2022 Subaru Outback

With standard all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance, and outdoorsy good looks — plus a comfortable ride, roomy interior, and strong fuel economy for its class — the Subaru Outback offers the utility of an SUV with few of the compromises.

Overview

The Outback — which is basically a lifted all-wheel-drive wagon — has been a winning formula for Subaru since its debut almost 30 years ago. And the sixth generation, launched in 2020, is no different. But now, in addition to its trail-ready running gear, the Outback offers a fully modern driving experience, with an upscale interior, a suite of standard driving aids, and an available 11.6-inch touchscreen, one of the largest in this segment. It does lack a third row, however. For that, you'll have to look to the larger Subaru Ascent, while the Subaru Forester offers similar capabilities in a slightly smaller and less deluxe package. Though the Outback offers a compliant, car-like ride, you won't mistake it for a sports car. Its standard four-cylinder engine can feel underpowered at times. But, on the plus side, it does achieve better-than-average fuel economy for its class. A peppier turbocharged engine is available, but it comes at a considerably higher price.

What's New for 2022

For 2022, the new Wilderness trim debuts, giving the Outback additional off-road prowess with the looks to match. Otherwise the model, last redesigned for 2020, carries forward with only minor changes.

Trims and Pricing

The 2022 Subaru Outback is available in eight trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The most popular trim is Premium, but we prefer the Onyx Edition XT for the added value of its more powerful turbocharged engine and additional features. Read more about this below.

Base

The base car starts at $28,070 (with a $1,125 destination fee) and includes all-wheel drive, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and a cleverly designed roof rack with crossbars that fold out from the roof rails.

Premium

The Premium ($30,270) trim is upgraded with an 11.6-inch multimedia system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and two rear-seat USB outlets. For 2022, it also adds vents to the back of the center console for better air circulation to rear-seat passengers. The Premium has two option packages. One includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a hands-free power liftgate, keyless entry, and push-button start for a reasonable $1,400. The other package builds on the first one by adding navigation and a power sunroof for a total of $2,995.

Limited

The Limited ($34,720) includes the content of the Premium's base option package along with leather, heated rear seats, rear auto-braking, and rear A/C vents. Again, a power sunroof and navigation are optional here, bundled with premium audio for $2,045.

Touring

The Touring comes with everything on the Limited plus a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, a 180-degree front-view monitor, power-folding mirrors, and special exterior and interior trim for $38,620.

Onyx Edition XT

Models with "XT" in their name have the optional turbocharged engine. The least expensive of those is the $36,270 Onyx Edition XT. Its features largely parallel those of the Premium, but the Onyx adds off-road-oriented items, including the 180-degree front-view monitor, a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, a full-size spare, 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, and special upholstery. Between the added power of the optional engine and the long list of additional features, we think this is the best trim level for most buyers.