2022 Subaru Outback Review - Dick Hannah Subaru | Portland Subaru Dealer in Vancouver, WA

2022 Subaru Outback Review

The 2022 Subaru Outback is the most adventurous, most reliable, safest, most comfortable, best Subaru Outback ever. For 2022, an even higher level of Outback capability is now available: the all-new Subaru Outback Wilderness with increased off-road ability.

Highs

  • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • Available Turbocharged Subaru Boxer Engine
  • Up to 9.5 Inches of Ground Clearance
  • Standard X-MODE
  • Up to 3,500-Pound Towing Capacity
  • Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
  • Available Subaru DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
  • Subaru STARLINK Safety and Security
  • Standard Raised Roof Rails with Enhanced Tie-Downs
  • Consumer Reports recommended vehicle

Pricing

  • Outback Base: Starting at $26,945
  • Outback Premium: Starting at $29,145
  • Outback Limited: Starting at $33,595
  • Outback Onyx Edition XT: Starting at $35,145
  • Outback Wilderness: Starting at $36,995
  • Outback Touring: Starting at $37,495
  • Outback Limited XT: Starting at $37,995
  • Outback Touring XT: Starting at $39,945

Subaru Outback Models

Base
Comes standard with:

  • 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (182 horsepower, 176 lb-ft of torque)
  • Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Hill descent control
  • LED headlights
  • Roof rails with integrated crossbars
  • Dual 7-inch center touchscreens
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
  • Automatic climate control
  • Driver aids:
    • Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Subaru and the car in front)
    • Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
    • Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
    • Automatic high beams

Premium
Stepping up to the Premium trim adds:

  • Heated and power-folding exterior mirrors
  • Windshield wiper de-icer
  • LED fog lights
  • Tinted rear windows
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Heated front seats
  • 11.6-inch touchscreen display (replaces the dual 7-inch screens)
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Options on the Premium include:

  • Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
  • Hands-free liftgate
  • Proximity keyless entry and push-button ignition
  • Sunroof
  • Integrated navigation system

Limited
Includes all Premium features plus the blind-spot monitoring, hands-free liftgate, and keyless ignition and entry. You’ll also enjoy:

  • 18-inch wheels
  • Driver’s seat memory settings
  • Leather upholstery
  • Harman Kardon audio system
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Power-adjustable front passenger seat
  • Heated rear outboard seats
  • Rear air vents

Options for the Limited:

  • Heated steering wheel
  • Sunroof
  • Navigation system
  • Driver attention monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

Onyx Edition XT
Features here mirror those on the Premium trim. It also comes with:

  • Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)
  • Upgraded all-wheel-drive system with more drive modes
  • Unique body cladding

Wilderness
The new Wilderness trim is an off-road package for the Outback. Like the Onyx Edition XT, features are generally identical to those on the Premium trim. Changes and upgrades include:

  • Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)
  • Upgraded all-wheel-drive system with low-ratio setting
  • 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
  • Lifted suspension for increased ground clearance
  • Front skid plate
  • Upgraded roof rack with 700-pound weight limit
  • Black exterior badging
  • Copper trim accents
  • Revised bumper and fender flare design
  • Water-repellent simulated leather upholstery

Touring
Has all of the above plus:

  • Ventilated front seats
  • Upgraded leather with contrasting stitching

Limited XT and Touring XT
These trims mirror the features of the Limited and Touring trims, respectively, but both get the upgraded turbocharged engine.

Performance

The Subaru Outback has a relatively carlike driving experience gliding smoothly over bumps and dips in the pavement making for a pleasant and comfortable ride. The Outback is stable through turns and the steering is quick and lightly weighted. The EPA estimates the standard Outback will earn 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.

Interior & Tech

The Outback features comfortable accommodations, quality materials and a functional cabin. Aside from the base model every Outback has dual-climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seats, and several USB ports. Its rear cargo area holds approximately 11 carry-on suitcases with the back seat up and 23 bags with it folded flat.

Base Outback’s feature two stacked 7.0-inch touchscreens, but all other models have a much larger 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen. Along with large touch icons and quick response times, the big screen features a rotary volume and tuning knob as well as some physical buttons for climate settings, which make them easier to use. While built in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless device charging are optional, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is standard.

Safety and Driver-Assistance

The safety of the 2022 Subaru Outback is top notch. It has earned a maximum of five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash-test program, and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has made it a Top Safety Pick+.

Key Safety Features Include:

  • Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
  • Available Subaru DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
  • Subaru STARLINK Safety and Security
  • Crash Protection for Every Passenger
  • All-around Awareness Technologies

Warranty

Subaru provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty.

  • Basic warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Roadside Assistance warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty covers 5 years or unlimited miles

Conclusion

This is the vehicle to get if you want the versatility of an SUV, the road manners of a wagon, and a sprinkling of adventure. The Outback lures buyers with its roomy cargo and impressive cargo space as well as its spacious cabin and smooth, comfortable ride. Overall, the Outback’s combination of capability and comfort is hard to beat.

Check out the new 2022 Subaru Outback here or call us to set up your test drive.

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