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2018 Subaru Outback

The 2018 Subaru Outback is a compact SUV, rated at 28 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.

2018 Subaru Outback
© Dinkun Chen · CC BY-SA 4.0
Combined MPG
28
NHTSA safety
Starting price
$30,000
Recalls
3

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Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeSubaru
ModelOutback
Model year2018
Vehicle classCompact SUV

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement2.5 L
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S7)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG25
Highway MPG32
Combined MPG28
CO₂ tailpipe320 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$2200

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Outback AWD22 MPG combined
Outback AWD28 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City25 MPG
Highway32 MPG
Combined28 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Outback28 MPG
Class average32.2 MPG

About 13% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$528/mo
Amount financed
$27,000
Total interest
$4,697
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5-year fuel cost
$7,179

$1,436/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG28
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Extended warranty & insurance

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Cost to own

Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.

Safety ratings & recalls

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
Overall
Frontal crash
Side crash
Rollover

Recalls (3)

  • VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES18V935000 · 2018-12-31

    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."

    Remedy: 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:SOFTWARE18V773000 · 2018-11-01

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V587000 · 2021-07-29

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2018 Subaru Outback?

The 2018 Subaru Outback is EPA-rated at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway).

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How safe is the 2018 Subaru Outback?

The 2018 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2018 Subaru Outback?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2018 Subaru Outback costs roughly $1,436 per year to fuel, or about $7,179 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2018 Subaru Outback?

The 2018 Subaru Outback is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.

Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC