Used 2018 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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Comfortable, quiet, reliable. GPS is different
DTS, 12/18/2019
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I chose the Outback because I needed something smaller than my pickup. I looked at the CRV, RAV4 and other comparable small SUVs. None of them had the towing capacity, and I have a lawn tractor I periodically want to take up to the shop. We've owned 4 CRVs and they were good, but their towing capability is just not there. I got the 4cyl Outback Limited. The seats are remarkably comfortable, even for someone 6ft or taller. My 6ft3 son fits sufficiently well in the back seat, but he does prefer the minivan for longer trips. In Washington DC traffic I'm getting typically 27mph. The car is not zippy. I like to say it will to zero-to-sixty some time this week, but I didn't buy an Outback because it's a sports car. I bought it because it's fuel efficient, good in snow, reliable, fits in a city parking garage, and had all the bells and whistles. Our 2012 Forester has been bulletproof and the Outback is following along nicely. For the price, you get a remarkably well equipped car that can go full-nanny on you if you want. It has ALL the safety feasures and the EyeSight system is remarkably reliable. So why 4 stars instead of 5? InDash GPS. They use a TomTom-powered system that is nearly useless. The system cannot calculate for traffic, often seems to get lost on straightaways (no joke - you'll find yourself wondering why TomTom is telling you to take a certain exit, only to have it tell you to get back on the highway. Since any model that offers in-dash GPS also has Android Auto or the Apple equivalent - those systems are so much better. Don't waste a dime on their dismal in-dash GPS.
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Highs and Lows
john, 03/18/2019
updated 10/21/2019
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Eyesight System adds some safety enhancing features (lane depart alert), but I have found 90% of its features to be redundant ("sway" is a repetition of "lane depart alert") or to give too many false positives. Eyesight operates off the assumption that enough relevant information to take actions is in the Eyesight data. There is a lot more information in the context of that data and used by the driver. I have only lane depart alert and forward collision alert still on, the latter because it can only be turned off trip by trip, not permanently. My wife, who is extremely risk averse and wanted it all now agrees to disable most of it. Not worth the bucks unless you plan to sleep at the wheel a lot. Paddle shifting down helps make the 4 cyl engine adequate for on ramps and similar situations. The 6 cyl is unnecessary for almost all drivers. The fact that the warranty on the CVT (continuously variable transmission) was made twice as long to calm concerns about it should tell you something. I have had hints of CVT trouble in a year of ownership, and my wife verifies there are "hiccups." In the year I have had three versions of the Infotainment control software and I, and several people we steered toward Subaru Outback, still hate (really hate!) one easily changed feature of the software does not speak well of Subaru, nor the fact that we had to have an update of the buggy gas and mileage remaining software. That should have been tested to bits before going into production! Below the highest trim the front passenger seat is crappy. It is too low, too little side support, and 1960's controls. There is a cushion available through Amazon that is specifically mentioned for the crap seat. It does a good job. Subaru has the potential to make a great car of the Outback. Mostly it's there. Details need attention. I dealt directly with Subaru Customer Service (corporate) trying to get someone to understand what is making people angry about the Infotainment system software. Congrats, they asked questions and listened. Not so good, nothing came of having shared the problem with corporate. Here's the Issue: All components of the Infotainment system (am radio, fm radio, xm radio, usb source, cd source) retain the state they were in when the driver last set them (on/off) so the same state is in effect when the driver returns to the car and turns on the ignition system, except one --- speakers default to "on" every time you start your car, no matter what you want. You can't change this. None of the software updates has addressed the speaker=on problem. Can it be so hard. I am among many owners who hate this aspect of the system. Maybe this is a generational imperative for young people that the audio should always be on - always. Subaru could make a setting available through the "Settings" app to choose. Still really irritated if more used to the issue.
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2018 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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- 3.6R Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $17,734In-stock online
- 2.5i Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $21,904In-stock online
- 2.5i Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $17,557In-stock online
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Best I have ever owned
Padre Bill, 04/17/2018
updated 10/26/2023
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The acceleration is purposely slow so no Jack rabbit starts which is over all good for the car. Fuel mileage is great I am getting 35 city!! 60 hwy The only drawback is the entertainment center picking your music over the mix. But it could be me not use to it yet. The lighting is great and self start is nice. The tire pressure monitoring is a great way to keep your tires lasting! And last the lane assist will keep you in your lane and protects blind spots for you! If ever I had to buy another vehicle it would be a Subaru no doubt! I had two recalls that were to update maps and fuel warning. Both that didn’t really affect me personally or the ability to operate the vehicle. I had the software updates done and my car still runs well! Still a great car and fun to drive!
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Electrical Nightmare
CaptMG, 02/01/2020
updated 02/04/2021
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my first 2018 Outback Touring late in 2017, I had so many problems with the radio not working and then the window would go down by itself, in the summer of 2018 Subaru took it back and gave me another Outback, that had the same problems with the radio and it was replaced twice and needs it again. Now last week I got in my car after work and it would not start, it did not recognize the key fob. After about 10 tries it finally started but still did not recognize the fob, it will start with the other fob but dealer does not know why and the fob battery is fine. I am thinking I will trade it in and get something else, I need a car I can depend on.
2018 Outback a great ride!
David Scherb, 12/26/2017
updated 06/26/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Have had some issues with entertainment system but believe it's Sirius issue. Other than that I'm very pleased with the car. 6 months in: Still occasional issues with entertainment system and iPhone interactions. Other than that love the Outback.
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nice car
Ike Griner, 09/12/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
nice ride. good space. Good acceleration. Unable to say result of safety collision and hopefully I will never have to find. Does not tell you in advance front collision.
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Love my Subaru
Sandy, 09/21/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car a few weeks ago, I also drive a 2018 Chevy Equinox which is a lease from my employer. I have to tell you the Subaru is in a class by itself. I absolutely love this car. it is spacious, handles the road well, is great on gas and feels bigger than it looks. I allowed my family members to drive it and they love the car as well. None of them would have ever considered purchasing an outback until they drove my car.
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so far, so good
mikey, 01/09/2018
updated 07/10/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
just bought it, so can't speak to maintenance, resale warranty, or reliability. love it so far. driver's seat could use more cushioning.
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First time buying a Subaru
Ron Moreau, 06/28/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Was very impressed with the safety features. Wanted and NEEDED them all. Final item to clinch the deal was the 0% financing
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Luxury car does it all
Dave Wissenbach, 09/09/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Don’t buy this if you are a boy-racer Nascar wannabe. Handling, specifically turn-in, is sluggish. Conversely, towing a 2000 pound camping trailer is safe and stable and the paddle shifters make long descents effortless. Long steep hills while trailering at altitude are handled best using cruise control and a big reduction in speed. X-Mode hill descent control on steep dirt roads is a surprisingly good and useful feature. Washboard roads are no problem, once the suspension has broken in and loosened up. The car is very quiet and comfortable. Adaptive cruise control is a really cool feature. Stereo sound quality is very detailed, even at loud volumes. Engine compartment layout is very clean with good attention to detail. Infotainment easy to use. Call quality is great. Homelink mirror placement interferes with forward visibility unless driver sits low. Air conditioning could be a little stronger - barely keeps up with Arizona summer. Will keep this car a long time, overall very pleased.
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