2022 Subaru Outback

Pros: Carlike ride and handling in an SUV-like package; standard all-wheel drive; impressive cargo room

Cons: Otherwise peppy turbocharged engine exhibits some turbo lag; interior small-items storage is not particularly generous

CG Says: For 2022, the Subaru Outback adds a rugged Wilderness model, which comes standard with the up-level turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and increases the vehicle’s off-road capability by adding nearly an inch of extra ground clearance and a standard front skid plate, as well as extra cladding on the wheel openings and bumpers.

The Wilderness also gains functional features such as washable interior surfaces, an LED light on the interior of the rear liftgate, and ladder-style roof rails that are rated to hold 700 pounds of static weight.

The rest of the Outback lineup is essentially carried over for 2022, with some models gaining additional standard features. A DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System sounds an alert if an instrument-panel camera senses the driver isn’t looking at the road.

Other available safety features are reverse automatic braking, a head-up instrument display, and a 180-degree front-mounted camera. Comfort and convenience features include a hands-free power liftgate, heated/ventilated front seats, adjustable driver-seat cushion, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats.

The Outback’s base engine is a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter “flat” four. A 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter flat four is found in XT and Wilderness models. All engines are paired with a CVT automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.

The Subaru Outback has long offered the attributes of both a midsize station wagon and an SUV, and the current Outback continues this winning tradition. The Outback looks rugged, but its ride and handling are more carlike than the typical crossover. We consider the Outback a midsize car, but many crossover SUV shoppers will be well served by this versatile AWD wagon.