2022 Subaru Outback consumer reviews

I have had this car for 18 months. Some good, some not so good. The good. It's comfortable to drive and handles well. I like the looks of the car. The bad. The control panel is WAY too complicated to use WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. There is a warning system that alerts you every time you take your eyes off the road. And to make a simple change to the HVAC setting requires you to take your eyes off the road for -say - 10 to 15 seconds. IT'S UNSAFE! Secondly, the gas mileage is disappointing. Compared to my previous vehicle - 2017 Nissan Rogue with same size engine - the Outback struggles to get 20 MPG around town, while the Rogue was consistently at 22 MPG. Hwy mileasge is decent around 28. The worst problem I've encountered is the poor quality of the drivers seat. 16 months after I bought the car (car was 4 yrs old), the bolster on the drivers seat "just tore" a 1.5" tear. I don't keep tools are sharp items in my pockets. This leather (or "leatherette") just tore - for no reason. I'm now dealt with either having to pay for repair or contemplating getting rid of this car. I'll never buy another Subaru again.

This is the most unreliable car I have ever owned. In 18 months it has needed 11 repairs. It is not offroad capable the way they show in the ads. Maybe good for snow in the city. It is the hardest car to clean I've ever owned. Dirt and dust get up under the hatch and continue to leak down after washing well. The car is so over engineered as to be ridiculous. The "safety" features are intrusive and nonsensical. The battery doesn't charge unless the RPMs are over 2000 and the back hatch drains the battery at 4 amps while open unless you shove a carabiner in the lock mechanism. You can't open the back hatch from inside. The locking system doesn't allow you to unlock and lock without beeps and lights coming on so forget being courteous to campers in campgrounds. The Tucson Subaru dealership is corrupt and crooked and knew they sold me a bad car but won't do anything to make it right. I regret ever setting eyes on this car.

I purchased my Outback Premium in 2022 new. Liked the color. silver, and didn't want moonroof or a lot of extras that could break. Bad battery experience has really disappointed our experience although the cars performance and comfort has not.

Got a '22 Touring XT. I knew the base engine was pathetic so I wanted the turbo. Gladly sacrifice some MPG for way more power. They shouldn't even offer the base engine on this car. Anyway, after 44k miles it's running like a champ. Absolutely no issues with the electronics (a few minor glitches here and there but nothing to take to the dealer for), CVT is fine, engine is fine, the AWD is second to none! Plowed right through a 15" blizzard through Kansas City like it was nothing. My biggest gripe are the squeaks and rattles. Highly annoying. My '17 Chevy Colorado with 64k miles is tighter and quieter. Cargo space is top notch, I have a bad back so getting in and out of a taller vehicle is much easier. But there is just too much tech and driver assistance, Subaru needs to tone it down a little. I still prefer to actually DRIVE my car, not have the car drive me. Overall I'm still happy with it.

Slower than molasses in January if you don't get the turbo. But a reliable wagon that's absolutely awesome for parents. Plus, you can make up for the lack of speed by just running over stuff thanks to the ground clearance.

A very good mechanically auto. A dumpster fire electronically. From bluetooth drops, an occasional lockout from the vehicle to it's inability to recognize a driver. I had to put tape over the "Driver Recognition Sensor" because the car simply CAN"T.

Severely underpowered engine coupled with atrocious and unreliable CVT. The motorized liftgate commonly fails early and can’t be overridden, there’s not even a keyhole. Every essential function of the car is beholder to a glitchy, slow touchscreen tablet. Eyesight lane-keeping is decent. Gas mileage is middling. Navigation is completely unusable by poor design. Ventilated seats literally do nothing whatsoever.

I fell in love with the Wilderness Trim from the very first time i saw it. I had a 2017 Outback Limited and loved it too. Had a co-worker who really needed a reliable, well taken care of SUV. I told her I will sell it to her. With the money i got Wilderness. Best decision ever. Has that little extra ground clearance and details that makes this car so unique. Yes the screen is large and has a lot on it, but after a while got used to it. If the Outback was my dream car, This Wilderness is beyond my dreams! The Turbo is great, gives that extra +80HP compared to my Outback and it's noticeable specially when using paddle shifters. Hope i can keep this one for many many years.

Most unreliable car ive ever driven. Has died more than five times with battery and eyesight issues with only 50k. The dealer cant figure out how to fix it; stay away.

Great car if you like taking your eyes off the road for a great length of time for any simple adjustment you want to make. For example, having to adjust the heat/AC in the car is a nightmare. I hate it. I spend 3 years trying to get used to all the multi-step technology and I have finally realized I never will, so I am selling it.