2022 Subaru Outback: A Comprehensive Review

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2022 Subaru Outback, a vehicle that's been making waves with its blend of versatility, safety, and rugged charm. If you're considering getting your hands on one, or you're just curious about what this wagon-SUV crossover has to offer, you're in the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its pros and cons. Buckle up!

Overview of the 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback stands out as a versatile and practical vehicle, bridging the gap between a wagon and an SUV. Known for its standard all-wheel-drive, ample cargo space, and impressive safety features, the Outback is a popular choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a reliable and comfortable ride. The 2022 model year continues this tradition, offering a range of trims and options to suit various needs and preferences. Whether you're navigating city streets or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, the Outback is designed to handle it all with ease. Its reputation for durability and longevity further enhances its appeal, making it a smart investment for the long haul. The Outback's blend of functionality and comfort makes it a standout in its class. Furthermore, its resale value remains consistently high, reflecting its enduring popularity and reliability. The car's design prioritizes practicality without sacrificing aesthetics, featuring a rugged yet refined exterior and a spacious, well-appointed interior. With its advanced safety technologies and comfortable driving experience, the 2022 Subaru Outback continues to set the standard for what a modern wagon-SUV crossover should be. It’s a vehicle that adapts to your lifestyle, offering the flexibility and capability needed for both everyday commutes and adventurous getaways. The Outback's commitment to safety is evident in its comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Outback is a well-rounded vehicle that delivers on its promise of versatility, reliability, and comfort, making it a top contender in its segment.

Engine and Performance

When it comes to engine and performance, the 2022 Subaru Outback offers a couple of choices, each catering to different driving styles and needs. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing around 182 horsepower. While it's adequate for daily driving and offers decent fuel economy, some drivers might find it a bit lacking when it comes to more demanding situations like overtaking on the highway or climbing steep hills. However, for most everyday tasks, it's a reliable and efficient option. Now, if you're looking for a bit more oomph, there's the available 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This one cranks out a much more respectable 260 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration and a more confident driving experience. It's particularly beneficial if you frequently carry passengers or cargo, or if you simply enjoy having that extra power on tap. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes fuel efficiency. While CVTs sometimes get a bad rap for their droning sound, Subaru's version is generally well-tuned and responsive. Of course, being a Subaru, the Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction in all kinds of weather conditions. This makes it a great choice for those living in areas with snow, rain, or rough roads. The Outback also boasts a decent ground clearance, allowing it to handle light off-roading with ease. It's not a rock crawler by any means, but it's certainly capable enough for forest service roads and gravel paths. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Outback offers a balanced approach to engine and performance, with options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency or power, there's an Outback configuration that will likely fit the bill.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2022 Subaru Outback, you'll immediately notice the focus on practicality and comfort. The interior is designed to be both functional and pleasant, with durable materials and a straightforward layout. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making them ideal for long road trips. There's plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, ensuring everyone can stretch out and relax. The Outback also boasts a generous amount of cargo space, making it perfect for hauling groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear. The rear seats fold down easily, creating an even larger cargo area when needed. The dashboard is well-organized, with intuitive controls and a large touchscreen display. Subaru's infotainment system is relatively easy to use, with clear graphics and quick response times. It also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Higher trim levels offer even more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, heated seats, and a premium audio system. These upgrades enhance the overall comfort and refinement of the Outback, making it feel more like a premium vehicle. One of the standout features of the Outback's interior is its excellent visibility. The large windows and relatively thin roof pillars provide a clear view of the road, reducing blind spots and making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Outback also offers a quiet and refined ride, with minimal road and wind noise entering the cabin. This creates a more relaxing and enjoyable driving experience, especially on long journeys. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Outback's interior is a comfortable and practical space that's well-suited for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. Its focus on functionality and durability ensures that it will hold up well over time, making it a smart choice for families and individuals alike.

Technology and Features

The 2022 Subaru Outback is packed with technology and features designed to enhance your driving experience and keep you connected on the road. Standard on all models is Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient. The Outback also comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to easily access your favorite apps, music, and navigation from your smartphone. Higher trim levels offer even more advanced technology features, such as a larger touchscreen display, a premium audio system, and a built-in navigation system. Some models also include a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, as well as USB ports in both the front and rear seats. One of the standout technology features of the Outback is its available DriverFocus distraction mitigation system. This system uses a camera to monitor the driver's eyes and can detect signs of fatigue or distraction. If it detects that the driver is not paying attention to the road, it will provide a warning to help them stay focused. The Outback also offers a variety of other convenient features, such as a power liftgate, keyless entry, and a rearview camera. These features make it easier to load and unload cargo, as well as to get in and out of the vehicle. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Outback is a technologically advanced vehicle that offers a wide range of features designed to enhance your driving experience and keep you safe and connected on the road. Its focus on safety and convenience makes it a great choice for families and individuals alike.

Safety and Driver-Assistance

When it comes to safety and driver-assistance, the 2022 Subaru Outback truly shines. Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the Outback is no exception. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. The centerpiece of this is the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. These features work together to help prevent accidents and make driving safer and more relaxing. Automatic emergency braking can detect pedestrians and cyclists, and can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front of you, automatically adjusting your speed to match the flow of traffic. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, while lane keeping assist can gently steer you back into your lane. In addition to EyeSight, the Outback also offers other advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you are backing up. Reverse automatic braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an obstacle behind you. The 2022 Subaru Outback has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS. These ratings demonstrate Subaru's commitment to safety and provide peace of mind for Outback owners. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Outback is one of the safest vehicles in its class, offering a wide range of advanced safety features and earning top marks in crash tests. Its focus on safety makes it a great choice for families and anyone who prioritizes safety on the road.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2022 Subaru Outback comes in a variety of trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options to suit various needs and budgets. The base model, simply called the Outback, comes standard with features like all-wheel drive, EyeSight driver-assist system, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Moving up the trim ladder, you'll find the Premium trim, which adds features like heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and a larger touchscreen display. The Limited trim takes things up a notch with leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon audio system, and blind-spot monitoring. For those looking for a more rugged and adventurous Outback, there's the Onyx Edition XT. This trim features a turbocharged engine, unique exterior styling, and water-repellent upholstery. The Wilderness trim is even more off-road-focused, with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a more aggressive suspension. At the top of the Outback lineup is the Touring trim, which offers all the bells and whistles, including Nappa leather upholstery, a DriverFocus distraction mitigation system, and a heated steering wheel. Pricing for the 2022 Subaru Outback starts at around $27,000 for the base model and can range up to $40,000 or more for the top-of-the-line Touring trim. Of course, prices can vary depending on the options and accessories you choose. When considering which trim level is right for you, it's important to think about your needs and priorities. If you're looking for a basic and affordable Outback, the base model or Premium trim might be a good choice. If you want more luxury and features, the Limited or Touring trim could be a better fit. And if you're planning on doing a lot of off-roading, the Onyx Edition XT or Wilderness trim would be the way to go. No matter which trim level you choose, the 2022 Subaru Outback offers a great combination of value, versatility, and safety.

Pros and Cons

Like any vehicle, the 2022 Subaru Outback has its pros and cons. Let's break them down so you can get a clear picture of what to expect.

Pros:

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: This is a huge selling point, providing excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
  • Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it great for families and road trips.
  • Excellent Safety Features: Subaru's EyeSight system and other safety technologies provide peace of mind.
  • Good Fuel Economy: The base engine offers decent fuel efficiency for its class.
  • High Resale Value: Subarus generally hold their value well, making it a smart investment.

Cons:

  • Base Engine Can Feel Underpowered: Some drivers may find the base engine lacking in power, especially when fully loaded.
  • CVT Transmission: While Subaru's CVT is well-tuned, some drivers may not like the feel of a continuously variable transmission.
  • Infotainment System Can Be Slow: The infotainment system can sometimes be slow to respond, especially on lower trim levels.
  • Some Interior Materials Feel Cheap: While the interior is functional, some of the materials feel a bit cheap compared to competitors.
  • No Hybrid Option: Unlike some competitors, the Outback does not offer a hybrid powertrain.

Overall, the 2022 Subaru Outback is a well-rounded vehicle with a lot to offer. Its pros outweigh its cons for most buyers, making it a popular choice in the wagon-SUV crossover segment. However, it's important to consider your own needs and preferences before making a decision.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the 2022 Subaru Outback? Well, guys, it's a pretty solid choice if you're looking for a versatile, safe, and reliable vehicle. It's not the flashiest or most exciting car on the road, but it excels at being practical and dependable. The standard all-wheel drive is a huge plus, especially if you live in an area with challenging weather conditions. The spacious interior and ample cargo space make it great for families and road trips. And the excellent safety features provide peace of mind. Of course, it's not perfect. The base engine can feel a bit underpowered, and the infotainment system could be better. But overall, the pros outweigh the cons. If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between, the 2022 Subaru Outback is definitely worth considering. It's a well-rounded package that offers a lot of value for the money. Just be sure to test drive it and see if it's the right fit for you. Happy driving!