2018 Subaru Outback — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Subaru Outback is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 26–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Subaru Outback workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Subaru Outback: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 34 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S7) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4700 mm |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 34 combined / 30 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 25 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 199 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2018 Subaru Outback across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 28 mpg (US), or 26 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/32) | 199 | $2,400 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/27) | 247 | $3,050 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Subaru Outback
Running Costs: 2018 Subaru Outback
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Subaru Outback at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Subaru Outback (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Visibility (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 21V587000, reported 29 July 2021. Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Visibility — campaign 18V935000, reported 31 December 2018. Risk: Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 18V773000, reported 1 November 2018. 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.
Owners have filed 813 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru Outback. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (267), Visibility/wiper (234), Unspecified (160). Complaints include 27 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 19 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 380 complaints across the 14 Subaru Outback model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Subaru Outback
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 267 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Visibility (1 recall campaign · 234 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 43 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Subaru Outback compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 34 mpg figure is 7 mpg better than that average. Its 199 g/km CO₂ figure is 54 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 34 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 33 mpg average for Subaru models in our database.
Of the 14 Subaru Outback model years we cover, the 2018 ranks 4th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (34 mpg UK combined, against a high of 35 mpg). See every Subaru Outback year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Subaru Outback
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2018 Subaru Outback: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s7).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Subaru Outback?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 26 to 34 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Subaru Outback (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Visibility (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Outback?
Among the 813 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (267 complaints), Visibility/wiper (234 complaints), Unspecified (160 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Subaru Outback's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.