slate Black Leather—you choose.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.7 out of 5
38 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 30 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Subaru Outback an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru Outback 10th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru OutbackSubaru Outback features and specs
Curious how Subaru Outback trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
3.6R Touring 4D Wagon 4WD/AWD
Standard Features
- Power Windows
- Heated Steering Wheel
- ABS Brakes
- Sunroof(s)
- Rear Defroster
- Air Conditioning
- Power Mirrors
- Memory Seat(s)
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Front Seat Heaters
- Smart Key
- Leather Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Side Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Traction Control
- Rear View Camera
- Automated Cruise Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Spoiler
- Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Transmission
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Harman Kardon Sound
- CD Audio
- Satellite Radio Ready
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Navigation System
- Bluetooth Technology
- Remote Start
- Leather Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Tow Hitch
- Alloy Wheels
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
3.6L
Horsepower
256
Torque (ft-lbs)
247
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
108.1"
Overall length
189.6"
Width
72.4"
Height
66.1"
Leg room
F 42.9"/R 38.1"
Head room
F 38.3"/R 38.9"
Front tires
P225/60HR18
Rear tires
P225/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
270/2700 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Subaru Outback FAQ
The 2018 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 2700 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
The 2018 Subaru Outback has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Subaru Outback, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Subaru Outback Reviews.
The Subaru Outback received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Subaru Outback as 10 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
Here are the pros and cons of the 2018 Subaru Outback: Pros - Fuel Economy - Ride and Handling - Power Cons - Technology and Entertainment - Seat Comfort - Styling
Here is what's new for the 2018 Subaru Outback:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Full Roof Rack
The 2018 Subaru Outback offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 25 city / 32 highway MPG (2.5I Limited trim) • Gas: 25 city / 32 highway MPG (2.5I Premium trim) • Gas: 20 city / 27 highway MPG (3.6R Limited trim) • Gas: 20 city / 27 highway MPG (3.6R Touring trim) • Gas: 25 city / 32 highway MPG (2.5I trim) • Gas: 25 city / 32 highway MPG (2.5I Touring trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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