The 2018 Subaru Outback continues Subaru’s tradition of building practical, safe, and adventure-ready vehicles. Sitting between a wagon and an SUV, the Outback delivers excellent ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, impressive cargo space, and strong safety ratings. Even years after its release, it remains one of the smartest used-car purchases in the midsize crossover segment.
Exterior Design – Rugged Yet Refined
For 2018, Subaru refreshed the Outback with updated front and rear bumpers, a redesigned grille, improved LED headlights, and new wheel designs. The styling keeps its rugged personality while looking more modern and upscale.
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback sits higher than most wagons and even competes with some compact SUVs. Standard roof rails with integrated crossbars (on higher trims) make it easy to mount bikes, cargo boxes, or kayaks.
The overall design is functional rather than flashy — built for outdoor use, road trips, and daily family driving.
Engine Options & Performance
The 2018 Outback offers two engine choices:
2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder BOXER Engine
-
175 horsepower
-
174 lb-ft of torque
-
Best balance of fuel economy and everyday usability
3.6-Liter 6-Cylinder BOXER Engine
-
256 horsepower
-
247 lb-ft of torque
-
Stronger acceleration and better towing confidence
Both engines come paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Driving Experience
The Outback prioritizes comfort over sportiness:
-
Smooth ride quality
-
Stable highway performance
-
Excellent traction in rain and snow
-
Light steering for easy city driving
With X-Mode and Hill Descent Control, it can handle light off-road trails better than most crossovers in its class.
Fuel Economy of 2018 Outback
For an AWD vehicle, fuel efficiency is impressive:
-
2.5L engine: 25 MPG city / 32 MPG highway
-
3.6L engine: 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway
Real-world owners often report slightly better combined numbers with careful driving.
Interior Comfort & Space
Inside, the 2018 Outback feels spacious and practical. It seats five adults comfortably with generous rear legroom.
Cargo capacity:
-
35.5 cubic feet behind rear seats
-
73.3 cubic feet with seats folded
The low cargo floor makes loading luggage or groceries easy. Materials quality improved for 2018, and higher trims offer leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seating.
Cabin insulation improvements also reduce road noise compared to older models.
Technology & Infotainment
Standard features include:
-
6.5-inch touchscreen
-
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
-
Bluetooth connectivity
-
Rearview camera
Higher trims add:
-
8-inch touchscreen
-
Navigation system
-
Harman Kardon premium audio
-
Power moonroof
Some owners report slow touchscreen response over time, which is one of the few common complaints.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety is one of the biggest strengths of the 2018 Outback.
It earned:
-
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating
-
Strong crash test performance
Available EyeSight driver-assist features include:
-
Adaptive cruise control
-
Automatic emergency braking
-
Lane departure warning
-
Lane keep assist
The Outback’s visibility is also excellent thanks to large windows and a high seating position.
Reliability & Maintenance
The 2018 model is generally considered reliable when properly maintained.
Common concerns include:
-
Infotainment glitches
-
Battery drain complaints
-
CVT fluid maintenance being skipped by previous owners
However, many Outbacks easily exceed 200,000 miles with regular servicing. Subaru’s AWD system is known for durability in harsh climates.
Ownership Costs of 2018 Outback
-
Maintenance costs: Moderate
-
Insurance: Affordable due to safety ratings
-
Resale value: Strong compared to many rivals
It’s a practical long-term investment for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ Standard AWD
✔ Excellent safety ratings
✔ Spacious cargo area
✔ Comfortable ride
✔ Good fuel economy for AWD
Cons
✖ CVT lacks sporty feel
✖ 2.5L engine feels underpowered when fully loaded
✖ Infotainment system can be slow
Competitors
Main rivals include:
-
Toyota RAV4
-
Honda CR-V
-
Ford Edge
Compared to them, the Outback stands out for standard AWD and higher ground clearance.
Final Verdict
The 2018 Subaru Outback remains one of the most balanced used crossovers available today. It offers SUV capability with wagon comfort, excellent safety, and strong long-term reliability. While it may not be the most powerful or sporty option, it delivers where it matters most — practicality, safety, and all-weather confidence.