DecodedCars2022 Subaru Outback
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon Convience/Touring/Limited, 4dr Wagon Limited Xt/Premier Xt, 4dr Wagon Premier/Outdoor Xt
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,649–3,924 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2022 small SUV (24.5 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints465 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 136 for similar models — most often about the visibility/wiper.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Subaru Outback is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,649 lb (4dr Wagon Convience/Touring/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway), 18% better than the 2022 small SUV average of 24.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 465 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2022
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Outback — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Outback →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon Convience/Touring/Limited | 191.3 in | 74.8 in | 66.5 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 3,649 lb | 56/54 |
| 4dr Wagon Limited Xt/Premier Xt | 191.3 in | 74.8 in | 66.5 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 3,924 lb | 56/54 |
| 4dr Wagon Premier/Outdoor Xt | 191.3 in | 74.8 in | 66.5 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 3,759 lb | 56/54 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +18% | $2,300 | 308 |
| Outback AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +6% | $2,600 | 343 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 26 / 24 | -2% | $2,800 | 377 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
Similar 2022 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Outback (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2022 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | Not rated | 25 |
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 22, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V227000 · 118,723 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · Nov 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 95,830 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Risk
- An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Visibility › Windshield · Sep 22, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V712000 · 42 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
- Risk
- An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) · Jul 1, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V473000 · 15 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Outback vehicles. The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).
- Risk
- A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.
Not every 2022 Subaru Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Subaru Outback buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 255 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 48 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 23 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,947 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Subaru Outback. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Outback years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 21 |
| 2025 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 83 |
| 2024 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 104 |
| 2023 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 89 |
| 2021 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 298 |
| 2020 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 901 |
| 2019 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,036 |
| 2018 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 816 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →