2019 Subaru Outback

Looking at the price and features of each trim, we would recommend the 2.5i Premium trim. By paying just $2100 extra, customers can get access to dual-zone climate control system, heated front seats, and larger 8.0-inch infotainment system with multiple connectivity options. For additional safety, some features like blind-spot monitoring, powered tailgate, rear cross traffic alert and exterior side view mirrors with turn signals can be added. 

The 2019 Subaru Outback is available in four main trim configurations: Base, Premium, Limited and Touring. Subaru continues to offer 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter boxer engines, extending the trim lineup to six models, depending on the engine under the hood. The interior of every trim is functional and to the point. Some customers might be disappointed with the lackluster acceleration from both the engines. However, the availability of AWD drivetrain as standard has improved its off-road compatibility. 

For the 2019 model year, Subau has made the Eyesight driver assist safety suite standard across all the trims. Starting with the base 2.5i trim, features like 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen, X-Mode with hill descent control, and welcome lighting are standard. From the 2.5i Premium trim onwards, Subaru offers desirable features like dual-zone climate control system, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat and larger 8.0-inch infotainment system with multiple connectivity options as standard. 

Unfortunately, the more powerful 3.6-liter flat-six engine is available with Limited and Touring trims. The Base and Premium trims have to make do with the underpowered 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 175 horsepower only. Some optional features like power rear gate, blind-spot monitoring, power moonroof, high beam assist and rear cross traffic alert are available for the Premium trim. Other features like reverse automatic braking, LED steering responsive headlights, multimedia navigation system and moonroof are optional available with the 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited trims. 

The 2019 Subaru Outback offers an EPA-estimated fuel-economy of 25/32/28 mpg in city/highway/combined conditions with the base 2.5-liter flat-four engine. The 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring trims offer 20/27/22 mpg in city/highway/combined conditions. With a 18.5 gallon tank on all models, the Outback offers a combined range of 518 miles and 407 miles, with the 2.5i and 3.6R models respectively. 

In terms of fuel economy, the standard engine in the Subaru Outback and its competitors are more or less in a similar ballpark. But with a relatively larger fuel tank, it might just be one of the best choices for long-distance driving, keeping refueling status way behind your reach. Ford Edge follows it with a range of up to 537 miles in ideal conditions and 463 miles in general. The CR-V has to settle low in this specific domain along with RAV4.

The interior of the 2019 Outback is not fancy but functional. The quality of materials is good and everything inside the cabin is built to last. The space management is done cleverly and the outside view is good. The driving height is on the higher side for a clear view of the road ahead. Subaru has utilized soft touch plastics over the dashboard and door panels. The central arm rest offer decent support. The addition of heated steering, powered driver’s seat and premium leather upholstery in the higher trims enhances the in-cabin feel 

Subaru offers the interior cloth and leather upholstery in different colors like Slate Black, Titanium Gray and Warm Ivory. The Java Brown leather upholstery is reserved for the 2.5i and 3.6R Touring trims. The rear seat can accommodate three passengers with decent support and comfort and even the rear legroom is adequate for comfort on long journeys. The maximum passenger volume is 108.1 cu-ft while with the available moonroof, the passenger volume drops to 104.5 cu-ft. 

Subaru’s practical wagon offers maximum cargo space of 73.3 cu-ft with the rear 60/40 seat back folded. With all seats in place, the cargo capacity is limited to 35.5 cu-ft. In-cabin storage solutions are also plenty, with seatback pockets, door pockets, and other cubbies for small-item storage. Other convenience features include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, etc.

The 2019 Subaru Outback is not the most practical in terms of cargo space but offers decent rear seat legroom. The 2019 Honda CR-V offers the maximum cargo capacity, followed by Ford Edge and Toyota RAV4. The slightly less cargo space in the Toyota RAV4 can be accounted for increased rear seat legroom. However, considering a wagon-ish profile, the Outback is decently spacious. 

Except the base 2.5i trim, all the trims are equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Subaru StarLink interface. Some features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard. The volume is controlled via physical knobs and most other functions are controlled by touch-sensitive buttons on the panel. The Limited trim comes equipped with a premium 12-speaker sound system from Harman Kardon for a more premium music listening experience. Navigation system with real-time traffic and weather updates is available, while WiFi hotspot is not available in any model even as an option.  

Some of the key interior features are:  

• Power-adjustable front seats,
• Heated front seats
• Driver seat memory functions
• Premium leather upholstery
• Moonroof
• 6.5”/8” touchscreen infotainment display
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. 

The 2019 Subaru Outback's exterior design is different from its rivals and you’ll either love it or hate it. In our opinion, the wagon-ish profile helps the Outback to offer better interior space and cargo capacity as compared to some of its rivals. The front profile is quite subtle and you won’t notice any distinctive elements. The small hexagonal grille in black with a Subaru logo in between is pretty standard. Even the headlamps are inspired from the Legacy sedan, while the front bumper is different. 

The side profile is typical Subaru with a station wagon profile and roof rails along with chrome window outline are the highlighting elements. The 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels differ in design and finish, depending on the trim level. The rear profile is also bland but the 3.6R Limited and Touring models offer dual exhaust outlets for a more sportier appearance. Subaru offers different exterior colors like Black Silica, Red Pearl, Brown Pearl, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Blue Pearl, Tungsten Metallic, White Pearl and Wilderness Green Metallic. 

Despite being primarily an estate, the Subaru has one of the highest ground clearance in the competition, which gives it that extra edge while going off-road. Other than that, the Subaru holds the middle ground in terms of exterior dimensions, wheelbase, and other relatable scales. Speaking about weight, it is actually on the heavier side of the spectrum in the competition. This is one of the reasons for its mediocre handling and stability controls which need a revamp to match up against others.

Some of the key exterior features are: 

• 18.0-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Roof rails with integrated crossbars
• Power liftgate with memory for height
• Heated exterior mirrors

As mentioned earlier, the 2019 Subaru Outback comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard on all trim levels to prevent collisions from happening in the first instance. In fact, according to Subaru, EyeSight reduces rear-end crashes with injuries by 85%, which is a huge claim in itself. It does have other advanced features as well like blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. 

The Outback received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, an ASV+ rating from JNCAP, and a five-star rating from NHTSA as well. These ratings place it as a top-notch option in terms of safety and showcase Subaru's approach towards real-time off-roading simulation right from the beginning. Surely, Outback's impeccable safety ratings are one of its USPs. 

Some key safety features are: 

• Pre-collision braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure and sway warning with lane keep assist
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot detection

2019 Subaru Outback vs 2019 Honda CR-V

A really tough competitor of the Subaru Outback, the Honda CR-V has a very stronghold in the market in the compact crossover SUV class. It has a comfortable ride quality, and it might not look like it, but the Honda CR-V is actually decently athletic around the corners, which makes it a more tamable car on-road.

On the other hand, with better off-road capability, the Subaru Outback serves well to the more adventure-minded buyers. Despite similar fuel economy figures, the Subaru Outback offers better range, courtesy of larger fuel tank. The Honda CR-V offers better acceleration and performance then the Outback. 

2019 Subaru Outback vs 2019 Ford Edge

Available in four different trim levels and two engine options depending on the trim level, the Ford Edge is somewhat similar to the Outback in this regard. While the standard engine is significantly superior to the standard engine in the Outback in terms of performance, the engine in the ST trim of the Edge takes the car to a whole new level.

While you would enjoy the Ford Edge more on-road, it is off-road where the Subaru Outback shines. Also, better performance comes at the expense of fuel economy and the Outback is more fuel efficient.  The Ford Edge offers better cargo space than the Outback. 

2019 Subaru Outback vs 2019 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a pretty closely matched rival to the Subaru Outback. It might not be as competent off-road as the Subaru, but it is arguably more practical on road. The Toyota RAV4 is more fuel efficient than the Outback and offers better perfromance too. 

But if you do have plans on occasional trips on dirt roads and trails and don’t want the Subaru for some reason, you can choose between the Adventure and the new TRD Off-Road trims for the RAV4, which are just as an off-roader as the Subaru Outback, if not better.

The Subaru Outback holds a very unique proposition in the market, especially in its class. It is a station wagon, which is actually better off-road than most of the other crossover SUVs in its class. But things tend to fall apart when you get on-road, mainly due to its subpar handling capabilities around corners. Even the lackluster performance and less cargo space are a reason behind its falling sales. However, the 2019 Subaru Outback offers impeccable safety features, good reliability and resale value as compared to some of its rivals. If you are an old-school person and doesn't mind the lack of performance, modern styling and fancy interior features, then the 2019 Outback is for you.