The 2019 Subaru Outback lasts around 250,000 miles with minor windshield and battery issues. At $21,950 to $28,525, it’s a decent value for a comfortable midsize SUV with a fantastic all-wheel drive system.
Is the 2019 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Subaru Outback since there are no serious problems paired with a great all-wheel drive system. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, advanced safety technology, along with the nice seats.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for an SUV, seating is supportive on longer drives, although cargo space is a bit lower than the competition.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major mechanical problems found on the 2019 Subaru Outback. Models from 2013–2015 have a lot of engine problems. We recommend 2016–2022, which are much more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is weak from the standard 4-cylinder engine, while the V6 is similar to other midsize SUVs on the market.
- Safety 10/10 – The 2019 Outback is a very safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Subaru’s EyeSight is standard on all models with a rearview camera, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring as well as reverse automatic braking.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 28 MPG, giving 518 miles of range from the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $60 cheaper than average, at $173 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2019 Subaru Outback is a great value since it’s cheaper than other midsize SUVs while also depreciating slowly.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Subaru Outback is a nice alternative to other midsize SUVs since it’s more efficient, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Outback at 4.1/5, praising the excellent off-road capabilities, but doesn’t like the loose steering feel.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Outback a 4.5/5, enjoying the spacious and comfortable interior, but owners don’t like the weak 4-cylinder engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Subaru Outback Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Subaru Outback include cracked windshields, excessive battery drain, as well as some steering wobbles. Overall, these issues are minor compared to many other SUVs on the market, leading to lower repair bills, too.
Cracked windshields are the most widespread complaint from 2019 Subaru Outback owners at around 10,000 miles. The original windshields in some batches are weaker than average, leading to them cracking easily. Replacing the windshield costs around $900, depending on local labor rates.
Excessive battery drain has also been mentioned on several 2019 Subaru Outback models in the first 5,000 miles. There are a lot of electronic accessories which occasionally drain the battery while the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $100, while a new battery is roughly $250.
Steering wobbles have also shown up on some Outback models at roughly 7,000 miles. Usually, the issue is caused by unbalanced wheels which can be fixed for under $50. Another common issue which can cause wobbling steering is bad alignment, which is $100 to fix.
There are 3 recalls on the 2019 Subaru Outback, which is similar to other midsize SUVs its age. The most serious two recalls cover the fuel pump, which can fail. Subaru dealers will replace the fuel pump on affected models for free. The other recall covers spot weld issues on only 2,100 vehicles, making it rare.
How Long Will the 2019 Subaru Outback Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Subaru Outback can last around 250,000 miles, which is slightly lower than the top-rated Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $479 per year.
As a used 2019 Subaru Outback reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the radiator fan for $350, CV joints costing around $400, along with the radiator hoses which cost $250.
I haven't had any problems with it yet and I hope it stays that way. So far, it is been reliable. I cannot complain.
So far no issues. Very reliable so far, it is also very new to me and the vehicle itself is almost brand new.
Very reliable. I have had it a short time and have not experienced any problems. If you research the Outback they have some of the best safety ratings on the market.
So far our Subaru Outback has not had any problems with it at all so far. It gets great mileage and its safety features work flawlessly. I know I can depend on it to keep us safe..
Yes, so far! We have had Outbacks in the past and they have gone for over 150,000 miles. The room is amazing and the new safety features are great!
No so far it has no problems to report, I have had good luck with all the Subaru cars I have had so far
I haven't noticed many problems. The windows should be tinted. The car has a little lag in pick up too
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent compared to other midsize SUVs, offering a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo, as well as a larger 8-inch touchscreen.
Safety technology is fantastic since the 2019 Subaru Outback comes standard with Subaru EyeSight safety system. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, as well as adaptive pivoting headlights.
Is the 2019 Subaru Outback a Good Value?
The 2019 Subaru Outback is a good value since it offers decent reliability ratings with relatively low ownership costs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,950 to $28,525, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $26,345 to $38,995. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, only losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?
There are four models of the Subaru Outback offered in 2019 from the base 2.5i all the way up to the Touring. The Limited and Touring models are offered with either the 4-cylinder or V6 engine. All 2019 Outback models come standard with all-wheel drive.
2.5i is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Hill Descent Control
- Rearview Camera
- Roof Rails
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seat
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Four-Speaker Sound System
2.5i Premium adds features such as:
- Rear Privacy Glass
- Heated Exterior Mirrors
- Windshield Wiper De-Icer
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Power Adjustable Drivers’ Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Satellite Radio
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Sound System
Limited has items including:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Liftgate
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Leather Upholstery
- Rear Air Vents
- Heated Rear Seats
- 12-Speaker Harmon Kardon Sound System
Touring is next in the lineup with:
- Unique 18-Inch Wheels
- Premium Leather Seats
- Wood Grain Interior Trim
- Dark Exterior Trim
- Low Profile Roof Rails
- Heated Steering Wheel
What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?
- The base engine is a weak 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 175 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG. It comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- A step up is the optional powerful 3.6L V6 which generates 256 horsepower at up to 22 MPG. It also features a continuously variable transmission. Performance is average, taking 7.1 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Outback?
The 2019 Subaru Outback is a very comfortable midsize SUV, with seating for up to five passengers. Seating is very nice with a lot of soft cloth and leather options available, paired with supportive cushions.
Passenger room is great throughout the cabin with enough legroom for taller adults in the back seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Outback Have?
Cargo space is lower than many other midsize SUVs on the market, offering enough room for 5-6 suitcases behind the rear seats, and around 12 with the rear seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Subaru Outback came out in 2015, and was replaced by the sixth generation in 2020.
2015: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new styling and engine choices.
2016: StarLink apps added to the stereo system, steering system improved.
2017: Touring model added to the lineup with more luxury.
2018: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added, minor exterior styling changes.
2019: EyeSight safety technology standard on all models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new interior, exterior, and technology.
2021: Adaptive LED headlights standard on all models, rear seat reminder added.
How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Subaru Outback is a great midsize SUV, offering a strong standard all-wheel drive system, decent ground clearance, along with high long-term reliability ratings as they age.
The Subaru Forester is a smaller SUV made by Subaru which costs around $1,000 less. Where the Subaru Forester stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Subaru Outback offers more passenger room. We recommend the Subaru Outback since it’s a more practical choice worth the extra money.
The Toyota RAV4 is another SUV which costs around $1,500 more. Ownership costs are slightly lower on the Toyota RAV4, while the Subaru Outback has a bit more passenger room in the back seats. We recommend the Toyota RAV4, although both are very good SUVs worth taking a look at.
Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Outback?
Yes, it drive comfortably and I like the heated seats during the wintertime. It is higher up off the ground to easily get in and out with a baby.
So far yes. Just purchased about a week ago. Very nice technology with a big screen and great seat warmers.
Yes. I love it. The functionality and handling is awesome. I love all of the different gadgets inside the vehicle. I wish when I bought it that there would have been more color options available.
Our Outback 2.5i Premium is the best investment we could have made with most every safety feature we could have asked for. It drives smoothly and the seats and cabin are very comfortable and spacious. The a/c works like a dream.
Yes, it is the best! This is the third one for us and we tried other vehicles and they just didn't work for us.
Yes it is a wonderful car, I have not had any problems with it and would recommend it to anyone interested
Yes. It’s very safe & nice to drive. Safety ratings & features are beyond anything I've ever had in a car. The factory warranty is a great perk as well