2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium Review

The Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium uses a 2.5-litre boxer petrol engine producing 129kW and 235Nm, paired with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT and symmetrical all-wheel drive.

Performance is relaxed rather than sporty. The CVT keeps progress smooth around town and on the highway, although the engine can become noticeably busier when accelerating hard. Where the Outback stands out is traction. Standard all-wheel drive gives it reassuring grip in wet conditions and on loose surfaces, making it particularly well suited to buyers who regularly travel beyond suburban roads.

Verdict: Smooth, predictable and confidence-inspiring, with standard AWD adding capability where it matters.

Claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.3L/100km. Real-world consumption will naturally vary depending on traffic, terrain, driving style and how heavily the vehicle is loaded.

While newer hybrids can offer better efficiency, the Outback's figure remains respectable considering its petrol engine, permanent all-wheel-drive system and size. A 60-litre fuel tank also gives it useful range for longer trips.

Verdict: Respectable efficiency for an AWD petrol wagon, although newer electrified alternatives have moved the benchmark forward.

Practicality is one of the 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium's strongest attributes. The Premium grade includes an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

Passenger space is generous across both rows, while the 512-litre luggage area provides plenty of room for everyday family duties. Folding the rear seats expands carrying capacity to around 1,801 litres, making the Outback useful for everything from shopping runs to weekends away.

The main sign of its age is the infotainment system, which lacks the polish and responsiveness of newer systems.

Verdict: Spacious, comfortable and genuinely practical, with only the older infotainment experience showing its age.

The fifth-generation Outback sits somewhere between a conventional wagon and an SUV, and that remains a big part of its appeal. Body cladding, roof rails and 213mm of ground clearance give it a tougher appearance without sacrificing the lower, more manageable proportions of a wagon.

The Premium grade adds 18-inch alloy wheels and fog lights, while the overall design is restrained rather than attention-seeking. For a 2019 vehicle, it has aged well and still looks suitably rugged.

Verdict: Understated and purposeful, combining traditional wagon proportions with useful SUV-inspired touches.

Safety is another major strength of the Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium. Equipment includes:

• EyeSight pre-collision braking
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Side-view monitor
• Automatic high beam
• Reversing camera
• Seven airbags

The Outback received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating under the testing protocols applicable at the time. Combined with Subaru's EyeSight and Vision Assist technology, it offers an impressive range of safety equipment for a vehicle of this age.

Verdict: Comprehensive driver assistance and safety technology remain major reasons to consider the Outback as a used family car.

As a used vehicle, the 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium offers a compelling combination of AWD capability, passenger space, equipment and everyday practicality. Its 1,500kg braked towing capacity also adds versatility for buyers with lighter towing requirements.

As with any used vehicle, condition and maintenance history matter. Buyers should look for an example with a well-documented service history and assess its overall condition rather than focusing on kilometres alone.

Verdict: A well-rounded used-car proposition with standard AWD, strong practicality and plenty of equipment.