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2018 Subaru Outback: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
For 2018, the Subaru Outback gets a mid-cycle refresh, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as the biggest day-to-day upgrade. Its engines and basic trim structure carry over from 2017.
About the 2018 Subaru Outback
5th generation (2015-2019), mid-cycle refresh year
Subaru positions the Outback as a roomy, wagon-based crossover for people who want family usefulness without giving up rough-road confidence. Official materials stress standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, roof-rack utility, and a big cargo area, while review sources consistently highlight its mix of everyday comfort, light-trail ability, and bad-weather confidence. Its main difference from many midsize crossovers is that it drives more like a car but still keeps real outdoor-travel capability.
The 2.5i is the practical core model, with standard AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and roof rails with integrated crossbars. The Premium adds everyday comforts such as heated front seats and dual-zone climate control, while Limited trims bring leather and premium audio. Touring models are the most fully equipped, and the 3.6R versions stand out for their 256-horsepower six-cylinder engine.
What changed, by category
Styling
Subaru revised the grille, front and rear bumpers, headlights, and mirrors. Touring models gain standard LED headlights, while the 3.6R Limited replaces its previous HID low beams with LED steering-responsive headlights.
Tech
Every trim gets a new touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2.5i uses a 6.5-inch screen, while Premium and higher trims get an 8.0-inch screen. Premium gains rear USB charging, Limited makes keyless access with push-button start and the power moonroof standard, and Touring adds one-touch up/down operation for all four windows.
Safety
The tire-pressure display now shows the pressure for each individual tire, and automatic door locking and unlocking is added across the lineup.
Structural
Sound-insulating front-door glass becomes standard on every trim, and redesigned mirrors help reduce wind noise for a quieter cabin.
2018 Subaru Outback specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 256 hp | 256 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback a new generation?
No. The 2018 Outback is a mid-cycle refresh of the fifth-generation model, not a full redesign. It receives updated styling, cabin refinement, and infotainment while retaining the same engines and basic trim structure.
Does every 2018 Subaru Outback have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on every 2018 Outback. The base 2.5i has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while Premium and higher trims use an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
Did the 2018 Subaru Outback get new engines?
No. The engine lineup carries over for 2018. Four-cylinder 2.5i models remain the core of the range, while 3.6R models retain the 256-horsepower six-cylinder engine.
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback worth choosing over the 2017 model?
The 2018 Outback is the stronger choice if smartphone integration, a quieter cabin, and refreshed styling matter to you. The 2017 and 2018 models share the same engines and basic trim structure, so the main reasons to favor 2018 are its technology and refinement upgrades.
What changed inside the 2018 Subaru Outback?
The 2018 Outback gets new touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sound-insulating front-door glass, automatic door locks, and an individual-tire-pressure display. Premium also gains rear USB charging, while Limited and Touring trims receive additional convenience upgrades.
2018 Subaru Outback Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Subaru Outback.
4.3
2018 Subaru Outback
(1,021 reviews)
“Had to get touring edition. Love the power and it totally dominates in the snow.”
“The Subaru Outback is the perfect vehicle for parents. You have a lot of space to haul your children's items. Plenty of space to squeeze your kids in the back seat and it makes you feel safe.”