2019 Subaru Outback: A Detailed Overview
The 2019 Subaru Outback continues its legacy as a versatile and capable crossover SUV, blending the practicality of a wagon with the ruggedness of an SUV. Known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a comfortable, car-like driving experience, the Outback remains a popular choice for active lifestyles and families seeking a reliable and safe mode of transportation.
Highlights
The 2019 Outback offers a compelling package of features and capabilities, making it a standout in its segment.
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Powertrain:
- 2.5i: The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 175 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers adequate power for daily driving and moderate acceleration, and is paired with Subaru's Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
- 3.6R: For those seeking more power, an optional 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine is available, delivering 256 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant provides a more spirited driving experience, particularly beneficial for highway merging and passing. It also utilizes the Lineartronic® CVT.
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Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD): This is a cornerstone of the Outback experience, providing excellent traction and stability in various road conditions, from rain and snow to gravel and light off-road trails. It continuously distributes power to the wheels with the most grip.
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EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology: Subaru's suite of advanced safety features comes standard on most trims (and is optional on others), offering a significant boost in safety and peace of mind. Key components include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, slowing down and accelerating as needed.
- Pre-Collision Braking: Can automatically apply the brakes if a frontal collision is imminent.
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Reduces engine power if a frontal collision is detected and the brake pedal is not applied.
- Lane Keep Assist: Helps to steer the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift unintentionally.
- Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane.
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Trim Levels: The 2019 Outback is offered in several well-equipped trims, each building upon the previous one:
- Outback 2.5i: The entry-level model, featuring standard AWD, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, rearview camera, and a range of basic safety features.
- Outback 2.5i Premium: Adds a power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and enhanced audio system.
- Outback 2.5i Limited: Further upgrades include leather-trimmed upholstery, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry with push-button start, and a power rear gate.
- Outback 2.5i Touring: Represents the pinnacle of the 2.5-liter engine, adding a power moonroof, heated steering wheel, and premium interior accents.
- Outback 3.6R Limited: Features the more powerful 3.6-liter engine, along with all the amenities of the 2.5i Limited, plus the power moonroof and steering-responsive LED headlights.
- Outback 3.6R Touring: The top-tier model, offering the 3.6-liter engine and all the luxury features of the 2.5i Touring, creating the most potent and well-appointed Outback.
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Cargo Space and Versatility: The Outback boasts generous cargo space, with a flat-loading floor and 60/40-split folding rear seats, making it ideal for hauling everything from groceries to camping gear. Standard roof rails further enhance its utility.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 Subaru Outback generally translates to a reliable and practical ownership experience.
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Maintenance: Subaru vehicles are generally known for their dependability. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations, will follow standard schedules. The boxer engine design can sometimes make certain maintenance tasks slightly more complex for DIY mechanics, but readily available parts and a strong dealer network make professional servicing straightforward. Timing belt replacement is typically not a concern, as Subaru boxer engines utilize timing chains, which are designed to last the life of the engine.
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Insurance: Insurance costs for the Outback are typically moderate, reflecting its overall safety ratings and reliability. However, premiums can vary significantly based on your location, driving record, age, and the specific trim level and optional features you choose. Vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies like EyeSight® might sometimes see slightly lower insurance rates due to their collision avoidance capabilities.
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Driving Experience: The Outback provides a comfortable and composed ride, with a good balance between car-like handling and SUV-like visibility. The elevated ride height offers a commanding view of the road, and the suspension effectively soaks up bumps and rough surfaces. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the 3.6R engine offers a welcome boost in power for those who desire it.
Potential Considerations
While the Outback is a highly regarded vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects.
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CVT Drone: The Lineartronic® CVT, while efficient and smooth in most situations, can sometimes produce a "droning" sound under hard acceleration, which some drivers may find less appealing than a traditional automatic transmission.
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Base Engine Power: While adequate for most daily driving, the 2.5-liter engine can feel a bit underpowered when fully loaded or attempting quick overtakes on highways. The 3.6R engine significantly addresses this.
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Interior Materials: While the Outback's interior is functional and durable, some of the materials used, particularly in lower trims, might not feel as premium as those found in some competitors in the same price bracket. Higher trims do offer more upscale appointments.
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Infotainment System Responsiveness: While the touchscreen infotainment system is generally user-friendly and offers essential smartphone integration, its responsiveness can occasionally be a bit sluggish compared to the latest systems from some rivals.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Subaru Outback is a highly competent and well-rounded crossover that excels in its blend of practicality, safety, and capability. Its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, robust safety features through the EyeSight® system, and versatile cargo space make it an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers, from urban commuters to outdoor adventurers. While the CVT's drone and the base engine's power might be minor points of consideration for some, the overall ownership experience is typically positive, marked by Subaru's reputation for reliability and durability. The Outback remains a smart and sensible choice for those seeking a dependable and adaptable vehicle.
