Model guide · 5th generation (BS)
2015–2019 Subaru Outback
The 2015–2019 Outback is a roomy wagon with standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a CVT on every car. People buy it for snowy roads, dirt trailheads and a cargo area that swallows a week of gear.
8.7 in
Ground clearance
35.5 cu ft
Cargo behind rear seat
73.3 cu ft
Cargo, rear seat folded
2,700–3,000 lb
Towing capacity, by engine
Engines and transmissions
Tap one to see only what applies to it.
Capability3
All-wheel drive on every Outback
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, along with Active Torque Vectoring, which brakes the inside front wheel to help the car turn in. You get sure footing on wet, icy or gravel roads.
X-MODE and Hill Descent Control
Every Outback of these years has X-MODE, which tunes the engine, CVT and all-wheel drive for slippery or rough ground. It also turns on Hill Descent Control to hold a slow, steady pace down steep grades.
3.6R six-cylinder: 256 hp
This car has the 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, rated at 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. It is rated to tow up to 3,000 lb, so a small camper or utility trailer is within reach.
Safety4
EyeSight Driver Assist
Two cameras by the mirror watch the road ahead. EyeSight can brake for you, keep a set gap on cruise control, and warn you if you drift from your lane. For 2015–2018 it was available on most trims, and this car's record lists it.
EyeSight standard for 2019
For 2019, every Outback came with EyeSight: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist. The two cameras by the mirror help you avoid rear-end crashes.
Blind Spot Detection and cross-traffic alert
This car's record lists Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Radar in the rear bumper warns you of cars beside you and of traffic crossing behind you as you back out of a parking space.
Good in every IIHS crash test
IIHS rated the 2015–2019 Outback Good in each crash test it ran. Equipped with EyeSight and, from 2017, the right headlights, it earned a Top Safety Pick+ for every one of those model years.
Space1
Crossbars built into the roof rails
The roof rails have crossbars built in that swing out when you need them and tuck away when you do not. Step-style door sills give you a place to stand while you tie down a kayak or cargo box.
Tech1
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The 2018 update brought a new STARLINK touchscreen, 6.5 or 8 inches, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Your phone's maps, music and messages show up right on the dash screen.
Good to know3
Timing chain, no belt to replace
Both engines, the 2.5-liter four and the 3.6-liter six, use a timing chain. There is no scheduled timing belt job. Regular oil changes still matter, so ask us what this car's service records show.
Extended CVT coverage for 2015
Subaru bulletin 16-107-17R extended the CVT warranty on 2015 Outbacks to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Most cars have now aged out of it. Ask us what this car's records show for CVT service.
Fuel pump recall on some 2018–2019 cars
Subaru recalled certain 2018 and 2019 Outbacks to replace the low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank (NHTSA 20V218 and 21V587). The repair is free. Ask us for this car's VIN recall check.
Specs are the manufacturer's figures for this generation. Equipment varies by trim and year, so ask us about anything that matters to you on a specific car.
