Subaru’s distinctive SUV range has been under the revision in the last model years and the mid-size Outback arrived all-new for the 2020 season. The 2021 version goes on sale with just a few additional standard features. The 2022 Subaru Outback is also expected with some changes in the equipment availability and with several new features. No signs that Subaru is prepping anything significant for the popular Outback model. As usual, the Outback should receive the mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 season while the all-new model should come after five model years on the roads.
The mid-size Subaru Outback gets high scores for its above-average all-weather and off-road capability. The model is also smooth and comfortable. The cabin is spacious and loaded with tons of tech features. Buyers can also opt between two four-cylinder boxer engines of which one is turbocharged. The model comes also with a standard suite of active safety systems and standard all-wheel drive.
2022 Subaru Outback: Design
Following the recent transition to the sixth generation, the 2022 Subaru Outback won’t come with notable structural or visual upgrades for its third model year on the road.
The current generation Outback switched to the new Subaru Global Platform while received evolutionary styling modifications. The new platform is stiffer and light-weight design optimized for the adoption of alternative powertrains including hybrid and full-electric setups.
From the visual perspective, the Outback is more a rugged, wagon-like model rather than a true SUV. The recent redesign brought evolutionary styling upgrades with similar shape and footprint. The model uses the brand’s familiar grille style mixed with the eagle eye headlights.
The profile of the model has a similar shape and paneling as the previous generation version. The rear uses also the brand’s new styling elements.
Interior, Equipment:
The cabin of the 2022 Subaru Outback won’t also receive any meaningful upgrade.
The Subaru Outback has a comfortable cabin loaded with modern tech and available with various material patterns. The front seats provide great comfort and they come with plenty of adjustability. The rear row provides also enough head and legroom. The cargo capacity is up to 75 cubic feet or there are 32.5 cubic feet for the cargo behind the rear seats.
At the equipment level, the base Outback will offer keyless entry, LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen interface, Apple Car Playa and Android Auto, and a standard safety suite. Every Outback relies on adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and front collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The next-level trim improves with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a massive 11.6-inch center screen, etc. Options include a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, navigation, a power liftgate, etc.
The top-grade version switches to the leather upholstery and adds features such as rear air vents, heated steering wheel, premium sound system, etc. The Touring version comes with unique leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, ventilated front seats, and more.
2022 Subaru Outback: Performance
The 2022 Subaru Forester will return with a pair of four-cylinder engines and standard all-wheel drive. Every version gets also continuously variable transmission.
The base non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine mixed with the CVT and standard all-wheel drive makes 182 hp and torque of 176 lb-ft.
Buyers can switch to a more powerful 2.4-liter flat-4 turbocharged unit good for 260 hp and torque of 277 lb-ft.
At the efficiency level, the base non-turbo powertrain should stay close to the current EPA ratings. The model should return 26 mpg city, 33 highway and 29 combined. With the turbocharged engine under the hood, the model should score around 23 mpg city, 30 on the highway and 26 combined.
The Subaru Outback is a candidate for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid setup but there are no signs yet when version would come with the electrified powertrain.
2022 Subaru Outback: Release, Price
The 2022 Subaru Outback should follow the brand’s usual release routine and arrive in the fall of 2021. The price range should stay close to the current with eventual price cuts. Buyers can get the current version from $26, 795. The top-spec model closes the $40,000 mark.
The wagon-style, off-road beefed up Subaru Outback is an alternative to the models such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer or Volvo Xc90 and V60.