The 2022 Subaru Outback Is By Far the Best Midsize SUV on the Market

What comes to mind when you hear the name Subaru Outback? If you said safety and practicality, you wouldn’t be wrong, but these days we hear other adjectives, like luxury, fun, and great looking, used to describe the iconic Outback. If your plans include a new car, head to Subaru of Troy, your Subaru dealer in Troy, and check out the 2022 Subaru Outback.

People often wonder what’s so special about Subaru vehicles. Is it the famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive or the heart-tugging commercials depicting adventurous drivers pulling up at the beach on a stormy day and proud parents sending their kids off to college in a trusty Subaru? It might be a little of both, but the newest 2022 Outback tells the next chapter of Subaru’s story.

Though the Outback resembles the station wagon body style of years gone by, it’s actually considered an SUV. Drivers love how Subaru has blended the best of both, offering plenty of ground clearance for tackling uneven road surfaces without that “high up” feeling many buyers want to avoid. Combine that with some of the most advanced safety technology in the industry, and the Outback might just be the ideal SUV for you.

The Evolution of the Subaru Outback

When Subaru first launched the Outback in 1994, it featured clear station wagon body architecture. In fact, the original Outback stemmed from Subaru’s Legacy nameplate. It shared the same 2.2-liter engine and was offered with a distinctive two-tone exterior. It wasn’t until the 1996 model year that Subaru added more ground clearance, hinting at the Outback’s future as an SUV.

The second generation Outback hit dealerships in 2000 as a longer, wider version of the original. A larger 6-cylinder engine was offered, along with an L.L. Bean version that was wildly popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The third generation wasn’t far away and was launched for the 2005 model year. It gained a peppy turbocharged four-cylinder, and sales continued to climb, further cementing the Subaru brand as the go-to for safety.

By the fifth generation, Subaru began embracing infotainment and driver-assist technology. Called EyeSight, Subaru’s suite of systems included automatic high beams and a series of onboard cameras and sensors to constantly monitor conditions around the vehicle and notify the driver of any potential hazards. This was also the generation that first saw Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

The sixth-generation Outback launched in 2020, embracing crossover body styling and aggressively competing with other popular midsize SUV brands. Sales of the Outback have crept up to the high 100,000-unit range in recent years, demonstrating Subaru’s growing appeal, and now, the 2022 Subaru Outback is positioned to continue that trajectory.

Exactly What is Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and How Does it Work? At the heart of Subaru’s appeal is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology. The benefits of this legendary traction control system include:

• Power: Power is sent to all four wheels at the same time for optimal acceleration in any road conditions
• Traction: At the heart of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is grippy traction, which continuously sends power to the wheels with the best traction for confident ride handling in any weather
• Efficiency: Subaru’s drivetrain and engine are mounted in-line, which means they need fewer components and can transfer power more efficiently than other systems
• Durability: Fewer components means fewer failure points, which is part of Subaru’s impressive reliability Stability: Stability comes by way of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system’s constant monitoring and adaptation to wheel traction. Only wheels with grip receive power, keeping the vehicle steadier and in better contact with the road
• Control: Overall, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is an invisible symphony of connected systems, all designed to deliver a safer ride for optimal driver confidence

For the ultimate expression of off-road-ready driving, consider the all-new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Not only does it feature Symmetrical all-wheel drive, but you’ll also get more ground clearance (9.5 inches vs. 8.7 inches) and a set of all-terrain tires. Small upgrades like bumpers designed for better approach angles and an anti-glare hood will add to your off-roading enjoyment.

The 2022 Subaru Outback

For the 2022 model year, Subaru outfits the Outback lineup with a new trim–the Wilderness–designed for off-roaders and extreme adventure seekers, which means there are now eight different Outback trims. Which one is right for you? Consider the base Outback, an affordable option that still includes tons of standard features, including LED headlights, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and roof rails with crossbars and tie-downs.

The Outback Premium and Limited models add more interior appointments and upgraded features. Outback Premium buyers receive an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and LED fog lights. The Limited trim adds leather seats, a premium 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, and keyless access with a convenient keyless push-button start.

Moving up to the luxurious Outback Touring means you’re receiving some truly premium features, like Nappa leather seating and a power moonroof. In addition, you’ll get a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Outback Onyx Edition XT comes next in the lineup, with its 260-horsepower turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, and a hands-free power liftgate.

At the very top of the lineup are the Limited XT and the Touring XT. The Limited XT includes all the features found on the Limited trim, along with the more powerful turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine, the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, and premium cabin upgrades. The Touring XT adds power-folding mirrors, an 18-degree front view camera, and plush Nappa leather seating surfaces.

Which Subaru Outback Is Right for You

Deciding on the right Subaru Outback for your driving needs is easy when you ponder a few considerations. First, since every Outback comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, you can buy confidently, knowing your Outback will get you safely home despite the weather or challenging road conditions. From there, your decision boils down to cabin appointments and capability.

If you’re planning a lot of backcountry adventures, you’re definitely a candidate for the all-new Outback Wilderness. The extra ground clearance and off-road components will come in handy on trails and uneven surfaces, giving you even more confidence to explore. On the other hand, if luxury is your goal, you can easily dial in a trim with the features you want.

Whether you prefer premium sound or the biggest infotainment screen possible, Subaru makes it easy for you to find the equipment you want without paying for extras you won’t use. The eight-trim lineup is designed specifically for this reason, with popular options bundled together for buyer convenience and a simpler shopping experience.

If only the top-of-the-line Subaru will do, choose the 2022 Outback Touring XT. Its Java Brown Nappa leather seating comes standard, as does every extra bell and whistle, so you won’t have to add pricey equipment packages. Enjoy the 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which also delivers 277 lb-ft of torque for great acceleration. It’s the ultimate expression of luxury without losing all the practicality Subaru is famous for, as well as the Outback’s legendary safety features.

The Best-in-Class 2022 Subaru Outback

When choosing a vehicle for your family, no other brand takes safety as seriously as Subaru. The 2022 Outback is practical, safe, and highly capable, but it’s also luxurious. You’ll get a vehicle capable of fuel economy ratings of around 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, along with a max cargo capacity of 75.7 cubic feet, all for a starting price that’s well under $30,000.

Choose from ten exterior paint colors, nine interior colors, and eight trims to dial-in an Outback that reflects your unique preferences and style. The Outback looks equally as stunning covered in mud as it does fresh out of the car wash, which is why this midsize SUV is known for its versatility. Get ready to go anywhere in your new 2022 Subaru Outback.