DecodedCars2019 Subaru Outback
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon AWD 2.5i, 4dr Wagon AWD 3.6r
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,558–3,845 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2019 small SUV (23.8 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,036 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 310 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Subaru Outback is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,558 lb (4dr Wagon AWD 2.5i).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway), 18% better than the 2019 small SUV average of 23.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1036 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Outback — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Outback →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon AWD 2.5i | 189.8 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,558 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr Wagon AWD 3.6r | 189.8 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,845 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +18% | $2,400 | 320 |
| Outback AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 398 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
Similar 2019 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Outback (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Toyota Highlander | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 175,968 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 16, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V218000 · 188,207 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
- Risk
- If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
Structure · Jun 26, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V493000 · 2,107 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.
Not every 2019 Subaru Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Subaru Outback buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 354 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Visibility/Wiper — 326 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Visibility › Windshield — 59 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Subaru Outback. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Outback years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 21 |
| 2025 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 83 |
| 2024 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 105 |
| 2023 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 89 |
| 2022 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 465 |
| 2021 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 299 |
| 2020 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 901 |
| 2018 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 816 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →