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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

Incredible machine

Jerry, 07/04/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

6 cylinder has much better acceleration. The build quality is exceptional.

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

My Little Red Wagon

Emily, 01/01/2018
updated 01/04/2021
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

This Subaru is well worth the money! It has all the safety bells and whistles anyone could wish for. it is also very comfortable to drive.

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

Smooth and Safe

Harry R, 01/03/2018
updated 01/03/2019
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Have had our Outback 3.6 Touring for around a year now and are happy with it overall. We love the smooth six cylinder engine and the stability on slippery roads. The Touring is comfortable with many enjoyable features, however, we think a better driver's seat for long journeys could be expected at this level of trim. Our main concern is around the electrics - we have had a replacement entertainment/navigation system as it failed and more recently a recall on software for the fuel gauge. Overall, we enjoy the car and are happy with our choice.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 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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3 out of 5 stars

The Navigation System is Dangerous

scatback, 03/20/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

The Navigation system gives contradictory prompts: the visual prompt on the screen (thick blue line) heads in one direction, the voice prompts tell you to drive in another direction. The position of the car as indicated on the navigation screen will suddenly change - jumping, for example, five miles in one direction or another, and then giving both visual and voice prompts in accordance with that new position rather than where you actually are. The system has commanded left turns where this would be either illegal or impossible. Even when working it's highly inaccurate - perhaps 300 yards or so off, which can make it useless in an urban setting. I called Subaru where the rep tells me there is no current update, and that this is not a service item. In short, the sytem is dangerous and unusable. I realize the car also support Apple CarPlay, but on a smaller and unscaleable screen. We have reverted to Garmin. I urge others who have had similar problems to let Subaru know that we can all get this fixed.

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

Warning-Head System & electronics unreliable

Jim, 02/14/2019
updated 08/14/2019
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Purchased a 2018 Outback Limited in Oct 2017. Head unit would freeze on a radio station or have no audio at all. Dealer said to "reboot" system by pulling fuse or disconnecting battery until I could bring it to the dealer to be "fixed". Took it to the dealer and had to fill out questionnaire from Harmon Kardon to diagnose the problem. This shows the scope of the issue and the lack of a solution if the dealer has a pre-printed 10 page document for you to fill out to try and figure out what the problem is. Dealer "upgraded" software. Head unit still would freeze. Had to "reboot" unit 5 times after software "upgrade". Head unit finally died, screen went black, no back up camera, navigation, blue tooth phone or audio. "Reboot" fix doesn't reboot it. But it a least flashes the head unit control illumination lights about every 45 seconds just to annoy me and let me know it is still dead. Another great feature is when road hazard flashers are on and you lock the doors, doors can only be unlocked by pulling the key from the fob and manually unlocking the doors. And this sets off the alarm. Dealer originally told me this is a safety feature. What kind of safety feature is to disable the fob and electronic door unlock when hazards are on? So when you are stuck on the side of the road, in the dark, it is safe to only unlock the door by fumbling with the manual key. Had recall for fuel gauge, which stated gauge and "miles to empty" information aren't accurate. No fix available, solution is to not let gas tank go below 1/2 full. For a $40K car, it is a joke. This is my first and last Subaru. Check other reviews, head unit sucks.

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

after 3 years of ownership add on review

Karen, 02/13/2018
updated 08/17/2020
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful

Owning this vehicle for less than one Year, I am pleased with how the vehicle drives, but very disappointed that Subaru has done little or nothing about the known and acknowledged issue with their electronic system that operates the entire radio, map and cameras .. Do to Subaru procedure upon failure, this issue has cost me several hours of my time and Since Subaru deals with a third party with this component, they have no idea when my part will arrive and they can then schedule installation. I am very extremely disappointed with Subaru completely knowing and acknowledging this problem for over a year now and failing to resolve it causing their customers a big inconvenience. After 3 years of ownership this is not a bad car and handles quite nicely, but there is additional issues a buyer should be aware of : there is a sensor in front bumper that is prone to overheat and has caused me several problems .. I’m not sure why there is not a recall on this item .. Failure of sensor causes all trouble lites to activate and then no air conditioning , no cruise control ect .. another scheduled fix was installing an insulation jacket over sensor .. also air conditioning does not seem to cool down efficiently.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 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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5 out of 5 stars

Love my Pearl White Outback!

Pete, 07/19/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful

Only driven the car for 200+ miles so far and I love it! Can't wait for the snow to fly this winter so I can test out the symmetrical AWD! I'm 6'4 and I fit in this car (with a sunroof). I know the 4 cylinder engine is the best selling but after test driving it verses the 6 cylinder there's no going back. Get the 6! I added on remote start and a trailer hitch which were professionally done by my local Subaru dealer. The white color with black interior is stellar and looks amazing in the sunlight. Looking forward to some long road trips with the kids soon to test it out. The CVT is buttery smooth and responsive so no issues there. The adaptive cruise control is so freaky good that when I was traveling at 70 mph and got on an off ramp the car did all the braking for me down to 25 mph! This car is a winner and if your on the fence about getting one, just do it!!

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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3 out of 5 stars

Great car but still can't buy a Subaru

Tmac, 08/31/2017
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
40 of 57 people found this review helpful

After many many test drives between the 2017 and the 2018 loaded outbacks in both engine versions we decided to go for something else. Subaru has come a very long way over the years, so much so that we almost bought one. The MAIN reason I was hesitant was the front seats, AGAIN!! They have gotten so much better over the years but aren't quite right for me. Subaru SERIOUSLY needs to take a lesson from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Acura, Lexus, VW, anyone for that matter in how to make driver and passenger front seats. Lumbar is always excessive and I like good lumbar support but at its lowest setting it's still too much for long trip. I've had two whiplashes on my life so I appreciate good headrest support but come on!! At the furthest back setting and the lowest height I could get comfortable. No clue who could ratchet it forward for petes sake. For those of us who live in a car for their jobs we like a little adjustment versus someone deciding for us how we sit. You get my point. Come on Subaru I've now walked away from three Subaru's over my life because of seats. Only other gripe is please offer ventilated seats on the upper models. Touring didn't even offer it. For a $40000 loaded car heated steering wheel and ventilated seats should be standard on upper models. Especially with the $3000 V6 limited and touring models. Crazy!! That's all the BIG negatives I have and was happy with everything else. 2018 is worth the money over the 2017. Do your research because it's a lot more than a few cosmetic details!!!!!!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Came Back to Subaru

Sydnor Thompson III, 02/02/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful

I had only owned my 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0L Ultimate package for 2 and a half years--but I missed my Subaru. The difference between all wheel drive and a four wheel drive that kicks in when needed cannot be overstated. The Hyundai 4 wheel drive was jerky and unpredictable. The ability of the Subaru to navigate adverse road conditions is unparalleled. I couldn't be happier being back in an Outback and love the new eyesight technology!

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

Great quality.

Mike T., 05/16/2018
2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful

This car has most features of the luxury model features. It drives great but doesn’t have great acceleration. The windshield is vulnerable to rocks and is expensive to replace. The cruise features are very functional.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 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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