Subaru Outback proves its reliability after reaching 309,000 miles

• Some brands produce cars, trucks and SUVs that are more reliable than key rivals.
• While inherent dependability is a huge factor, maintenance also plays a role in vehicle longevity.

Some car, truck and SUV models can outlast their rivals by thousands of miles thanks to superior build quality.

Modern automobiles are capable of lasting upwards of 200,000 miles. That equates to over 16 years of ownership based on the annual average American mileage estimate of 12,200 miles from Kelley Blue Book.

One Subaru SUV owner has racked up over 309,000 miles, according to a TikTok video. Here's what drivers need to know about that Subaru SUV model and how to accumulate major mileage without serious mechanical failures.

A 2019 Subaru Outback accumulated over 309K miles

The Subaru model featured in the TikTok video is a 2019 Outback SUV. It's a midsize SUV that's best known for being rugged. This SUV's build quality, engine and transmission are all contributing factors to its longevity.

Vehicles that last for up to 300,000 miles require regular maintenance, like engine oil and filter changes, CVT fluid changes, and coolant flushes. Spark plugs and belts as well as brake and transmission fluid and tire rotations are also things drivers should monitor for maximum longevity. If you want your vehicle to last as long as possible, you'll need a dedicated maintenance schedule to ensure that all major components are in good shape.

Is the 2019 Subaru Outback a good used SUV?

The 2019 Subaru Outback has an original manufacturer's suggested retail price of around $27,320. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 175 horsepower. The Outback earns 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Subaru's midsize SUV has a "spacious and comfortable cabin" and above-average off-road ability, says Edmunds. Its's a solid used SUV pick (assuming it has decent mileage). You can find a used 2019 Outback on CarMax from $15,998-$24,998.

Is Subaru a reliable car brand?

Subaru is one of the most reliable car brands, according to Consumer Reports, second only to Toyota. The Japanese automaker's cars and SUVs are more dependable than vehicles from many rival automakers. Consumer Reports analyzed data from about 380,000 vehicles and ranked Subaru above popular car brands like Honda, Nissan, BMW and Acura.

With new car prices reaching record highs, reliability is extremely important to many new car buyers. Choosing a more reliable car brand over a brand that's known to encounter mechanical issues can save you big bucks on repairs throughout a vehicle's life cycle.

What is Subaru's most popular car?

The Subaru Outback is a solid SUV offering from the brand, but it isn't the most popular nameplate that it has to offer. That title belongs to the Crosstrek subcompact SUV. Subaru sold 191,724 Crosstrek models in 2025, beating other popular Subaru models like the Forester (175,070), Outback (157,716) and the Ascent ($44,400), according to sales numbers.

Subaru's 2026 Crosstrek starts at $26,995. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 180 horsepower. Subaru's subcompact SUV achieves 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.