If ever there was one model that could save an entire genre, it’s the Subaru Outback. Some say wagons don’t sell in the United States. Subaru begs to differ. While the body shape accounts for a miniscule 1.4 percent of the overall US car market, a whopping 85 percent of the volume comes from just one model, the Outback. By lifting the suspension, tacking on some body cladding, and marketing it as a pseudo-SUV, Subaru has managed to enter the cheat code on how to sell wagons, and the Outback formula just continues to improve.
Built on the same Subaru Global Platform that debuted last year on the Legacy sedan, the new Outback sees improvements to its steering response, ride comfort, and handling. There’s also more technology inside, including a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen display. The 2022 Subaru Outback loosely competes with compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but due to its wagon shape, offers a completely unique style. Two engine choices are available, including a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer four, but in true Subaru tradition, every model gets standard AWD. We spent a week-long test drive with a Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT packing the more powerful engine to find out what makes this the most popular wagon in America.
2022 Subaru Outback Changes: What’s the difference vs 2021 Subaru Outback?
If anyone ever said a wagon couldn’t go off-road, the 2022 Subaru Outback lineup aims to dispel that myth with the addition of a new trim called the Outback Wilderness. This features greater ground clearance, unique style, all-terrain tires, and suspension geared for better off-road handling. The interior gets water-repellent upholstery.
Elsewhere in the range, all models now get LED fog lights and the Premium trim gets rear air vents.
