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
From $21,998*
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All Subaru Outback years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru Outback generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2018 Subaru Outback?
- Outback trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- 8508 features are now available as options on select trims.
- The 2.5I Premium trim now comes with Power Hatch/Deck Lid as standard equipment.
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
37 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 29 |
|---|---|
| 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
2.5I Limited 4WD/AWD 4D Wagon
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Automated Cruise Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Lane Departure Warning
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Remote Start
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
175
Torque (ft-lbs)
174
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 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 2.5I Limited: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Premium: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 3.6R Limited: 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 3.6R Touring: 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 2.5I: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Touring: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
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 9 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
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 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.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Subaru Outback:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
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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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