Item: 2022 Subaru Outback
Rating: 3.4
Author: Matthew Keegan

Overview

What's New

For 2022, the Outback gains a Wilderness trim. This one includes an upgraded suspension system, all-terrain tires, a 9.5-inch ground clearance, and exterior and interior styling embellishments. Reverse automatic braking, blind-spot detection, and a power moonroof are now standard for Subaru's range-topping wagon.

Choosing Your Subaru Outback

Subaru offers the 2022 Outback in eight trims: Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Onyx Edition XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness. Prices range from $28,070 to $41,070 for a fully-loaded Outback, including the $960 destination charge. The Outback is the only model in this segment with standard all-wheel drive.

Engine Choices

The 2022 Subaru Outback offers two engine choices. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder. Also available is a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat I4 engine. Both engines send power to all four wheels utilizing a continuously variable transmission.

Engine Type	Horsepower	Torque	Fuel Economy (Combined)
2.5 Turbo I4	182 hp	176 lb-ft	29 mpg
2.4L Turbo I4	260 hp	277 lb-ft	24/26 mpg

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Outback seats five passengers and is classified as a midsize utility vehicle.

With 32.5 cubic feet of standard cargo capacity, the Outback has slightly less standard storage space than similar models such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Edge. With the rear seat folded, the Outback claims 75.2 cubic feet of storage space. That is on par with competing models.

The Subaru Outback is rated to tow when adequately equipped. The standard engine possesses a 2,700-pound trailering capacity. Models with the turbo engine come with a 3,500-pound towing capacity, matching the Honda Passport.

Safety Features

Subaru equips every Outback model with its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This package includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering. Other available features include blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Other upgrades include reverse automatic braking, blind-spot detection with lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Connectivity

The 2022 Outback has a pair of 7-inch touch-screen displays. The upper screen manages the audio controls; the lower screen manages climate and certain drive functions. A four-speaker audio system is standard.

Other features include Bluetooth, USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Among the upgrades are two additional USB ports in the rear compartment and an 11.6-inch touch-screen display. Navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system are optional.

Outback Base – MSRP From $28,070

All the standard equipment outlined earlier is included with the Base model. Other features include adaptive LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a manual liftgate, cloth seats, and manually controlled front seats

Outback Premium – MSRP From $30,270

For just $2,200 more, the Premium trim includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Subaru also adds a six-speaker audio package, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the 11.6-inch touchscreen display.

Outback Limited/Limited XT – MSRP From $34,720

With the Limited trim, Subaru brings in several premium features. Leather-trimmed seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated rear seats are included. Subaru dresses this model with 18-inch alloy wheels, adds a hands-free power liftgate, and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

For an additional $4,400, the Limited XT swaps out the base engine for the turbo.

Outback Onyx Edition XT – MSRP From $36,270

The Onyx builds on the Premium trim and adds the upgraded engine. This model also features unique black-finish trim, wheels, and badging, as well as two-tone seats. An upgraded rear-view monitor, a dual-mode drive system, and a hands-free power liftgate are also included.

Outback Touring/Touring XT – MSRP From $38,620

The Touring edition builds on the Limited trim and adds automatic power-folding side mirrors, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded rearview monitor. It comes with a unique Java Brown Nappa Leather upholstery. Upgrading to the turbo engine adds $2,450.

Outback Wilderness – MSRP From $38,120

New this year, the Wilderness Edition builds off of the Onyx Edition XT and adds a hands-free power liftgate, upgraded rearview monitor, and a full-size tire. An advanced dual-function drive suspension, special all-season tires, and unique interior and exterior trim pieces are included.

Compare Outback Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

Every Outback comes generously equipped with all-wheel drive, adaptive lighting, and with select driver-assist safety technology. Starting your build with the Premium trim includes a better audio system, the large touch-screen display, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a power driver’s seat. Thus, for not much more than $30,000, an Outback model comes fairly well equipped.

Matthew Keegan

Contributing Editor - August 05, 2021

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Expert Review

Pros

Improved standard equipment
Big 11.6-inch touchscreen display
Standard all-wheel drive
Excellent safety score
Roomy interior

Cons

Average styling
Nondescript interior
Uninteresting base engine
Lower fuel economy for the Wilderness Edition
Limited small-item storage.

Expert Rating

3.4

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Matthew Keegan

Contributing Editor - July 27, 2021

Fair or Best Powertrain? What sets the Outback apart from the competition is its standard all-wheel drive. Some trims include an elevated ride height and a more advanced all-wheel-drive system, enabling the Outback to go places few competitors other than the Jeep Cherokee would dare to go.

The engine choices, though, make a difference, especially on the open road. The standard 2.5-liter flat-four is slow, tuned to optimize fuel efficiency. A better choice is the 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four that delivers a brisk response under full throttle. Both engines work with a continuously variable transmission that mimics shift points. Thanks to copious sound-deadening materials, the inevitable engine drone noise is minimized, more so on the higher trims.

Out to the Wilderness. New this year is the Wilderness edition. This model raises the Outback’s off-road capabilities a notch thanks in part to its Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires. Almost an inch taller than other Outbacks, this may be the most capable crossover in its class.

Add the available skid plates and the Wilderness may be found trekking in the vicinity of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Bronco, each of which are true off-roaders. With its 20-degree approach angle, 21.2-degree breakover angle, and 23.6-degree departure angle, the Outback Wilderness is buff. The flip side, though, is that it loses 2 mpg in its efficiency, so consider the trade-off.

Subaru Outback

Super Safety Scores. Subaru is a leader in all matters of safety, beginning with the design of their vehicles and extending to the equipment offered. No vehicle is perfect, but Subaru ranks with Volvo in building the safest mass-production models on the planet. Excellent crash-test scores from the federal government and the insurance industry’s safety arm.

Subaru backs it all up with standard automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. Throw in the standard all-wheel-drive as that system makes a noteworthy difference in the handling department, especially on slippery roads. Most trims offer blind-spot monitoring. An available 180-degree front-facing camera makes it easier to park the vehicle.

The only demerits of note are related to the rear roof pillars as they limit outward vision. But with the judicious use of mirrors and tech equipment, that’s a challenge easily overcome by the astute driver.

We Have the Features. Only the standard four-speaker audio system is a disappointment. As for the rest of the Outback, there are many features included that would cost you extra elsewhere. Things like adaptive lighting, all-wheel-drive, superior safety equipment, and alloy wheels. Yes, the Outback can get pricey, but for about $30,000 you can equip one better than its competitors.

If the standard audio system is disappointing, 6- and 12-speaker choices are also available. The latter is an exquisite Harman Kardon system that delivers exceptional sound quality throughout the cabin. Other features appear once you move away from the Base trim. These include a Wi-Fi hotspot, two additional USB ports, and a big 11.6-inch touch-screen display with sharp graphics.

A Qi-compatible wireless charging pad isn’t offered on any trim or package. Instead, it is an accessory item installed at the dealer level.

Final Thoughts. Is the Outback a utility vehicle or a wagon? Does it even matter? This model shares its underpinnings with the Subaru Legacy sedan and both are midsize models. We think the Outback blends the best of a wagon with a utility vehicle to create an exceptionally compelling model. The new Wilderness version keeps it ahead of the crossover curve and immediately behind the robust purpose-built off-road vehicles.

Check 2022 Subaru Outback Prices Near You »

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

2.5L H-4 / 182 HP / 176 ft.lbs.

Transmission

Lineartronic 8-spd sequential shift control CVT w/OD

Drive Type

Full-time All Wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

26 / 33 / 29 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	2.5L H-4 / 182 HP / 176 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	26 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	18.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$71

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	75.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	109 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	191.3 "
Exterior Width	73.0 "
Exterior Height	66.4 "
Front Headroom	40.1 "
Rear Headroom	39.1 "
Front Legroom	42.8 "
Rear Legroom	39.5 "
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room	57.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	3,637 Lbs.
Wheel Base	108 "
Turning Radius	18.1 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote
Bumpers	Body-colored / Front Body-colored With Metal-look Insert
Grille Moldings	Metal-look W/chrome Surround / Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	6-way
Rear Armrests	Center
Rear Seats	60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	4 / 6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	2

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning	Eyesight Pre-collision Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning	Eyesight Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control	Lane Centering Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection	Eyesight Pre-collision Braking Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert	Eyesight Sway Warning Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams	High Beam Assist (hba) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights	Steering Responsive Headlights (srh) Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2022 Subaru Outback for Sale

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