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SUVs and wagons each have their unique places in the automotive spectrum. But what if you’re not truly enamored with the format of either one? Thankfully, there’s a solution: the 2019 Subaru Outback. It has the shape and driving style of a wagon but with the extra capability typically associated with an SUV.
Subaru Outback Ground Clearance Chart
Gen 2: 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
| Trim | Lowest ground clearance |
| 4dr Wagon AWD | 7.3″ (185 mm) |
| Limited 4dr Sedan AWD | 7.3″ (185 mm) |
| Limited 4dr Wagon AWD | 7.3″ (185 mm) |
Gen 3: 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
| Trim | Lowest ground clearance |
| 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5I 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5I Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5I L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/Nav, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5I L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/Nav (2.5L 4cyl 4A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5I Ltd L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/Nav (2.5L 4cyl 4A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5I Ltd L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/Nav, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (3.0L 6cyl 5A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/Nav, VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/Nav, VDC (3.0L 6cyl 5A) | 8.4″ (213 mm) |
| 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
Gen 4: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
| Trim | Lowest ground clearance |
| 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 3.6R 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
Gen 5: 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
| Trim | Lowest ground clearance |
| 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
| 2.5i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | 8.7″ (220 mm) |
Subaru Outback Ground Clearance Driver’s Guide
In the Outback, you’ll come prepared. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and the venerable Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, little can block you from getting there. Adversity? No problem, simply activate X-MODE with Hill Descent Control for even more control and confidence. And with up to 32 miles per gallon, the responsive SUBARU BOXER engine has the fortitude to get you to your destination and the efficiency to get you all the way back.
Most Outbacks come with 17 or 18-inch wheels, depending on the year and trim level, to accommodate bigger tires. And if 8.7 inches fall short of your expectations, see if you can fit bigger wheels or larger tires with a higher sidewall. This upgrade will grant you even more ground clearance and save you some extra inches when you deflate the tires for sand, mud, or rocky trails.
Subaru Outback Ground Clearance Comparison Chart
| MODEL | MINIMUM CLEARANCE | MAXIMUM CLEARANCE |
| 2019 Subaru Outback | 8.7 ” (220 mm) | 8.7 ” (220 mm) |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 8.7 ” (220 mm) | 8.7 ” (220 mm) |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 6.5 ” (165 mm) | 6.5 ” (165 mm) |
| 2019 Ford Escape | 7.8 ” (198 mm) | 7.8 ” (198 mm) |
| 2019 Honda CR-V | 7.8 ” (198 mm) | 8.2 ” (208 mm) |
| 2019 Acura RDX | 8.2 ” (208 mm) | 8.2 ” (208 mm) |
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 | 7.5 ” (190 mm) | 7.5 ” (190 mm) |
| 2019 Porsche Macan | 7.1 ” (182 mm) | 9.0 “(230 mm) |
Lifted Subaru Outback: To lift or not to lift?
If you still want to increase the standard ground clearance of Subaru Outback, there are options available to lift your Subaru Outback.
However, it is important to consider the potential negative effects of lifting your Subaru Outback.
Lifting your Subaru Outback can affect its handling and stability, as well as potentially voiding the vehicle’s warranty.
Your vehicle plays an important role in your life. Why shouldn’t it match your tastes right down to the smallest detail?
Seeking out the perfect trail? Let your Subaru lead you to your next adventure. Featuring a lift kit, wheels and tires, a roof basket and other rugged options would be ideal for anyone who wants to take their Subaru off-road.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Better handling
- Perfect look
- Ideal off-roading
- Increased towing ability
Cons
- High possibility of rollover
- Low MPG
- Warranties
Lifted Subaru Outback before and after
