2018 Subaru Outback Review: Comfortable and Safe Midsize SUV With No Mechanical Problems

Dec 1, 2022

The 2018 Subaru Outback lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor battery and windshield issues reported. At $19,900 to $26,000, it’s a great value for a midsize wagon with a lot of excellent safety and entertainment technology.

The Good

Standard all-wheel drive works well in the snow, EyeSight safety features are advanced and the suspension is very comfortable.

The Bad

The base engine isn’t as quick as other SUVs, the brakes are noisy and interior materials are not very luxurious.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Subaru Outback since it’s reliable while offering excellent safety technology, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the all-wheel drive system, efficient engines, as well as low ownership costs.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are durable for an SUV, the seats offer excellent support, yet cargo space is a bit lower than the competition.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems on the 2018 Outback. Avoid models from 2013–2015 since they have engine problems. Models from 2016–2022 offer good reliability.
Performance 7/10 – Performance is poor from the base 4-cylinder engine while the 6-cylinder offers decent power for the Outback’s size.
Safety 9/10 – The 2018 Outback is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, blind spot monitoring, as well as lane keep assist.
Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 28 MPG, giving 518 miles of range from the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $59 cheaper than average at $184 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2018 Outback is slightly more than other SUVs, although it holds its value well, making it a good choice.

Positive Owner Reviews

Jeanette G

Great car, would recommend it to all my friend and family.

One of the best SUV I have owned. Love how it takes care of me by telling me my mistake while driving. It is a smooth ride and had fantastic pick up. Love the interior. Comfortable ride. Great looking. It is as high to get in as my other SUV.S perfect for my 5 1 frame.

philip s

It shows that our family is not ostentatious and is practical when it comes to cars.

It is inexpensive It gets good fuel economy It has all wheel drive It has enough room for when we travel

patricia m

That it is all wheel drive and i love the experience of driving it

I love my outback and the fact it is all where drive and i can go anywhere i want too

lynn t

It is rated high on safety and reliable and hold their value.

It has a comfortable ride. It has a lot of safety features. I would like it to tell you when you are getting too close to an object when getting into the garage.

Kira S

Why I really love my outback.

I love my car. It works perfectly in all seasons, especially in the winter time when it is very slippery and icy. It is also very comfy and has good gas mileage for short trips. The only thing I wish it had was better mileage and stamina on long drives, such as across states.

Candy C

Utility, safety, comfort and reliability.

Safety, reliability and quality. All the utility of an SUV with comfort and handling of a sedan. The ultimate crossover vehicle.

Jennye A

Like the style of it.Great gas mileage.Very roomy and comfy

Gas mileage is the best of any vehicles and lots of room

Connie G

It lives up to it's image. It is fun to drive, reliable, and will take me anywhere on our rural roads.

I like the size and comfort of the Outback. I like the all wheel drive, the cargo space, and the image of the Outback. I haven't found anything that I dislike.

Negative Owner Reviews

Barry Beck

Bad Wanderer

No. If you drive interstate highways, this thing is a wanderer. I have had the dealer check alignment and they said it was right on. I hate this car in ANY crosswind. You have to always be correcting the steering at anything more than 50 mph. Tire pressures are checked regularly, so that shouldn’t be the problem. Some say replacing the sway bar with a larger diameter bar or some such c**p. Why should I have to replace a sway bar from the factory. Maybe good on a dirt road at 35 mph, but is lousy on interstate.

DARLENE GIBSON

Roadside Assistance Sucks

Heaven forbid if your Outback fails to start and you need to call roadside assistance. It can and does take days if you live in a remote area. My first occasion, we discovered someone had switched the batteries and the dealership did not know. It had a motorboat battery, not enough amps to start. Second occasion, download for the sound system caused a battery failure. Third occasion, the navigation system would just do the little circle spinning like when you don't have enough internet connection during a download. These failures have cost me hundreds of dollars where I've had to miss work. Where I live in a rural area, several occasions have taken them days to get someone to boost or tow my vehicle. This is not what I expected from Subaru and I'm very, very disappointed. And the Outback model I got was the 6 cylinder touring edition so it was top of the line. I will be trading this vehicle off in the next week and it will not be a Subaru.

Wendy Henderson

2018 Subaru LEMON w/ electrical issues

When these electrical issues started I should have sold this car immediately. Problems with radio not working for days, window wouldn't roll down, back up camera not working and now a 2 year old car with a battery that won't start the car. AAA came & jumped it and already dead. Ran test on battery could not find anything wrong. I need a reliable vehicle. Now I get to take it to dealer and it is never their fault.

Chris

Lots of computer problems!

My new 2018 Subaru Outback has been in the shop for electrical/computer problems no less than 6 times in the year I’ve had it. It’s there again now because it won’t start (fully charged battery). It has left me stranded on the side of the road one too many times for a brand new vehicle. Headlights shut off while driving at night, windows will not roll down, radio will not play, and....just in time for Christmas, EVERY light/warning light came on on the dash! Do NOT buy this car unless you like sitting in the Subaru service department listening to Muzak while the service techs sit around and scratch their heads for hours trying to figure out the problem.

Gwen C

It responds in hazardous conditions faster than you can, it helps you control a skid, keeps the car solidly on the ground, it is a great help on ice. Also, you can't hit things with eyesight on.

I just bought a car that has so many safety features on it. I love how the car makes it easier to drive and helps control the vehicle so I am safe. The only thing I dislike is to get the vehicle without a moonroof I had to skip the keyless feature, heated steering wheel and leather seats.

Keitha M

Do not expect head unit to work, or to be fixable.

The radio/computer control unit has never worked. It is been in for repair twice and the same problems persisted. After some argument they replaced with a new unit - and it still has the same problems. I have given up. So I am back to using my phone screen for GPS, and listen to the radio.

Todd H

Great technology, bad mechanics.

I like the new technology features. It has apple car which connects my phone to the screen in the car. It displays apps from my phone on the screen. But I've had to have it serviced twice in the three months since I bought it new.

Brenda V

Versatile small SUV with great gas mileage

Comfortable car to drive and gets great gas mileage. Low maintenances. Could be the year but have had several small troublesome issues. Such as with the automatic start, driver seat needed replaced twice under 20k miles, recall on faulty gas gauge and rear hatchback.

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?

Consumer Reports says the 2018 Subaru Outback does everything a midsize SUV can do with high owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the Outback 4/5, praising the spacious interior for its size, but doesn’t like the weak 4-cylinder engine.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Outback 4.5/5, enjoying the excellent safety technology, but owners don’t like the lack of luxury materials.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Subaru Outback Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Subaru Outback include excessive battery drain, windshields which crack easily, as well as some stereo system issues. Overall, the problems are less severe than other SUVs, with lower repair costs as well.

Excessive battery drain is a widespread complaint from 2018 Subaru Outback owners at around 20,000 miles. There are a lot of electronic accessories in the Outback which can drain the battery while it sits. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $50, while repairs cost $75 to $150, depending on the source.

Windshields, which crack easily have also been mentioned by 2018 Subaru Outback owners in the first 10,000 miles. There may have been some manufacturing issues on a couple batches of windshields, which led to them cracking with minor impacts. Changing out the windshield costs around $700.

Stereo system issues also show up on some Outback models at roughly 20,000 miles. Owners report the stereo system not turning on while starting up the car. There is a software update which improves the reliability of the system. Most dealerships will install the update for free.

There are 3 recalls on the 2018 Subaru Outback, which is similar to other midsize SUVs. The most serious recall covers the fuel pump which can fail, leading to a stalling situation. Subaru will replace the fuel pump on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the fuel range computer as well as the rearview camera display, which are both just simple software updates.

How Long Will the 2018 Subaru Outback Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Subaru Outback can last around 250,000 miles, which is only 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly lower than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $463 per year.

As a 2018 Subaru Outback reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the battery cable for $120, A/C blower motor for $350, as well as replace the fluid in both axles which costs about $180.

April M

We have had only computer problems. We had to have Subaru replace the entire navigation screen, radio shortly after purchase because it quit. Also tires seem to wear quicker than our other vehicles. Now the rear camera on driver's side not working.

R W

When you have problems with the car, the company sends a notice of the recall and you take it to the dealership and it is always fixed. Very reliable.

Samantha C

It is overall reliable. However, there have been issues such as a recall on the gas gauge. The gauge said 80 miles to empty but I ran out of gas. The rear hatchback cannot be left open for more than 20 minutes without causing a dead battery.

Christine E

It is reliable and doesn't have any problems. We've had it for about a year and the car hasn't needed any work. We've taken it on many road trips and no problems.

Torrey M

YEs, my Outback has been very reliable as I have not had any problems. I have taken it in for routine maintenance and oil changes only.

Ken C

The radio never goes off and the heat seems to be on all the time The steering wheel seems very tight and I guess that’s a good thing

Stacy S

It had a problem with the warning for low gas- it said I had 30 gallons and then 0 & it ran out of gas

Colleen S

I had previously owned a Outback and had no problems in ten years time. The only problem I did have was the glass over the radio would fog up when the car got hot.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is very good in the 2018 Subaru Outback with a standard Starlink 6.5-inch touchscreen, while a larger 8-inch touchscreen is found on higher-end models.

Safety technology is also outstanding with a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades found in Subaru EyeSight include pre-collision automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic braking, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, as well as lane keep assist.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Subaru Outback is a good value since it’s an affordable SUV to own long term. Blue book fair market prices range from $19,900 to $26,000, making it more than a Hyundai Santa Fe or Ford Edge. When new, the price range was $25,895 to $38,690. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, losing about 6% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?

There are six models of the Subaru Outback offered in 2016 from the base 2.5i all the way up to the 3.6R Touring. Features on the Limited and Touring models are the same with either the 2.5L or 3.6L engine. The Outback also comes standard with all-wheel drive.

2.5i is the entry-level model with:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Upholstery
Hill Descent Control
Rearview Camera
Roof Rails
60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat
Bluetooth Connectivity
Subaru’s Starlink Software
5-Inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Four-Speaker Sound System

Premium is a step up, adding:

Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Privacy Glass
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Larger 8-Inch Touchscreen
Satellite Radio
Six Speaker Sound System

Limited is next in the lineup with:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seats
Heated Front Seats
Keyless Ignition and Entry
Heated Rear Seats
12-Speaker Harmon Kardon Sound System
Optional Subaru EyeSight system

Touring is the flagship model which has:

Unique 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Premium Leather Upholstery
Dark Exterior Trim
Heated Steering Wheel
EyeSight Safety System
Xenon Headlights

Base

175 HP 28 MPG

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Premium

175 HP 28 MPG

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Limited

256 HP 22 MPG

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Touring

256 HP 22 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?

The base engine is a fairly weak 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 175 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG. It’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
A step up is the stronger 3.6L 6-cylinder which makes 256 horsepower while getting up to 22 MPG. It also has a continuously variable automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Subaru Outback?

The 2018 Subaru Outback is a very comfortable midsize wagon with seating for up to five passengers. Seats are very nice, offering durable materials paired with a good amount of cushioning.

Passenger space is good in both the front and rear seats, although it does have less legroom than some other midsize SUVs on the market.

How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Outback Have?

Cargo room is lower than other midsize SUVs, offering enough space to fit 6-7 suitcases behind the rear seats, and enough room for about 12-14 suitcases with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fifth generation of the Subaru Outback was released in 2015, and was replaced by the sixth generation in 2020.

2015: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new engines and styling.

2016: Improved steering system, StarLink apps added to the stereo system.

2017: More luxurious Touring model added to the lineup.

2018: Minor exterior styling changes, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto added.

2019: EyeSight safety suite added to all models as standard.

2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new exterior, interior, technology, and engines.

2021: Standard adaptive LED headlights on all models, rear seat reminder added.

How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?

The Subaru Outback is one of the best midsize SUVs on the market for 2018, and although it’s slightly smaller than some competitors, it makes up for it with excellent safety technology.

The Subaru Forester is another SUV offered by Subaru which costs about $1,000 less. Steering is more responsive in the Subaru Forester, while the Subaru Outback offers better passenger room. We recommend the Subaru Outback since it’s worth the extra money for the added practicality.

The Honda CR-V is a smaller SUV which costs around $1,500 more. Cargo space is a bit better in the Honda CR-V, while the Subaru Outback handles snow and dirt better with the standard all-wheel drive system. We recommend the Subaru Outback, although both are very good choices for an SUV.

Ranks #4 Midsize SUV by Owners

2018 Jeep Wrangler JK

4.79

2018 Toyota 4Runner

4.78

Tie

2018 Subaru Outback

4.7

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Outback?

April M

Yes. It drives good, handles well, and feels safe. We enjoy the eyesight and moving headlights. The car is comfortable for my whole family.

R W

Yes it is once you drive a subaru you. Will buy a subaru. Nice car all these models come with all wheel drive goes good in the snow.

Beth M

Yes. The maintenance is low and it’s reliable. I do believe there are some issues the model and year has. The biggest for me is the inability to allow the tear hatchback up for long without getting a dead battery.

thomas L

It is a great vehicle. It has many nice features. It can tell when a car in front of you moves. It has a reverse camera. It has lane detectors. It is very roomy and has a nice trunk space.

Lena S

Yes, it does! Many bells and whistles while remaining affordable, safe and sporty. Handles well in all kinds of weather: rain, shine, snow and ice.

Angela M

Yes it’s good on gas It’s pretty It handles well I feel safe in it Has enough space inside Great color Modern

Eden R

Yes, it looks good, handles well, is good on gas, has adjustable front seat so I can see better, has a lot of interior room

Regina C

Yes I feel safe driving it. I like that it has side airbags and antilock brakes. I have hit a deer with a Subaru Forester and was not injured.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Ken J on April 12, 2023

Initially loved my 2018 Outback (purchased new), but a couple of major problems have arisen at a bit over 100k miles. My first Subaru

I put a lot of highway miles on my vehicles and have had all service performed by the dealer. At just over 100k miles the catalytic converter required replacement. The warranty for this component expired at 90k miles, but Subaru of American agreed that it failed prematurely given the car’s history and kickedin $2000 towards the $3000 repair. The dealer kicked in another $600, so I felt pretty good about the result. Now, with 125k miles I am told that engine oil is beginning to seep from multiple spots and that I should consider a complete engine reseal, to the tune of $3600. Subaru of America has declined to offer any assistance in this case. I have never encountered these kinds of major issues with my past vehicles. Despite Subaru’s reputation for reliability and longevity, in my case I’d rate it as worse than average.

Jenn Z on June 25, 2021

Electrical problems with Subaru's.

The 2018 Subaru outback wagon is a nice car but it is a bit spotty. The bottoms pop off of the seat adjuster and the navigational and electrical systems have crashed several times. The Bluetooth disconnects out of the blue and drops the phones. I wouldn't buy another Subaru until they fix this problem.

Deb H on June 18, 2021

Subaru outback great all around vehicle.

Great gas mileage, comfortable riding, good radio, split back seat, luggage rack, cruise control, digital speed readout, lumbar cushion on driver's side, reclining passenger front seat, heated side mirrors, intermittent back wiper, rear defroster, USB ports.

Keitha M on June 12, 2021

Do not expect head unit to work, or to be fixable.

Andrew B on June 8, 2021

Great outdoors, some issues connecting phone.

I love the car. It handles very well in the snow. Speakers sound great as well. The only issue I seem to have is the car sometimes has a hard time connecting to my phone via USB. The car is great for outdoor recreation as well, we have taken it camping on several occasions.

Aidan M on June 6, 2021

Smooth braking, nice handling, glossy interior and a lot of power.

What I love most about this car is the braking system. Its very responsive and smooth and allows for safe braking. The acceleration is also very quick but very consistent too. I love taking long drives during sunsets and at night and the sunroof really lets me enjoy the drive. On top of that it is very fuel efficient.

Molly F on June 2, 2021

It is comfortable and reliable.

The Subaru outback performs amazingly. It can handle any weather conditions and always driving a smooth as can be. I drove the car cross country in adverse weather conditions and I felt completely safe and comfortable the entire drive. The Subaru outback is reliable, safe, sleek, and trustworthy.

Erika G on May 20, 2021

Great vehicle for a small family starting out who live through Michigan winters.

I love my Subaru outback. The way the seats fold down and the trunk space are my favorite features. I also love the apple car play. The only weird quirk I have found is that when I remote start my car it turns off when I open a car door. Apparently it is a safety feature but it is not my favorite.

Kira S on May 14, 2021

Why I really love my outback.

Kimberly E on May 13, 2021

Exceptional value for the fun and features this car provides!

It has been exceptionally reliable and it is fun to drive. It is feature rich, safe and the 3.6 engine makes it almost sporty. Fun car that I love to take everywhere. I love to take it on road trips with the family but it is also practical for trips to lowe’s or the garden store.

Ri P on May 10, 2021

Good car for families and people.

Love my car. Very safe. Good mileage and comfortable. I feel safe driving with my family and we've driven over 600 miles in a day and were comfortable the entire trip. Also has lots of room for groceries in the back and fits a Christmas tree as well but the needles might still be there for a few days.

Judy H on April 30, 2021

I like it that the door swings open way wide allowing me to get my bad knee out.

I enjoy the ride of the car as well as the engine power. I tried a smaller engine, but I could tell I would have trouble getting away from truckers on the freeway. I like the color of it although there as many other cars just like it on the road. I do not like all the electronic features such as driver assist, but I do like lane change blinking and backup blinking. Sometimes the electronic stuff is distracting so not a fan. I have had no problems with it and take it to the dealer for oil changes, etc. Because they were part of the package.

Tucker F on April 20, 2021

Subaru outbacks are true utility vehicles.

Android auto compatibility is not very stable. Mechanically, there have been no issues, but outside smells make it in to the car even on recirculation. The interior is comfortable, and easy to clean. I am able to haul 8 foot pieces of lumber in the interior, which is really useful.

William H on April 20, 2021

Premium sound means a premium wait! Other than that: premium satisfied.

The premium sound system failed in the first month. It took Subaru 6 months to locate a replacement and a month to replace it. In every other regard this car has performed flawlessly. Gas consumption settled at 26 mpg which is lower than I hoped but still satisfactory.

Dan N on April 18, 2021

Gas mileage, it is what makes a Subaru a Subaru.

I do not run into any problems with my vehicle. I think that my favorite part of driving a Subaru is the gas mileage. I have a fairly lengthy commute to work for 6 days straight and the Subaru only uses about half a tank for the entire work week! The performance of the vehicle is second to none, but be aware of what you are looking for when purchasing a Subaru outback. This is not a race car, this a quiet cruiser that has good gas mileage and storage. This is definitely more of a family car that is looking to have a reliable vehicle for the future.

Kirsten A on April 4, 2021

Love at first Subaru - never going back!

This is one of the most reliable vehicles I have had in my lifetime. The only issues I have ever experienced have been related to the computer display system with the vehicle, which has always been fixed and solved quickly by the dealership - there have never been any other issues in the 2+ years I have had it otherwise. It is comfortable for long drives to see family in different states (10+ hours on the road), and is the perfect size for me, my partner, and our golden retriever. We love the moon roof, apple CarPlay, and the easy to use trunk/collapsible second row for as much storage as needed.

Susanna K on April 2, 2021

2018 Subaru outback overall review.

The only problems are some alignment issues. Other than that, it's super comfortable and I am very satisfied with its performance. The entertainment system works very well and I like its features. Because I have black leather seats and a dark gray exterior color, the car easily heats up. I would advise anyone who wants to avoid the heat to go for lighter colors.

Nancy Y on April 2, 2021

Outback, the family friendly car.

Great family car. Easy to drive, great visibility, no blind spots. Very comfortable for myself and my children. Big truck for carry one and our dogs. Touch screen is nice. Speaker system is good. Color selection is good. I overall love the car wouldn't trade it.

Lorraine K on March 30, 2021

What is so special about my outback. Superior safety rating.

I love my outback. Fuel efficient and very comfortable to drive and also be a passenger in. Has very up to date features like backup camera, satellite radio and rear wipers. Car is perfect size for parking and traveling long or short trips. Customer service has been outstanding also.

Julie H on March 30, 2021

I am short and I like the height of the vehicle and I like that I sit higher.

My Subaru outback is awesome, it is very reliable. The seats are very comfortable and adjustable. The head unit feature is nice. The safety features are good. I really like my outback and I would recommend it to anyone. I have usually bought Hondas and the Subaru has been at least as good as them.

Stephen J on March 30, 2021

Suggestions for Subaru leases and cost.

Recalls are a serious bother. Other than that I am satisfied with the car. Dependable and will continue buying or leasing this car. Suggestion on lease prices. Lower price with no money down. Also more leases and better prices on models beyond premium.

Clare S on March 27, 2021

Subaru outback is the perfect Minnesota car.

Our outback gets us everywhere comfortably and reliably. We love our Subaru in all seasons, but especially our Minnesota winters and our Boundary Waters’ summers. Both extremes put our car to tough tests and we are very happy with the results. When we have had opportunities to look at other cars, we have decided to stay with Subaru because they have proved time and again to be the perfect car for our family.

Jessica G on March 26, 2021

I feel very safe in my car and that is the main reason I purchased it for my family.

I like my car because it has very good safety ratings. That is the main reason I bought it because I have a two year old. I don't like the length of it and the engine acceleration. It feels like it jumps into gears.

Nikki B on March 25, 2021

It is a very reliable brand and very loved model.

I like the amount of room in the back for my dogs. I like the rubber mats that come with it. I like the reliability.

Maya B on March 17, 2021

Why my family, and I love this car so much. Completely reliable car that I love!

There are no problems with this Subaru because I keep it up to date with all of its oil changes! As far as reliability, it is always reliable. Comfortable to go on a road trip to visit my grandparents. What I love most about it is the Bluetooth there is to connect my phone to the car!

Rachael O on March 16, 2021

Safety features are amazing. You don't think you need them but you do.

I love the navigation system. I also love the safety features. No complaints.

Dave G on March 15, 2021

The Outback has the most current safety features. They range from automatically stopping the car to letting you know when a car or people are approaching when reversing.

I enjoy the comfort of the vehicle . I like the safety features it has. It offers a smooth ride.

Cindy H on March 15, 2021

Is all wheel drive and gets great mpg.

It is an all wheel drive vehicle that gets great gas mileage. Is very comfortable to ride in, is roomy, and a Subaru is a reliable vehicle.

Dawn M on March 15, 2021

Best vehicle for winter driving.

This vehicle is by far the best for driving through Midwest winters. Stable on ice and a beast going through the snow. I had this vehicle with me at my cabin during a snowstorm, a mile down a dirt road, and where my snowmobile got stuck, my outback did not. I got the eyesight upgrade and it is by far worth the extra cost.

Marcia B on March 14, 2021

Drives and handles wonderful

I love my vehicle, great on gas, drives very smooth, comfortable seating, easy to drive, wonderful!!!

john s on March 14, 2021

It is rated highly safe and has several features to assist the driver.

Safe car. Will be able to drive in snow. Quite peppy. Comfortable seating.

Laura C on March 13, 2021

Best vehicle ever! Very spacious and safe!

This vehicle is the perfect size for me, a female that is 5'3 and on the petite scale. I have 3 dogs in my house, who can all easily fit in my outback, even with a car seat in the back as well. The trunk has a lot of space! I moved from Wisconsin to Florida for a short while and was able to pack a lot of my necessities in my car while still having space to take both my parents with. The eyesight feature helps me feel safe when driving, from the lane control to the cruise control self adjustment to the automatic bright lights. The only problem I ever had with this vehicle was the recall on the infotainment system. When it died, I was unable to use my radio, Bluetooth, and my back up camera. And due to the recall, the part was on backorder for awhile but Subaru was excellent on replacing it and I completely forgot that it was ever a problem. Overall, I love this vehicle and I plan to have it for a very long time as it will make a great family vehicle someday for me in the future.

fran c on March 11, 2021

It is the best car we have owned and t can not wait for our next long trip

Love the ride, handling, comfort, and pretty much everything about it.

Kerri K on March 11, 2021

Good for tall people with babies.

No problems. The inside is comfortable enough to fit a car seat and my 6'5" husband on the passenger side of the car. It was one of the few base models of any make of car that did. Also the safety features are a step above all others. It is favorite car I have ever had or driven.

Cat L on March 11, 2021

Very pleased with our Subaru.

We love the Subaru's performance, comfort and reliability. There is plenty of storage and seating space, very comfortable seats and it's driving performance is fantastic. We purchased the car to fit our family and have been very pleased with the purchase.

Luke R on March 8, 2021

The perfect highway cruiser for long road trips.

Comfortable, affordable, economical, semi-fuel efficient. All wheel drive systems are exceptional. Quiet on highway drives.

Amber R on March 6, 2021

Great car

I love my Subaru outback! I thought I wanted another Jeep, however had some interest in Subaru because a friend raved about her crosstrek and I had a friends and family discount through my dad who works at Subaru. After test driving the outback, which was similar in size to my Jeep grand Cherokee, I didn't even go to the Jeep dealership to look. The Subaru dealership was friendly and attentive and I was able to get all of the features I wanted at the monthly lease payment I could afford. I feel safe know my Subaru is top rated in safety. And, the drive assist features such as pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure and sway warning were features I didn't think I needed, but have grown to love. The adaptive cruise control is great for long road trips or bumper to bumper traffic. And, the pre-collision braking and lane departure and sway warning might seem premature at times, they are needed with all the distractions in today’s connected world. The gas mileage is amazing. I do not drive a lot either so a full tank can last me from two weeks to a month. And, when I make a trip to my parents, about 300 miles round trip, I have 150-200 miles leftover from a full tank. The harman kardon audio system exceeded my expectations as well. And, I love that apple carplay comes standard. Plus, the touchscreen is easy to navigate and Bluetooth and voice controls allow me to stay connected while driving. I am excited to lease the ascent next!

Nicholas G on March 5, 2021

Our subaru outback is white

The gas mileage indicator is always incorrect. It will say 30 miles til empty, then car is on empty after only 5 miles

Shari M on March 1, 2021

It has a high safety rating and is big enough for the family!

I love our Subaru. It's reliable, affordable and makes me feel safe while driving my family. All wheel drive was a must for us for making it to work in the snow.

Linda G on March 1, 2021

The backup camera. Lights blinking when someone is in your blind spot.

Easy to drive and it is comfortable. . The safety features. The color of crimson red. . Also good on gas mileage.

Francine S on February 28, 2021

It only comes in all wheel drive.

Good gas mileage, comfortable seats, heated seats front and back. The back seats recline, hatch has a button to close. I do not like it is only all wheel drive, and it does not calculate time of trip. The glove compartment is way too small and the dash is not flat enough to place a tablet.

Melani B on February 27, 2021

Amazing Subaru outback 2018 model.

I love this Subaru. The handling is wonderful. Excellent safety features and Bluetooth connectivity. The sound system is amazing quality. The boxer v6 engine is responsive and has all the power I need to handle baby situation. I highly recommend this model Subaru.

Patricia C on February 27, 2021

Subaru Outback is the perfect car for us, we love it.

We love our outback, I drives smooth, you can get plenty of things in, looks very sleek. We have had many compliments on it, never had any mechanical problems, performance is perfect and has many safety factors on it, we will definitely get a Outback for our next car.

Terrie S on February 25, 2021

Using the amazing x mode on an outback.

The outback is fun and easy to drive. The x mode, used for driving in extreme conditions, allows the vehicle to break and maintain speed on very snowy roads with steep grades without worry of losing control of the vehicle. The visibility of your surrounding make this a safe, fun vehicle to drive on any road in any weather conditions.

Bryan K on February 24, 2021

2018 Subaru Outback = convenient, comfortable, and safe..

Comfortable riding vehicle with plenty of storage room for camping and pets. Love the All Wheel drive system for inclement weather driving and for off road usage. Good gas mileage on highways and decent in the city. The safety features are amazing and have saved me from a few accidents already.

Sarah B on February 23, 2021

My favorite feature is the heated seats in both front and rear.

The Subaru outback is a great car for my family. The leather seats are comfortable for both long and short car rides. The heated seats both in the front and back of the car provide great comfort during the winter. The car is all wheel drive and makes me feel comfortable driving in the snow and rain. This is a very reliable car that has given me no problems so far.

Glen H on February 21, 2021

The interior of the subie is roomie.

The car has been in the shop for about six weeks in the first five months of ownership. Repairs for fuel injection sensors and electronics were needed. The ride and handling have been fine. Very good in the snow. Its sound system(mediocre at best) had to be reprogrammed with a system upgrade.

Ann A on February 17, 2021

The most important thing is that it is All wheel drive.

I love that it is all wheel Drive. It is very spacious inside and on the chairs. I like the look of it. I do not like the media sound system.

Tony M on February 13, 2021

Just a note on the SUV I own.

Not much to tell, bought the SUV for the AWD. I live in Toledo Ohio so the winters can be a problem with the ice and snow. So far I have not had an issue with anything mechanical. I enjoy the extra touches such as the heated seats. I would have liked to have a passenger side cameras for the turn signal.

Holly H on February 11, 2021

Riding in class at a great price!

This vehicle is really spacious. It is super comfortable and has all the new high tech. I love the interior and the comfort and feel of the car. It is such a smooth quiet drive, often feels like you are on air. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone wanting a really nice car for a great price. To me honestly, I feel like I am driving in a super expensive vehicle. I know I am riding in class in my subaru. I definitely will keep this car till the end!

Annie A on February 5, 2021

Great family car, super comfortable!

We purchased a used Subaru for our family initially because of the high safety reviews. The vehicle is very sleek and attractive so I feel good about driving it. There is a ton of cargo space and plenty of backseat room for the car seat too. We have not had any issues with performance so far and really enjoy all of the high end features. The only thing I wish the car had was rear air vents.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.