2019 Subaru Outback Review

Inspired by the Australian outback, the Subaru Outback is a compact crossover wagon and Subaru’s flagship model. Like most Subarus, it has some of the best safety ratings possible. All-wheel drive is standard, along with “X-mode,” an off-road driving mode, and Subaru Eyesight driver safety technology.

• 2019 Subaru Outback pricing
• 2019 Subaru Outback safety
• 2019 Subaru Outback competitor comparison
• 2019 Subaru Outback trim comparison
• Subaru model comparison
• The bottom line on the 2019 Subaru Outback

2019 Subaru Outback pricing

The base manufacturer’s recommended price (MSRP) for the 2019 Outback is $26,345. The price can go up to nearly $39,000 for the top-of-the-line Touring model with the larger engine.

You do not necessarily have to pay MSRP for a vehicle. Shop around and use industry guides such as Kelley Blue Book or NADA guides to see what the fair market price is in your area.

What’s next? Once you pick out the car you want, a car loan is usually next. Potential lenders could include Subaru financing, your bank, credit union or online lender. You could also fill out an online form at LendingTree where you could be matched with offers from up to five different lenders based on your creditworthiness.

Car dealers can raise your APR, so be sure to apply for a loan outside of the dealership. It doesn’t hurt your credit to apply to multiple lenders any more than it does to apply to one if you do all your applications within the rate shopping period of generally 14 days — and some credit scoring methods may even allow you up to 45 days.

2019 Subaru Outback safety

The 2019 Outback earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is a 2019 Top Safety Pick+, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The EyeSight driver assist suite, which is standard on all Outbacks, includes:

• Pre-Collision Braking. The car alerts the driver of a likely front-end collision and applies full braking force.
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management. If the car detects an imminent collision, it will cut the throttle to reduce speed.
• Adaptive Cruise Control. The car can adjust its speed to pace with a vehicle in front of it at your selected distance.
• Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning. The car can alert you if it strays out of the lane.

Other safety technology you could add to the base model or get with any trim 2.5i Premium or higher includes:

• Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The car can alert the driver of another vehicle in its blind spot when the turn signal is on and of oncoming or passing rear traffic when the car is in reverse.
• Subaru Starlink ™ Safety and Security. If in an accident, the car will alert a customer care advisor who can contact the driver/passengers and call 911 if appropriate. The service can immobilize the vehicle if it is stolen, respond to an SOS alert given by the driver, help with vehicle diagnostics, provide maintenance alerts and more.

2019 Subaru Outback competitor comparison

Here are some of the Outback’s competitors. The Outback has the highest starting price, but its standard all wheel drive (AWD) is probably why — none of it rivals have AWD on their base models.

*Chart data is for base 2019 models. Expert score averages Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and Edmunds expert ratings. Standard technology refers to features included in the lowest trim level for each model at no extra cost (not an exhaustive list). Fuel economy is combined city / highway mileage as defined by the EPA.

2019 Subaru Outback trim comparison

The Outback has four trim levels and two engine options. The most expensive models are the top two trims with the upgraded six-cylinder engine. Each trim level builds on the one(s) before it. For example, the 2.5i Premium has or improves upon, all the features of the 2.5i.

Subaru model comparison

Here is the Outback compared with four of its siblings. They all have similar standard features. The main cause of the price difference is the body type of the vehicle.

The bottom line on the 2019 Subaru Outback

You might like the Outback if you’re looking for a vehicle with an excellent safety rating that can help you handle tough weather. It stands out from its siblings for its size; only the three-row Ascent is bigger. You might not like the Outback if you find the wagon-based body style off-putting or you don’t need all the capabilities it offers.

MSRPs in the article are accurate as of the date of publishing.