The 2019 Subaru Outback may be one of the most versatile vehicles on the planet. Its vast interior, spacious cargo hold, and impressive safety record should be enough to sell it. But, Subaru goes further, equipping the Outback with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a plethora of driver-assist systems. The Outback stands alone when it comes to competition, with the Buick Regal TourX being the closest to a rival all-wheel-drive wagon. Most buyers cross-shop the Outback with SUVs like the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Powered by a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, the Outback gets surprisingly good gas mileage but isn’t notably quick, perhaps its biggest drawback. Subaru does offer a 6-cylinder engine on the top Limited and Touring trims. Rated at 256 hp, the 3.6-liter boxer engine returns decent fuel economy, making it a good choice for those who can afford its lofty price tag.
2019 was the last year for this body style, making it highly sought after by customers who don’t like the newer model’s giant all-encompassing touch screen and nagging driver attention monitor.
2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i (Original starting price when new: $26,345)
See today’s prices on 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i models for sale near you
The 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i started at $26,345.
The most basic Outback comes standard with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Subaru’s X-Mode with downhill assist is also standard, a feature that keeps the transmission in a lower gear, providing more power when plowing through deep snow or mud. Also included are steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an electronic parking brake, and Active Torque Vectoring that routes torque to the outside front wheel, helping improve high-speed cornering.
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite is part of the Outback’s standard equipment roster. This bundle of impressive features includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. A rear backup camera and individual tire pressure monitors are also onboard, as is a full complement of airbags, including front, front side-impact, and full-length 2-row side curtains.
The base Outback includes 17-inch alloy wheels, raised roof rails with integrated pivoting crossbars, halogen auto on/off headlights with wiper activation, and power side mirrors. Keyless entry with a fob-in-key design is also standard, as are power door locks and power windows with a one-touch up/down driver’s window.
The Outback’s interior includes cloth upholstery, a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with buttons for cruise control, audio and Bluetooth, plus manual single-zone air conditioning and dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors.
The standard Starlink multimedia system includes a 6.5-inch touch screen, AM/FM/HD/CD radio, four speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth music streaming, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Two front USB ports and a 12-volt outlet accompany the system, along with an auxiliary input jack.
The base Outback does not offer rear privacy glass, a feature you’ll get on the next trim level up. Considering the amount of glass surrounding the Outback’s cabin, you may want to look into window tinting options, especially in areas with relentless sunlight.
Who is this trim level for? The base Outback offers an economical way to get into a large, family-friendly all-wheel-drive wagon with exceptional marks for safety, reliability, and strong resale.
2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i includes:
- EyeSight – This impressive suite of standard driver-assist features helps the driver keep alert and avoid potential accidents. It’s unusual to find such a thorough suite on an entry-level car.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – With these options, there’s no need for a fancy navigation radio because the infotainment system allows full integration of a smartphone’s maps, music, and messages.
- Integrated crossbar roof rails – Standard roof rails feature integrated crossbars that swing out and clip in when needed, then stow safely back in the rails when done. This design negates annoying wind noise when not using the roof rack.
- Wiper-linked headlights – Automatically turn on when the wipers are activated.
2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium (Original starting price when new: $28,445)
See today’s prices on 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium models for sale near you
The 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium started at $28,445.
The Premium is the trim of choice, offering a host of upgrades while still maintaining a reasonable price.
Building off the base Outback, the Premium adds fog lights, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, windshield wiper de-icers, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The front passenger window gains an auto up/down button, and leather adorns the steering wheel and shift knob. Other upgrades include illuminated inner door handles and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a Homelink garage door opener.
The Premium’s Starlink multimedia system gets upgraded with an 8-inch high-resolution touch screen, six speakers, voice-activated communications, and Bluetooth hands-free text messaging capability.
Optional equipment for the Premium includes navigation, a blind-spot monitor with lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic detection. Also available are a power moonroof, a height-adjustable power liftgate, automatic high-beam headlights, and the Starlink Connected Safety and Security packages that include stolen vehicle recovery, remote lock/unlock, vehicle locater, and alarm notification.
Who is this trim level for? The Premium appeals to buyers who want the added safety and comfort expected at this price but don’t need luxury upgrades like leather seating, premium audio, or a bigger engine. The most popular trim in the Outback lineup is also reasonably priced, even with upgrades like navigation, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate.
2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium includes:
- All-Weather Package – Adds heated side mirrors, heated front seats, and windshield wiper de-icers that help keep ice from building up on wiper blades in the resting position.
- Power driver’s seat – The 10-way power driver’s seat allows for a more comfortable driving position and includes 2-way power lumbar support for your lower back.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – Allows more latitude in choosing the driver and passenger temperature settings.
- Fog lights – Provide better near-field illumination when driving in dense fog or heavy rain.
2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited (Original starting price when new: $32,845)
See today’s prices on 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited models for sale near you
The 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited started at $32,845.
The Limited trim elevates the Outback to a more luxurious level, bringing additional features we think appeal more to urban dwellers than outdoor enthusiasts. The Limited trim also opens the door to the 3.6-liter boxer engine in the Limited 3.6R.
Moving up from the Premium, the Limited brings leather upholstery, interior woodgrain accents, a 4-way power passenger seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated rear seats, keyless access with proximity key fob and push-button start, PIN code access, and a power liftgate. Also standard are rear-seat air vents, a definite bonus for kids or pets in the second row.
A blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, rear parking sensors, and 2-position driver’ seat memory are also standard, as is a 576-watt Harman Kardon audio system.
Options for the Limited include a power sunroof, automatic high-beam headlights, steering responsive LED headlights, reverse automatic braking, and navigation.
Who is this trim level for? The Limited appeals to those who like the finer things in life, and by finer things, we mean leather seats and a fantastic Harman Kardon audio system. Additional power from the 3.6R model is a nice upgrade, and something many buyers feel is a must for traveling with a full load or towing.
2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited includes:
- Leather upholstery – Soft perforated leather covers the seats and door panels, making the interior a more pleasant place that’s easier to clean up after a day on the trails.
- Harman Kardon audio – This 576-watt audio upgrade includes 12 speakers and a powered subwoofer, creating the immersive sound every music lover demands.
- Heated rear seats – Allow back seat passengers to stay warm without asking to have the climate control setting turned up.
- Available 3.6-liter engine – With 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, the 3.6-liter boxer engine provides impressive power for passing, towing, and merging.
2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring (Original starting price when new: $36,795)
See today’s prices on 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring models for sale near you
The 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring started at $36,795.
The Touring is sometimes referred to as “the poor man’s Audi.” It’s a fair enough description as it adds a few more distinct features over the Limited, enough to make it feel like a luxury wagon.
Oddly, the Touring loses the cool integrated roof rack system for a set of traditional side rails. However, it gains additional chrome exterior accents, unique 18-inch alloy wheels (the same wheel from the 2017 Outback Limited), a heated steering wheel, Java Brown perforated leather upholstery, navigation, steering responsive LED headlights, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a power sunroof.
Like the Limited, the Touring 3.6R upgrades to a 6-cylinder engine and dual exhaust.
Who is this trim level for? The Touring is for luxury-minded buyers who desire the Outback’s AWD capability and impressive safety record but don’t intend to do much car-camping or off-roading.
2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring includes:
- Jave Brown upholstery – A unique color for the Touring trim, this handsome light brown perforated leather sets the Touring apart from the other Outback trims.
- Steering responsive LED headlights – LED headlights deliver a bright beam and swivel in the direction of the steering wheel, helping illuminate dark corners.
- Navigation – Built-in GPS navigation can be controlled via voice commands and doesn’t require a cellphone signal to operate.
- Reverse automatic braking – Works like forward emergency braking, watching for objects behind the vehicle and activating the brakes if a collision seems unavoidable.
