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Used 2018 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
212 reviews

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Six months and 6K miles with my 3.6R Touring

Steve, 06/01/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

I love everything about this car and have no regrets. Other than lacking a big "L" on the grill and swooshy styling that seems to impress my neighbors, this vehicle blows away my wife's Lexus NX200t in almost every way, including fuel costs considering the turbo Lexus' apatite for premium. Power delivery from the flat 3.6 is smooth and always ready, even at 10,000 ft. with a load. Although I was skeptical about the CVT, I've become a believer. The car is eerily smooth and quite. The technology is amazing, especially the Eyesight. Other than three minor encounters with the infamous head unit "freeze-up", this car has been flawless. After 30 years of brand loyalty toward the Japanese big three (Honda, Toyota, and Nissan), I have high expectations for this vehicle and so far have not been disappointed.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Good Car, some issues

Mr. Atex, 01/25/2019
updated 09/01/2023
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Infotainment/Navigation screen periodically goes blank. If im lucky only 5 minutes, if unlucky 5 hours. To this day I have not received any communication about this issue from Subaru Corporate or the dealer. An issue Im 100% sure they know about. I received a letter about the fuel gage not working ok. This issue is something I have witness. Letter came 5 weeks ago. When is fix coming? Really disappointed, thought Subaru was brand to be trusted. Guess I was wrong. Addendum : Soon after the original review Subaru fixed both issues free. 🙂

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Wish I never bought this vehicle

Kerri, 10/11/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
14 of 17 people found this review helpful

From day 1 I have had issues with this vehicle. Countless trips to have the radio and system fixed then completely replaced and still having issues with it. Also leaking into the car which no one can figure out where it is from but there was a huge puddle into my car!!!! More than once and if I didn’t take up my weather tech matts in the first place it would have continued to get moldy and smell also every time I call the dealership I have to call repeatedly to get anyone to get back to me. The car was bought brand new and haven’t even had a year!!!!! Also my sun roof whistles , I had to take videos because they kept saying they didn’t know what I was talking about, now that can’t figure out why. They wish they had a better answer for me for the car , but it’s ready to pick up. Worst car and worst company they will not give me a new vehicle or fixed so now I have a brand new vehicle with constant problems and issues and can barely use any handsfree options . They are stumped to why it’s having issues- their answer! I had less problems with my Hyundai !!!!!! Thought subaru was a reputable company with Decent vehicles!!! Not the case

Performance
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Best SUV for us.

Delancy Hotalen , 02/04/2018
updated 08/06/2021
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful

This is our first SUV. Drives more like a sedan than an SUV. Love the “Eye sight “. Mileage is about 27 or 28 depends on the weather and type of roads. Acceleration with the 4 cylinder engine is fine with our type of driving. Our driving is, 50 percent 65 to 75 MPH, 25 percent 30 to 45 MPH and 25 percent 45 to 55 MPH. Lots of good high speed highways in this area. After 4 months we have about 4500 Miles on the Outback. Plenty of room and we moved a chest of drawers without any problem. I researched vehicles for months and decided this was going to be the best for us. Would have liked to have had the push button start but it came with a package of things we would ever use. Research for yourself and choose wisely because a new vehicle is expensive. Since we like the Outback we won’t put on anything negative.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Sandy Subaru

Edward J Wysocki, 08/06/2018
updated 08/15/2023
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful

We were looking for another SUV to replace our 2010 Honda Crosstour. She had 76k miles and was really worry free. Not much however in the technology department as that was the very first year for the Crosstour. Our daughter had purchased a 2017 Outback 3.6 Limited and when my wife test drove it she fell in love with it. One of the outstanding features is the small turning radius. The EYESIGHT safety equipment is really top notch. Works as advertised, keeps you in the lane by gently nudging the steering wheel, this may take some getting used to, but we adapted quickly. The adaptive cruise control works great as well, slows you down and keeps you a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. The seats are VERY comfortable and hold you well as they are bolstered on the sides of the seat bottom and the seat back. The lumbar support and adjustable steering wheel can make for a comfortable driving position for almost anyone. Rear heat and cooling vents in the console throw the cool or heated air for the rear seat passengers a nice touch. Plenty of power from the 3.6 litre engine and the CVT is just wonderful. The symmetrical all wheel drive is another plus keeping the car planted and secure.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

would not purchase this vehicle again, 8800 miles

what a mistake, 10/06/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful

Problems with car from day one, dealer would not accept it back. Navigation screen along with all controls involved with system stop working, only fix I know is to disconnect the battery and reconnect. Eyesight is a problem with braking, unsafe brakes entirely to early, wife and I both have unexpected braking when it was not required. Backing on hills are problematic if the conditions detected with the rear breaking system turned off, ie the roadway, shuts down the entire safety system. Power seats are not comfortable, and lumbar support is ineffective. What a waste of 35000, going to trade as soon as possible. To Subaru America, you need to make sure devices work correctly before putting on the market.

Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars

Nightmare electronics radio phone maps garbage

Jeffrey Maron, 12/31/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

the electronics has a major factory flaw everything goes blank the dealer said it was a software upgrade did no good needed to stop car and shut off this went on for 6 months the dealer said they could not repair until total screen failure total failure dealer said they are back ordered 6-8 weeks WTF Subaru made a partnership with a bad supplier they blame radio mfg I don't care who they blame no phone maps or back up camera no screen nothing I should put the CEO in my car for a week as payback. the company should take back these cars junk. the seat rocks they said that was another problem they had in 2018. I recommend you look elsewhere Subaru you messed up any questions my cell 917-751-7800. Subaru Corporate said they were sorry that makes two people me and them I bought abuse in a car

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

2018 Subaru outback head unit

Jerry Shepherd, 10/24/2018
updated 11/04/2022
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

I have 50, 600 miles on this new ride and the Bluetooth stopped voice texting and call by voice recong on its on, I re-paired phone with texting and it still will not text or call contacts in the list, then yesterday the head unit just went completely out!! no backup camera, no screen, no radio nothing on the apps side. Poor design by Subaru , but however im getting it to the dealer this weekend. If Subaru dont get this resolved I will trade for another brand of vehicle. Oct 2020 update> my subaru has 45k miles on it, the left front driver seat has 2 in tear in the manmade leather seat. not under warranty, even extended 88k warranty does not cover it. Head unit still sux . software works sometimes, Navigation system on auto day/night mode will not change as it should, must change manually. Sometimes the head unit works and sometimes not. This is my only complaint other than the 4 cylinder sounds Raucous when you step on it. Overall very dependable vehicle but leather interior is cheap and well as a horrible head unit. You would think subaru would do better for the price of the vehicle. Having my Subaru drivers seat manmade leather repaired. $150.00 cheap leather . New head unit under warranty installed, Im hearing others complain about the cheap CRV tranny thats been going out at 80K, I traded for a new 2022 Wilderness. Traded this vehicle

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

We love our 2018 Outback Limited!

Mira Nenonen, 02/03/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

We finally traded in our sweet old 1995 Impreza after 22 years of reliable service. Although we experienced sticker shock with this new Outback Limited (came loaded with extra bells & whistles; went for optional protections, extended plans & warranties), we really love this car. It's very comfortable for both driver and passengers, and the heated seats really help to relieve aching hips and backs. We made sure that we measured old car's width (including mirrors), length & height, along with garage space before buying. We compared against Outback Limited's dimensions (including mirrors). Outback is long, tall & wide! We have to use the hatch height memory feature in order to safely open the hatch in our 1-car garage, but it works! I highly recommend this car. I don't even mind the long work commute so much! Infotainment system works great for us, too. Car is attractive inside and out. Love the moonroof! Fun!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

I’ve changed my mind

Todd Donaghy , 11/16/2018
updated 12/26/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

This is a follow up to a previously written review. I can’t say enough good things about how the Outback handles, the interior and the comfort and utility of the car. Now I also had my Head Unit die. The dealership had my car for two weeks, but they gave me a Forrester to drive. SOA was fabulous to work with; It took 3 weeks for the new Head Unit to come in which I wasn’t thrilled about but SOA offered me a 7 year / 100,000 mile gold plus (I think it’s called) extended warranty with a $0 deductible. They also included a 3 year / 36,000 mile maintenance plan. Outside of the Head Unit the car is everything I was hoping it would be. The Head Unit was a nuisance but SOA more than compensated me for my 3 weeks of having to drive a 2018 Forrester. Which by the way is a pretty nice car as well. Great car, only issue is the Head Unit. It completely died; no radio, no back-up camera, no navigation. SOA has been working with me, unfortunately the new units with the updated software won’t be sent to dealerships for about 3 weeks. Grand Prix Subaru has been great, put me in a courtesy car until the problem is fixed. A bit of a headache. I do love the way the car drives and it’s beyond comfortable. Coming from a 2012 Pathfinder this handles like a sports car.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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