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With room for five, equipment for getting off the beaten path, and a focus on safety, the 2019 Subaru Outback is a great “family adventure wagon”.
What’s New for the 2019 Subaru Outback?
Wrapping up generation five, the 2019 Subaru Outback offers improved standard safety features and additional trim upgrades over the 2018 model. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance aids is now included on all trim levels as is a 5” LCD gauge cluster screen that displays vehicle info. A new, 6.5” multimedia screen graces base trim while Premium and Limited models now include a thin-frame, auto-dimming rearview mirror with embedded compass, and HomeLink tech. Other notable interior enhancements are the overhead console “shower” light in base trim and a pair of USB ports in the center console.
2019 Subaru Outback – subaru.com | Shop 2019 Subaru Outback on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Top scores from NHTSA and IIHS
Touchscreen infotainment display is standard
X-Mode makes dicey downhill driving less stressful
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard
A Wi-Fi hotspot would make the Starlink more palatable
Looking forward to the all-new Outback coming in 2020
2019 Outback Specs
- 175 horsepower from base engine
- 174 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 35.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 73.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Available 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system
- Steering responsive headlights improve night driving visibility
- Bumper-to-bumper coverage includes wear items like wiper blades
2019 Subaru Outback Powertrain
Subaru is one of the few automakers that feature a horizontally opposed engine architecture. With the 2019 Subaru Outback, two flavors of this configuration are available, A 2.5-liter four-cylinder version making 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder layout with respective figures of 256 and 247.
Given the Outback’s nearly two-ton curb weight, the 6-cylinder – known as the 3.6R – will offer better acceleration. The 2.5-liter motor is standard on all four trim levels, while the 3.6R can be optioned on Limited and Touring trims. In either case, a continuously variable transmission handles shifting duty.
Subaru is known for equipping all of its vehicles with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and that remains true with the 2019 Outback. Between the torque-vectoring tech and 8.7” of ground clearance, the Outback is ready to keep moving forward in heavy snowfall or muddy, rutted surfaces.
Enhancing that ability is X-Mode, which assists in those cases where the vehicle starts moving faster as it drives downhill in the snow or on gravel. In coordination with Hill Descent Control, this tech helps maintain vehicle speed so the driver can focus on steering.
2019 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy & MPG
If you’re ok with poky acceleration, opt for the Subaru Outback’s 2.5-liter motor as it achieves a solid EPA estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the open road. The more potent six-cylinder engine has an estimated efficiency of 20 mpg around town and 27 mpg on the highway. Along with saving some weight over the larger power plant, the smaller engine also benefits from an active grille shutter system. It was developed to improve Outback fuel economy by reducing wind resistance when the flaps are closed.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Space abounds in the 2019 Subaru Outback, for both passengers and cargo. 38 inches of legroom are on tap for back seat passengers and the cargo hold can handle almost 36 cubic feet of stuff with that seat raised. Dropping it flat yields a sizable 73 cubes of available volume. Combined with the roof rails, the 2019 Outback is ready to handle all your family road trip gear.
Higher trims are swaddled in perforated leather, and for Snow Belt customers, the Outback keeps things toasty with heating elements on front and rear seats, outside mirrors, and steering wheel. Automatic climate control lends a hand here and a power-operated liftgate makes the loading/unloading process stress free.
Entertainment & Technology
With screen sizes ranging from 6.5” to 8”, all 2019 Subaru Outback models are equipped with touch-based, Starlink infotainment software. Fortunately, physical buttons are on hand for volume and climate controls. Apple and Android smartphone integration is lineup standard with available options like smartphone-based remote vehicle access and push-button start.
Owners will find four USB ports on higher trims as well as navigation and a thumping, 576-watt, 12-speaker audio system from Harman-Kardon. A backup camera is included on all Outbacks, but the keyless proximity entry tech requires stepping up to the Limited model.
Safety Features
Subaru’s focus on safety shines through with the 2019 Outback, which earned a 5-star rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS. A network of standard airbags and whiplash-protection head restraints help with this as does the EyeSight bundle of active-safety systems. It includes pre-collision braking and throttle management, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance.
Additional safety systems are available with the Safety Plus package that contains automatic collision notification, enhanced roadside assistance, and an SOS emergency assistance button.
2019 Subaru Outback Trims & Pricing
Base – $27,320
Powered by the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder motor, entry-level Outbacks utilize Subaru’s well-known Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive – as do all models. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels fill out the beefy fender flares nicely with their 8.7” of ground clearance. Cloth upholstery covers seating surfaces inside and a 6.5”, centrally mounted touchscreen handles Starlink multimedia duties.
At this level, that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Pandora and SiriusXM satellite radio with real-time travel conditions. A backup camera and dual USB ports are included along with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance aids.
Premium – $29,420
Premium Outbacks come with the all-weather package equipment, which includes heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a heating element in the windshield to keep wipers free of ice during winter driving. Fog lamps dress up the exterior and the infotainment interface bumps to an 8-inch screen along with two additional USB ports and six total speakers.
Creature comfort upgrades like dual-zone, automatic climate control, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and leather for the steering wheel and dash panel improve the interior. Optional features on Premium models like a power-operated lift gate and moonroof serve to further spruce things up.
Limited – $33,820
At the Limited price point, buyers can select the more powerful, 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine for a bit more than $2000. Regardless of power plant, standard equipment like perforated leather seating with heat on rear outboard positions, 18” alloys and air-conditioning ducts for rear passengers are part of the Limited trim.
Other standard equipment includes power for passenger seat adjustment and tailgate operation. The options list features adaptive front lighting with automatic high beam control, navigation, and Starlink connected services.
Touring – $37,770
Available with the four- or six-cylinder motor, top-spec Touring Outbacks are fancied up with Java Brown leather applied to the seats, door panels, and armrests with ivory-colored contrast stitching. Woodgrain and piano black accents further upgrade interior appointments while the 12-speaker, Harman-Kardon stereo system promises to keep audiophiles entertained.
On the outside, low profile roof rails with a silver finish, special chrome badging, a dark gray grille insert, and dark-finished 18” wheels set the Touring apart. The LED headlights with steering-responsive movement are included as is a heated steering wheel and navigation.
Warranties
The Outback comprehensive warranty lasts for 3 years or 36,000 miles and includes wear items like wiper blades and brake pads. For powertrain components, coverage is good for a 5-year or 60,000-mile period. Rust perforations are also under warranty for 5 years, but with unlimited mileage.
What we think
2019 Subaru Outback – subaru.com | Shop 2019 Subaru Outback on Carsforsale.com
The 2019 Subaru Outback offers enough off-road capability for most weekend warriors and cargo volume in spades. Loads of standard safety features and plenty of luxurious options make it a compelling foil to the legions of basic SUVs on the road today.
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