DecodedCars2018 Subaru Outback
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon AWD 2.5i, 4dr Wagon AWD 3.6r
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,558–3,845 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2018 small SUV (23.2 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Subaru Outback is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,558 lb (4dr Wagon AWD 2.5i).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway), 21% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 816 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon AWD 2.5i | 189.8 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,558 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr Wagon AWD 3.6r | 189.8 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,845 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +21% | $2,400 | 320 |
| Outback AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 398 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Outback (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Toyota Highlander | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 175,968 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices · Dec 31, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V935000 · 71,190 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.
Electrical System › Software · Nov 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V773000 · 228,648 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
- Risk
- The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.
Not every 2018 Subaru Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Subaru Outback buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 259 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Visibility/Wiper — 234 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 43 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Outback. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Outback years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 21 |
| 2025 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 83 |
| 2024 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 104 |
| 2023 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 89 |
| 2022 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 465 |
| 2021 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 298 |
| 2020 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 901 |
| 2019 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,036 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →