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2018 Subaru Outback SUV

2018 Subaru Outback
Save up to $2,935
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MSRP range
$25,895 - $38,690
Edmunds Rating
4.0 out of 5.0
Consumer Rating
(117)

What’s new

  • Updated front and rear fascias for a more aggressive look
  • New infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Updated designs for center console and steering wheel
  • Part of the fifth Outback generation introduced for 2015
New
2019
2018
2017
Used
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010

Pros

  • A more spacious and comfortable cabin than those of many rivals
  • Roof and cargo-loading heights are lower than those of most SUVs
  • Excellent visibility in all directions
  • Off-road ability is above average

Cons

  • Gas and brake pedal feel make it hard to drive four-cylinder smoothly
  • Acceleration is lackluster, especially with four-cylinder engine
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2018 Subaru Outback SUV pricing

in Ashburn, VA
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2019 Outback
msrp$26,345
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Top consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 Subaru Outback.

117 reviews
Less noise than last year
Scott M., 8/12/2017
I drove the 2017 Outback and really liked it, except for the wind noise and road noise. I read that Subaru was going to make improvements in that department with new glass and insulation in the wheel wells. I'm glad I waited for the 2018. The difference is very noticeable. The new interface for the infotainment system is nice, too. The fit and finish is excellent. I'm very pleased with this vehicle.
Great Car but Electronic Gremlins
Roger Harrison, 10/12/2017
We traded our 2015 Legacy on a 2018 3.6R touring and embarked on a 3000 mile tour of the West. The four was best around town; performance, particularly at 6000 ft. where we live, was adequate at best and the engine note was like rattling a coffee can full of rocks. It was an engine you felt sorry for. The 3.6R is an entirely different proposition - a great, quiet, confidence inducing long distance cruiser with plenty of power from an engine that sounds like it's enjoying itself. We averaged 28MPH with a lot of two-lane driving. Blind spot warning is much better now; a big yellow light nearer the driver that's easy to see. The HD rear view camera is very good, and the cross traffic alert is a life saver (literally) in crowded parking lots. Lane keep departure and assist work like they are supposed to. I think I finally found the right settings on the cruise control, but it takes a while; it brakes later than I would. Perhaps most impressive were the headlights; the auto high beams work so well they can be left on, and I like the diretional function of the headlight very much. But electronic gremlins came early and often: the car locked us out on the first day; the control center/navigation screen has frozen three times - once on a doo wop station that we couldn't turn off, and twice when it was navigating us somewhere. The navigation's voice command is not always syncronized with the onscreen prompts, and I find the Tom Tom navigation ackward to use, with a only a vague idea of where it is. Having to use the touchscreen to adjust the scale on the navigation map is distracting and it won't adjust behind 1/4 mile, at least on mine. Strangely, I find the audio in the 2018 Touring not up to the one in the 2015 Legacy although both are Harmon Karden. The new on is just OK.
The Right Choice Update
Kit Harma, 12/12/2017
After nine months and 9000 miles my rating of the car stays the same as the rating I gave it in December. Highway gas mileage continues to come in at 34 mpg. Just set the cruise control to 65 and let Eye Sight do the work. In town I let the CVT do its job to maximize fuel efficiency by holding the rpms at about 1500 and letting the transmission bring the vehicle speed up to the limit. The passenger seat lacks the full range of adjustment of the driver's seat which brings the comfort rating down a bit. Noise level and climate controls are satisfactory. We use all of the available safety aids all the time except when the Rear Automatic Braking activates when the bike rack is on the car without the bikes. A sensor in the power tailgate lift mechanism failed preventing it from opening. The sensor was replaced. One time the display screen locked up at the welcome screen. After the car sat overnight it has worked fine. Treat a fuel level reading of one quarter tank as time to fill up as you have half as much fuel as is indicated below the one quarter mark. Looking forward to hitting the road tomorrow.
What took me so long?
Keith, 2/8/2018
My purchase of a 2018 Subaru was a bit of a fluke. I was replacing a 2014 Honda CR-V, my second one in a row. Although the Honda is a great value and roomy for it's class, we were simply tired of all the road noise! The 2018 Honda was supposed to be quieter....I don't think so, and so the search began in earnest for a replacement. Bottom line we wanted something that had the gas mileage, Utility, and reliability of the CR-V, but needed to ride and be much more "travel" (quiet) friendly. After testing 8 vehicles; i.e.; Volvo XC60, Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Acura RDX, Mazda CX9, & the Ford Edge, we still were not happy...Either they used premium fuel, had large noisy tires, too expensive or simply the same as everybody else; and then we finally drove the Subaru. We knew folks that owed them, and not one person who actually owned them said nothing but positive things about theirs. After our test drive, I finally "got it"...The new 2018 Outback Touring is simply excellent. We heard the reviews about the 2.5i 4 cycl. being under powered....I have owned over 23 automobiles. Under powered is relative, and in the real world, this vehicle will do what it needs to do and economically as well. Our first trip from Tennessee to Ohio was 32mpg and that's AWD. Our CR-V which was 2-wheel drive did not do much better. It is much quieter with the changes in acoustic front and side glass and design features to the front end. Inside we have received countless comments about how nice the interior looked. Yes, it is a bit simple...simple elegance beats out "flavor of the year" any day. Cargo capacity is on the larger side for it's category. Heated and reclining seats front and back makes trips very comfortable. My wife likes it, because she sits high in it like other CUVs. Electronics: From adaptive cruise, blu-tooth, to senors galore, it has everything you want except photon torpedoes. Our insurance went up only $30 dollars/yr going from a 5 year old Honda to our new Subaru due to all the safety features. The only negative we've seen thus far...the Harmon Kardon 14 speaker stereo...Honestly, my 18 year old Ford Sport Trac sounds better. We can't seem to find the "sweet spot" for this set-up yet. There have been some complaints by other reviewers about the navigation. We prefer Subaru's nav based on Tom-Tom, than other autos based on Garmin. Personal preference for everyone. More intuitive for us. I've also read other reviewers talk about the seats....We don't see the issue. In fact, we thought the seats were another positive point for the Outback especially given that our model has the seat memory. Last item: The attention to detail in both design and construction really sealed the deal. All-in-all, we wished we would have looked at Subaru a long time ago. If your tired of the same big box, noisy, hard to park vehicles out there, try Subaru....the "weird" alternative...Highly recommend.
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Features & Specs

MSRP
$32,695
MPG
25 city / 32 hwy
Seats 5
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Gas
175 hp @ 5800 rpm
MSRP
$27,995
MPG
25 city / 32 hwy
Seats 5
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Gas
175 hp @ 5800 rpm
MSRP
$35,395
MPG
20 city / 27 hwy
Seats 5
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Gas
256 hp @ 6000 rpm
MSRP
$25,895
MPG
25 city / 32 hwy
Seats 5
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Gas
175 hp @ 5800 rpm
See all 2018 Subaru Outback SUV features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Outback safety features:

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
Scans the road ahead to enable adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and automatic foglights.
Blind-Spot Detection/Lane Change Assist
Uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in blind spot and shows visual indicator in side mirror. Indicator also warns of unsafe lane change.
Starlink Safety and Security Plus
Notifies first responders if an airbag deploys. Can also connect to emergency or roadside assistance services.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
  • Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
    Overall5 / 5
    Driver5 / 5
    Passenger5 / 5
  • Side Crash Rating
    Overall5 / 5
  • Side Barrier Rating
    Overall5 / 5
    Driver5 / 5
    Passenger5 / 5
  • Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
    Front Seat5 / 5
    Back Seat5 / 5
  • Rollover
    Rollover4 / 5
    Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
    Risk Of Rollover17.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
  • Side Impact Test
    Good
  • Roof Strength Test
    Good
  • Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
    Good
  • IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
    Good
  • Moderate Overlap Front Test
    Good

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Subaru Outback vs. the competition

2018 Subaru Outback

2018 Subaru Outback

2018 Honda CR-V

2018 Honda CR-V

Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V, when equipped with optional all-wheel drive, is a strong contender to the Outback. Both models have similar interior space and available technology features. With the CR-V, you get better economy and acceleration with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine (compared to the Outback's four-cylinder). But the Outback has better long-range comfort, more ground clearance, and a design better suited for off-road trails.

Compare Subaru Outback & Honda CR-V features

Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester

It's natural to take a look at Subaru's Forester when considering the Outback. The Forester's styling is more like a traditional SUV, and its available turbocharged engine provides impressively quick acceleration. The Outback has the edge on size and highway comfort, however. Both Subarus have a robust all-wheel-drive system and extra ground clearance that result in similar off-road performance..

Compare Subaru Outback & Subaru Forester features

Subaru Outback vs. Ford Edge

Compared to the Ford Edge, the Outback comes up short on power. The Edge has a strong turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard, and its optional V6 engines are also more potent than the Outback's six-cylinder. The Edge is also bigger and roomier. The Outback counters with lower pricing, standard all-wheel drive, better fuel economy and superior off-road capability.

Compare Subaru Outback & Ford Edge features

2018 Subaru Outback SUV for Sale

Subaru Outback 2018 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
New 2018
Subaru Outback
3.6R Touring
(5)
Stohlman Subaru of Sterling
2.8 mi away
Edmunds Suggested Price$36,120
Est.Loan: $672/mo
View Details
Dealer Notes
Outback 27/20 Highway/City MPG Stohlman Subaru serving area for over 80 years!

MSRP: $40,628

Subaru Outback 2018 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
New 2018
Subaru Outback
2.5i Premium
(9)
Fitzgerald Subaru of Gaithersburg
16.9 mi away
MSRP$33,145
Est.Loan: $554/mo
View Details
Subaru Outback 2018 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
New 2018
Subaru Outback
3.6R Touring
(33)
Brown's Manassas Subaru
18.9 mi away
Edmunds Suggested Price$36,274
Est.Loan: $675/mo
View Details
Dealer Notes
Are you interested in a simply great car? You won't want to miss this excellent value! It comes equipped with all the standard amenities for your driving enjoyment. This model accommodates 5 passengers comfortably, and provides features such as: leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, and power windows. Smooth gearshifts are achieved thanks to the refined 6 cylinder engine, and for added security, dynamic Stability Control supplements the drivetrain. All wheel drive keeps this model firmly attached to the road surface. We pride ourselves in consistently exceeding our customer's expectations. Please don't hesitate to give us a call.

MSRP: $40,714

FAQs

Is the Subaru Outback a good car?

Thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system, enhanced ground clearance and roomy interior, the Outback is perfect for those with active outdoor lifestyles. It also boasts comfortable front and rear seats, a suspension that easily soaks up the bumps, and an easy-to-drive demeanor. On the downside, the Outback's standard four-cylinder engine isn't a performance machine. But if you want more power, a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine is available for more authoritative passing power.

How can I get a Subaru Outback deal?

Edmunds can help you find a great local price on a Subaru Outback. See 2018 Subaru Outback deals and incentives in your area.

Does the Subaru Outback have good MPG?

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is EPA rated at a combined 28 mpg (25 city/32 highway). We largely verified these numbers with a posting of 28.9 mpg in our evaluation. Overall, these numbers are on par with the Outback's street-biased crossover competition. The 3.6-liter six-cylinder is EPA rated at a combined 22 mpg (20 city/27 highway). This is also similar to what you'll see from other six-cylinder-equipped crossovers in class.

Does the Subaru Outback have good resale value?

If you're ready to buy, you're probably wondering about the Subaru Outback's resale value. How much will a 2018 Subaru Outback be worth in two or five years — or whenever you decide to sell? Check out the Edmunds True Cost to Own (TCO) calculator. It includes projected annual depreciation over the first five years of ownership based on Edmunds' robust market transaction data.

True Cost to Own calculator
More about the 2018 Subaru Outback
2018 Subaru Outback SUV Overview

The 2018 Subaru Outback SUV is offered in the following styles: 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT), 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT), and 2.5i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT).

What do people think of the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Outback SUV 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Outback SUV.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Outback SUV featuring deep dives into trim levels including 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R Limited, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV here.
Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2018 Subaru Outback SUV?
2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

The 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,610. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,705 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,705 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$30,906.

The average savings for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is8% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 36 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

The 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $29,516. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,125 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,125 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$27,391.

The average savings for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is7.2% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 40 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

The 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,010. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is trending $1,304 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $1,304 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$25,706.

The average savings for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is4.8% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 2 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)

The 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37,072. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) is trending $2,892 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,892 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$34,180.

The average savings for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) is7.8% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 25 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)

The 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $39,605. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) is trending $2,935 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,935 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$36,670.

The average savings for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) is7.4% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 14 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

The 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37,405. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,699 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,699 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$34,706.

The average savings for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is7.2% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 12 2018 Subaru Outback SUV 2.5i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2018 Subaru Outback SUVS are available in my area?

2018 Subaru Outback SUV Listings and Inventory

There are currently 314 new 2018 Subaru Outback SUVS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $26,810 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $2,994 on a new, used or CPO 2018 Subaru Outback SUV available from a dealership near you.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Subaru Outback SUV for sale near you.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV and all available trim types: 2.5i Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 Subaru Outback SUV include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

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