2018 Subaru Outback
Should You Buy a 2018 Subaru Outback?
The 2018 Subaru Outback is a versatile SUV that combines practicality with rugged capability, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With a 2.5L flat 4-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, it offers a smooth driving experience, especially with its continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Its all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, making it suitable for various terrains. The Outback boasts a commendable fuel economy of 28 MPG combined, which is a plus for daily commuters and long road trips. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's reliability score of 63.1 out of 100, indicating some concerns in long-term dependability.
While the Outback is generally well-regarded, it has received a total of 958 complaints, with notable issues in the electrical system and visibility/wiper components. The majority of these complaints arise within the first 40,000 miles, suggesting that early ownership may present some challenges. Nevertheless, the Outback's spacious interior and cargo capacity, along with its safety features, make it a compelling option for those seeking a reliable family SUV.
The 2018 Subaru Outback is best suited for active families and outdoor enthusiasts who value versatility, safety, and all-weather capability in a reliable SUV.
Strengths
- +All-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability
- +Good fuel economy at 28 MPG combined
- +Spacious interior with ample cargo capacity
- +Reputation for safety and reliability
- +Versatile for both urban commuting and outdoor adventures
Weaknesses
- -Reliability score of 63.1/100 indicates potential long-term issues
- -Notable complaints regarding electrical and visibility systems
- -Limited horsepower compared to some competitors
- -Higher MSRP at $36,490 may deter budget-conscious buyers
- -CVT may not appeal to those preferring traditional transmissions
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2018 Subaru Outback has reported a total of 958 complaints to the NHTSA, with the most significant issues related to the electrical system and visibility/wiper components. These problems predominantly occur within the first 40,000 miles, which may concern potential buyers regarding early reliability. Despite these complaints, there have been no deaths reported, indicating that while there are issues, they have not resulted in severe consequences.
Performance
- Horsepower
- 175 hp
- Torque
- 174 lb-ft
- Engine
- 2.5 L
- Cylinders
- flat 4
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- Drive Type
- all wheel drive
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- –
- Fuel Type
- regular unleaded
Dimensions
- Length
- –
- Width
- –
- Height
- –
- Wheelbase
- –
- Curb Weight
- –
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 5
- Seating
- 5
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –