The 2019 Subaru Outback comes in six different configurations; 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring. The 2.5i models are powered by a 4-cylinder boxer engine that makes 175 horsepower, while the 3.6R Limited and Touring are powered by a 6-cylinder boxer making 256 horsepower, providing plenty of extra power for those who need it. Across the entire range, power is sent to all four wheels via an ultra-efficient continuously variable transmission. Rather than having set gears like a traditional manual or automatic, a continuously variable transmissions (CVT) is able to infinitely vary the gear ratio, leaving the Outback in a perfect position for maximizing power and efficiency. With the 2.5i, owners can expect to get around 28 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
The base 2.5i comes nicely equipped with 17-inch wheels, roof rails with crossbars, paddle shifters, a rearview camera, an off-road mode dubbed "x-mode," an active grille shutter to help improve fuel economy, a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input and USB jacks, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth streaming.
The 2.5i Premium trim offers significantly more amenities, including a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated front seats and heated mirrors, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8-inch touchscreen, incorporating SMS text messaging capabilities and a vehicle information display. The 2.5i Premium also allows for some additional options such as a power moonroof and power liftgate.
The Limited trim (2.5i and 3.9R) includes a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, leather seating surfaces, power passenger seat, rear air vents, blind spot detection, integrated turn signals in the mirrors, wood accents around the interior and a power rear liftgate.
The top of the line Touring trim (2.5i and 3.9R) benefits from moderate exterior enhancements including a dark grey grill insert, 18-inch wheels with dark grey accents, low profile roof rails and a power moonroof. Inside, Touring models get Java Brown leather-trimmed seating surfaces with contrasting stitching, woodgrain interior accents, a heated steering wheel, GPS navigation and nicer materials around the dashboard.
Safety features across the Outback line include a rollover sensor for the side curtain airbags as well as front seat cushion airbags designed to keep occupants secure in the event of an accident. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, sway warning, pre-collision braking and pre-collision throttle management. Additionally, Subaru's Starlink infotainment system includes crash notification and stolen vehicle recovery assistance, adding an extra layer of security to the car.
Versatility
Standard All-wheel Drive
Spacious Interior
Good Ground Clearance
Fuel-efficient Transmissions
Standard Safety Technology
The 2019 Subaru Outback sees a few changes for the new model year. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver assistance technology is now standard on all trims. This suite of features includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, sway warning, pre-collision braking and pre-collision throttle management. The base 2.5i trim also gets an upgraded audio system with SiriusXM radio, rear view camera and instrument cluster with 5-inch display.
The genius of the Outback has always been its ability to straddle classifications; it helped create the crossover segment in the 1990s. As such, the Outback competes with family sedans, SUVs and other crossover vehicles. With a base price just over $26,000, the Outback is affordable enough for families considering a new Camry or Accord. With better off-road credentials and a more usable luggage compartment, the Outback offers increased versatility over standard family sedans. At the same time, the Subaru Outback offers the kind of fuel economy that most mid-sized SUVs struggle to match.
