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Which five-year-old SUVs are the most reliable for shoppers this year? According to a recently updated Consumer Reports ranking (by subscription), there are dependable used SUVs you should put on your list. CR says the 2018 Subaru Outback ranks among the nine best, and scores higher than two popular Toyota SUVs.
Consumer Reports says the Outback is family-friendly, not as bulky as a 3-Row SUV, gets the top safety score, and is fuel-efficient.
CR's nine most reliable 5-year-old SUVs ranked from first to ninth in terms of reliability.
Consumer Reports says the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, Lexus RX Hybrid, Lincoln MKX, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner are the most reliable five-year-old SUVs.
What does Consumer Reports say about the Outback?
Consumer Reports says, "With the Outback, Subaru split the difference between a wagon and a crossover, creating a winning combination. It's an intriguing alternative to a traditional midsized SUV, with more cargo space and less thirst for fuel. Functionally, it does everything most midsized SUVs can do except tow a heavy load.
What does CR says about the Outback’s deficiencies? “With the 2.5i, we measured fuel economy of 24 mpg overall, although this engine won't win you many races.”
"Six-cylinder 3.6R versions are much quicker and even quieter, with little penalty in fuel economy. We got 22 mpg overall. It rides very comfortably, and handling is plenty responsive and secure. The standard EyeSight suite of active safety systems includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.”
The Outback didn’t score higher because it’s not as reliable as the other models. CR says the 2018 Outback’s “potential” trouble spots for reliability are its in-car electronics (display screen freezes or goes blank), and electric system issues. It's notable that the Outback scored higher in reliability than the Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner.
What is the price of the 2018 Outback?
CR says the used price range is $18,350 - $24,125, depending on trim level and condition. With the new model shortages, dealers are marking up the used model's prices in some areas of the country more than others. Check out the new 2023 model prices and trim levels before buying a used Outback.
What is the 2018 Outback fuel mileage?
The 2018 Outback with the 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 25/32 city/highway and 28 combined mpg with the automatic transmission. The Outback 3.6R gets an EPA-estimated 20/27 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg.
What are the Outback's safety scores?
The 2018 Subaru Outback earned the top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Outback also gets the highest five-star award from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Why should the Subaru Outback be on your shopping list this winter?
The Outback appeals to a broader audience in the U.S. than ever before because of its all-weather capability and SUV utility. It's bigger than a traditional wagon, features more cargo capacity, has a higher ground clearance (8.7 inches), and comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-terrain performance.
What's new for the 2018 Outback?
The 2018 Outback received revised front and rear styling and significant comfort, safety, and multimedia capability upgrades. The interior was improved with more premium materials, the cabin is quieter, the ride quality is improved, and it was upgraded with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nuance voice recognition. Steering responsive LED headlights were available on some trim levels.
If you are still looking for a 2023 Subaru Outback this winter and can't find one, check out the 2018 model year. Consumer Reports says it's one of the nine best, most reliable SUVs you can buy this year. CR also recommended the 2017 Outback model year. Check out the report below.
You Might Also Like: The 8 Used 2-Row SUVs With The Best Fuel Economy - 2017 Subaru Outback Ranks 2nd
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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