2019 Subaru Outback review
Subaru Outback highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Outward visibility thanks to high seating position
- Spacious interior with upscale materials
- Standard advanced driver-assistance features
Cons
- Base engine offers slow acceleration
- Handling is worse than most rivals
- Engine performance doesn't focus on economy
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 27 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Turn an ordinary trip into an adventure.
The 2019 Subaru Outback is a family-friendly vehicle ready to roll seamlessly from the soccer field to the campground. As the final year of the fifth generation, you’ll discover an array of features focused on making life easier. You can choose between the capable 174-hp 2.5L BOXER® engine and a muscular 256-hp 3.6L engine with standard all-wheel drive, smartphone integration, and a suite of driver-assist features.
All Subaru Outback years
What is new for the 2019 Subaru Outback?
- Outback trims have been upgraded with Full Roof Rack as standard equipment this year.
- The 2.5I trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, CD Audio, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The 2.5I Limited trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The 2.5I Premium trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The 3.6R Limited trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
2019 Subaru Outback trims
2.5i
The 174 hp 2.5L Boxer engine and continuously variable transmission
Symmetrical all-wheel drive
17-inch aluminum alloy wheels
Roof rails
Manual cloth seats
Android Auto®/Apple CarPlay®
2.5i Premium
Heated side mirrors and windshield washer deicer
Heated power-adjustable front seats
An upgraded eight-inch touchscreen multimedia center
Fog lamps
Dual-zone automatic climate control
2.5i Limited
Driver's seat with memory
Second-row heated seats
Leather-trimmed upholstery
Keyless entry and push button start
A 12-speaker Harman Kardon® surround sound system
2.5i Touring
Navigation
Automatic high beams
Upscale wood grain and silver interior accents
Low profile roof rails
Dark gray 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels
3.6i Limited
The Boxer® six-cylinder 3.6L engine produces 256 hp.
The high-torque CVT includes hill hold, manual shift option, and paddle shifters.
18-inch black finish alloy wheels
Blind spot detection
3.6i Touring
Heated steering wheel
Power lift gate with height memory
Automatic wiper-linked headlights
Unique lower door panels
Heated seats throughout
Subaru Outback photos
5 reasons to buy the 2019 Subaru Outback
1. Room for your life
With its standard roof rails with retractable crossbars, you can secure your kayak, surfboard, skis, or luggage up top. When you need to bring home a boatload of supplies, fold down the back seat and open up a cavernous 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
2. Versatility that works for you
Every 2019 Subaru Outback includes one-touch rear seats that fold away in a snap. When you upgrade over the base model, a power liftgate with height memory takes the heavy lifting out of your daily grocery run. You can also opt for a driver seat with memory, a telescoping steering wheel, and even a kicking 12-speaker surround sound system.
3. Head off the trail and take it with you
The Subaru Symmetrical All-wheel Drive® means you are equipped to tackle rocky trails. Its elevated 8.7 inch ground clearance allows you to roll right over obstacles without hesitation. If you are heading up to the lake with your personal watercraft or ATV, your 2019 Subaru Outback is ready to tow it weighing up to 2,700 pounds when properly equipped.
4. Technology to keep you In touch
Every 2019 Subaru Outback features the smart upgrades you expect in a contemporary ride including hands-free calling and audio streaming with Bluetooth® technology and app access for Android and Apple compatible smartphones. Other available upgrades include automatic climate control, smart high beams, heated seats, and keyless entry and start.
5. Ready for weather
Built for fun, your 2019 Subaru Outback is prepared for cold weather adventure with available heated front and second-row seats. The headlights turn on when you activate the wipers. Worried about a little mud or snow? Heavy-duty cargo liners and floor mats rinse off in a snap.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2019 Subaru Outback, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Subaru Forester is a go-anywhere compact crossover with room for your whole crew. The 2017-2018 Forester has a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 170 hp or an available 250-hp 2.0L turbo-four. Starting in 2019, the Forester bumped base horsepower to 182 for the standard 2.5L but dropped the more powerful engine option. For 2017-2018, the Subaru Forester has 31.5 cubic feet of room behind the back seat, which increases to 33 cubic feet for 2019 and newer models.
Standard features on 2017-2021 Subaru Forester models include:
6.2-inch touchscreen (6.5-inch for 2019+)
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (2019+)
The Honda CR-V feels like a compact hatchback with extra cargo and ground clearance. The 2017-present Honda CR-V features easy handling that creates confidence on-road, while the optional AWD lets you power through tough weather conditions and muddy trails. The 2017-2019 CR-V packs a 2.4L four-cylinder engine under the hood, with an optional turbo 1.5L engine available for more power and torque. For 2020-present, the 1.5L is the sole engine choice.
Standard features on the 2020 Honda CR-V LX include:
17-inch alloy wheels
Automatic climate control
Bluetooth® connectivity
A rugged crossover that enjoys the urban sprawl and dirt roads in equal measure, the Subaru Crosstrek is a no-nonsense SUV that delivers ride comfort and an ever-evolving roster of standard features. The 2016 Crosstrek is available in five trims, powered by a 2.0L BOXER® four-cylinder engine with 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A 2016 hybrid Crosstrek is also available, pairing the same engine with an onboard electric motor.
The Crosstrek was reimagined for 2018, though it still offers the same 2.0L engine and standard AWD. Notable changes include improved interior finishing and more tech features as standard, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The 2016-2019 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i base trim includes these standard features:
Rearview camera
17-inch alloy wheels
Rear privacy glass
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Subaru Outback an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru Outback 10th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru OutbackSubaru Outback features and specs
2.5I Touring 4WD/AWD 4D Wagon
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Leather Seats
- Remote Start
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
175
Torque (ft-lbs)
174
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
108.1"
Overall length
189.6"
Width
72.4"
Height
66.1"
Leg room
F 42.9"/R 38.1"
Head room
F 38.3"/R 38.9"
Front tires
P225/60HR18
Rear tires
P225/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
270/2700 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2019 Subaru Outback FAQ
The 2019 Subaru Outback is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 2.5I Touring: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 3.6R Limited: 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Limited: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Premium: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 3.6R Touring: 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 2.5I: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The Subaru Outback received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Subaru Outback as 9 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2019 Subaru Outback has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2019 Subaru Outback, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2019 Subaru Outback Reviews.
The 2019 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 2700 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2019 Subaru Outback:
- Full Roof Rack
- Automated Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Satellite Radio Ready
- CD Audio
More about the 2019 Subaru Outback
Color options
Exterior colors
Crystal White Pearl
Tungsten Metallic
Wilderness Green Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Abyss Blue Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Cinnamon Brown Pearl
Crystal Black Silica
Crimson Red Pearl
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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