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CR’s 6 Best Used 2-Row SUVs And Why Subaru Outback Is The Top Pick

What are the best 5-year-old SUVs for used car shoppers now? Consumer Reports updated list of the six best includes the 2019 Subaru Outback. See why it's the best pick now.
2019 Subaru Outback

What are the best reliable, family-friendly, and fuel-efficient 5-year-old SUVs for used car shoppers? An updated ranking by Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2019 Subaru Outback is the best pick now. Check out the six best 2019 model year SUVs this winter. See why the Outback is ranked number one.

I cover the best used Subaru models for customers so you'll know the best years to buy. Consumer Reports says the six SUVs listed here are your best picks now because they performed well in CR's acceleration, braking, and fuel economy tests. CR says they are on par with brand-new cars.

2019 Subaru Outback in the snow

The list below is the most fuel-efficient midsized SUVs from the 2019 model year. According to CR's Annual Auto Surveys, all have average or better reliability, where they ask Consumer Reports members to tell them what went wrong with their cars. They're ranked in order of their overall fuel economy during their CR tests when new.

The Best Mainstream 5-year-old 2-Row SUVs

  1. Subaru Outback
  2. Honda Passport
  3. Hyundai Santa Fe
  4. Nissan Murano

The Best Luxury 5-year-old 2-Row SUVs 

  1. Lexus RX Hybrid
  2. Lexus RX

What does Consumer Reports say about the 2109 Subaru Outback?

2019 Subaru Outback rear viewSubaru Outback 2019

  • Price Range:  $18,125 - $21,950
  • Owner Reported MPG:  26 mpg

CR says, "This generation of Subaru's popular Outback is a more refined SUV than its predecessor. The interior is tidy and spacious, and the touchscreen infotainment system is a major improvement. The Outback rides very comfortably, and handling is plenty responsive and secure. Acceleration from the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the continuously variable transmission is adequate, and we measured 24 mpg overall—beating most midsized SUVs." 

"Even the performance-oriented 3.6R version got a good 22 mpg overall. The standard EyeSight suite of advanced safety gear includes forward collision warning and AEB, though blind spot warning was optional."

What is the 2019 Outback fuel mileage?

The 2019 Outback offers two engine choices. Consumers can opt for the standard 4-cylinder boxer engine that gets an EPA estimated 25/32 city/highway and 28 combined mpg or a 3.6-liter model 6-cylinder boxer powerplant producing 256 horsepower, which gets an estimated 20/27 city/highway and 22 combined mpg.

The 2019 Subaru Outback trim levels

The 2019 Outback came in six trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, and Touring with a 2.5-liter engine, and 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. CR says the price range is between $25,250 and $35,550, depending on the trim level and condition.

The Outback gets the top safety crash scores. 

The 2019 Subaru Outback earned the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. The Outback received five stars from the NHTSA.

MY TAKE

The Subaru Outback is the most fuel-efficient 2-Row SUV on the list. Still, it also comes standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather and severe weather performance. The Outback won't leave you stranded when the roads are snowy and icy. 

The Outback appeals to a broader audience because it's bigger than a traditional wagon, features more cargo capacity, and has a higher ground clearance (8.7 inches).

For the 2019 model year, the Outback featured new interior upgrades. The base models gained an overhead console shower light and dual front center console USB ports. A high-grade instrument panel with a 5.0-inch LCD was standard for all models. Outback Premium, Limited, and 3.6R Limited models had a new standard auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with Homelink featuring a thin-frame design.

The Outback is a good pick for urban adventurers who will use the vehicle for weekend excursions to the mountains for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. The 2019 Subaru Outback's go-anywhere attitude, versatility, and utility keep the midsize SUV's value high.

Consumer Reports' updated ranking of the best 5-year-old 2-Row SUVs says the 2019 Subaru Outback is the best choice. 

 

 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the used Subaru Outback story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

Watch 2019 New York Auto Show: Subaru Outback | Consumer Reports

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA

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