2022 Subaru Outback Review

Is it a wagon? Is it an SUV? Technically it's an SUV but we here at Edmunds know a station wagon when we see one, and Subaru's Outback is the go-to vehicle if you want the versatility of an SUV, the road manners of a wagon, and a sprinkling of adventure. With standard all-wheel drive and a healthy number of standard advanced driver assists, the Outback makes a lot of sense for families who don't happen to reside in the sunbelt. And while we're not so fond of the base engine, the optional turbocharged mill absolutely gets the job done.

For 2022, Subaru is introducing the Outback Wilderness for customers who need a little more off-road capability from their SUV/wagon hybrid. The upgrades start with a lifted suspension; the Wilderness offers 9.5 inches of ground clearance — about the same as a Ford F-150. Subaru also loaded the Outback Wilderness with goodies for overlanding enthusiasts including a standard front skid plate, all-terrain tires, and an upgraded roof rack that can bear up to 700 pounds of weight so you can mount a rooftop tent.

As a midsize SUV-adjacent vehicle, the Outback's interior is quite spacious. There's excellent headroom and legroom all around, and the large windows help connect you to the outside world. The Outback is nicely appointed inside, with a pleasing cabin design and a nice mix of quality materials.

The Outback Wilderness' interior is largely the same as the regular Outback's. However, due to this model's more rugged focus, the seats are outfitted with Subaru's StarTex water-repellent upholstery accented with copper-contrast stitching. Copper accents are also found on the steering wheel, shifter surround and gauge cluster details. All-weather floor mats are standard so you can dirty up the interior with no stress.

The Subaru Outback has a lengthy list of standard driving aids. Subaru calls it the EyeSight suite, and it encompasses adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane centering assist. In practice, the systems accomplish their intended functions better than most competitors.

The Wilderness comes standard with the large, vertical 11.6-inch infotainment screen that serves as the touchscreen upgrade in the Outback lineup. We're not fans of the interface, which packs too many vehicle functions in its labyrinth of menus. As with all Outbacks, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems are standard, though neither is wireless.