Used 2019 Subaru Outback

The 2019 Subaru Outback may look like a jacked-up wagon, but given its growth over the years, it really now plays in the midsize-SUV domain. Whatever you call it, the Outback remains one of the most versatile, dependable and desirable family vehicles on the planet. Unlike the Volkswagen Alltrack and Buick TourX, the Outback combines its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, meaning you can actually take it to all those rugged outdoorsy places shown by ads promoting the “active lifestyle” idea. Beyond its off-road abilities, the Outback features a bevy of standard driver-safety assists, has a huge interior, gets good fuel economy and scores at the top of its class in both crash-test scores and resale values.

Because it shares the same basic architecture as the Legacy sedan, the Outback enjoys a very stable, car-like ride. The Outback’s added ride height should result in lots of sway and bounce, but its boxer engine sits low in the engine bay, which in turn helps reduce the car’s center of gravity. The Outback’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder provides adequate power for passing and merging, and the CVT automatic does a good job getting power to where it’s needed, either by itself or with input from the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Those seeking more rapid acceleration should look to the 3.6R model with its 6-cylinder engine. Unlike all its competitors, the Outback’s AWD system is always engaged, a feature that, along with its impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode off-road system, helps it tackle terrain no Ford Edge or Hyundai Santa Fe would dare attempt.

All Outbacks have a 2-row/5-passenger setup, and one of this Subie’s best traits is its interior roominess. There’s good legroom in the second row and excellent cargo capacity overall. With rear seats in place, there’s 35.5 cubic feet for your gear. Fold the seats and it opens to a huge 73.3 cubic feet of mostly flat, usable space. Up front, the seats are comfortable and well-supported, and the view out is commanding. Controls are easy to see and access. Lower-trim models use cloth, while higher models are outfitted in leather. In Touring trim, the Outback can pass for a premium car.

The latest-gen Outback continues its evolution from lifted wagon to a crossover SUV. Up top is a unique integrated roof rack with swinging crossbars that hide away when not in use. On Premium and higher trims, large fog lights are embedded in the heavy front cladding while Limited and Touring trims add steering-responsive headlights. Complementing the Outback’s outdoorsy appeal are rugged but stylish wheels and thick lower body cladding. Even the doorsills seem to demand you get out and get active: They’re designed to act as a step, so you can access the roof to strap on your bike, canoe or skis.

X-MODE
Standard on every Outback, the X-Mode system assists when tackling steep terrain by helping to decrease wheel slip, as well as optimizing the car’s throttle, brakes and stability-control systems. X-Mode also features Hill Descent Control to slow the vehicle during steep downhill maneuvers.

STARLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
The Outback’s Starlink infotainment system features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM, as well as various apps like Aha and Pandora. Premium and Limited trims get a larger 8-inch screen and even more functionality, including available navigation. Optional safety and security upgrades include emergency assistance, collision notification and stolen-vehicle recovery.

The Outback comes in four main trims: base, Premium, Limited and Touring. Even the least expensive Outback includes EyeSight, all-wheel drive with X-Mode for off-roading, an automatic transmission, 6-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, automatic headlights, cruise control, 17-inch wheels and 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, SiriusXM, CD player and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity. We recommend stepping up at least one level to the Premium, which adds an 8-inch screen, two more speakers (six total), dual-zone climate control, 10-way-power driver’s seat, fog lights, heated front seats and four USB ports, including two in back. It also opens the door for more options.

By climbing trims or checking the options box, you can outfit your Outback with even more driver assists such as high-beam assist, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. The available power liftgate has a programmable maximum height, and there’s a voice-activated navigation system. Also available is a leather interior trimmed with classy-looking faux wood on Limited models, along with an upgraded harman/kardon audio system. There are also numerous dealer-installed items ranging from remote start to rack systems for bikes, kayaks or cargo carriers.

Subarus use an engine configuration known as a “boxer,” where the pistons are parallel to the ground; imagine a “V-type” engine, then widen the V until it’s a flat line. This layout lowers the center of gravity, which aids handling. There are two engines available in the 2019 Outback. The 2.5-liter standard 4-cylinder offers up 175 horsepower, while the 6-cylinder version has a much more robust 256 horsepower. Both send power through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control, and all-wheel drive is standard. The AWD system includes X-Mode for low-speed traction, and Active Torque Vectoring for high-speed stability in corners. All 2019 Subaru Outbacks are rated to tow 2,700 pounds.

2.5-liter boxer-4
175 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
174 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/32 mpg

3.6-liter flat-6
256 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
247 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg