Used 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i SUV Review

SUVs and wagons each have their unique places in the automotive spectrum. But what if you're not truly enamored with the format of either one? Thankfully, there's a solution: the 2019 Subaru Outback. It has the shape and driving style of a wagon but with the extra capability typically associated with an SUV.

Powering the Outback is one of two engines — an efficient 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower or a 3.6-liter flat-six with 256 hp. Both engines send power to Subaru's active all-wheel-drive system through a continuously variable automatic transmission. The standard engine isn't spritely, but it's capable enough that we think it's the engine to get. You can tow up to 2,700 pounds with it, too.

On the inside, the Outback is well-built and has a good selection of textures and materials. It doesn't look like the whole thing is one big sheet of cheap plastic. Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system is standard this year, as is a crisp-looking touchscreen that can interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible phones. And thanks to its standard swing-out roof rack crossbars, large cargo volume, and enhanced ground clearance, the Outback works great as a vehicle for recreational activities.

But the Outback's high stance and smooth ride do come with a penalty. The Outback doesn't inspire much confidence when driven in a sporty manner, and the high ground clearance means the Outback rolls and pitches when cornering and braking. Still, these are compromises that we're willing to accept in exchange for the Outback's go-anywhere, do-anything attitude. So if you're looking for a capable vehicle that smoothly combines the SUV and wagon titles, give the Subaru Outback a look.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Subaru Outback as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs for this year.

The 2019 Subaru Outback is a five-passenger wagon that comes in six trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring. The base model covers the essentials (roof rails, Bluetooth), while Premium and Limited trims include conveniences such as heated seats, leather and satellite radio. Touring trims are fully loaded, and 3.6R models have similar equipment but use a more powerful six-cylinder engine.

Subaru Outback 2.5i

The base 2.5i starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 hp, 174 lb-ft) and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that feeds power to all four wheels. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, hill descent control, hill hold assist, a rearview camera, roof rails with integrated crossbars, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.

On the technology front, you get Bluetooth, Subaru's Starlink 6.5-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB interface. Standard safety equipment comes from Subaru's EyeSight driver assist functionality. This system includes adaptive cruise control, front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium

The 2.5i Premium adds rear privacy glass, heated exterior mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, foglights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a cargo cover, a bigger 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, three additional USB ports (one front and two rear), and six speakers for the sound system. The Power Moonroof package adds the obvious, plus an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A power liftgate with memory height is also optional, as is blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited

The 2.5i Limited gets the blind-spot monitoring and the power liftgate and further adds 18-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory functions, a four-way power passenger seat, rear air vents, heated rear seats and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. LED headlights are optional on the 2.5i Limited. The 3.6R Limited gets a more powerful engine, but it is otherwise the same as the 2.5i Limited.

Navigation is available on Premium and Limited models. The Outback Limited can be equipped with automatic braking for rear collisions.

Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring

The 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring trims include the standard features and options from the Premium and Limited trims. They also have different 18-inch wheels, dark exterior trim, fixed low-profile roof rails without crossbars, premium leather upholstery, wood grain interior trim, and a heated steering wheel.