Subaru is on a roll across the board, but the 2022 Subaru Outback hits so many marks for so many buyers that it is a tough model to deny. This SUV/tall wagon is one of the safest cars on the road; it’s reliable and not completely boring. How many cars can you say that about? For this reason, the 2022 Subaru might well be the best new SUV under $30k for your family. 

Is the 2022 Subaru Outback a good SUV? 

Hell yeah, it is! Short of other Subarus, there really isn’t much on the market that hits as many high points as the 2022 Subaru Outback. It is small but not too small. It’s plenty big without being bulging and clumsy. This crossover wagon/SUV offers standard AWD, a reliable motor, and a sleek, modern design. For all these reasons and more, Consumer Reports gave the Outback an 85/100. The 2022 Subaru Outback is one of the best new SUVs for your family under $30k.

How much does the 2022 Subaru Outback cost? 

The 2022 Subaru Outback starts at $27,145. While the base model is pretty spartan, it still comes standard with AWD and Subaru’s safety suite called EyeSight. The base outback is the only trim that comes in under $30k, but it’s still a decent place to put your money. 

The base Outback comes with Subaru’s 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder making 182 hp. If speed is something you require, the Outback may not be the one for you. There is an optional turbocharged 2.4-liter making 260 hp further up the trim levels, but the standard 2.5-liter is quite lethargic. It makes its 0-60 mph sprint in a long 9 seconds. 

Even with the slow motor, the Outback is a tough off-roader with the ride and cabin of a civilized road car. 

What is the most popular Subaru Outback trim? 

Many buyers prefer the Premium trim. Despite its fancy name, the Premium trim is only the next one up from the base. Although fees and other annoyances will push the premium trim over the $30,000-mark, technically, Subaru only charges $29,345 MSRP. 

When the rubber hits the road the 2022 Subaru Outback Premium will likely run you closer to $33k-$35k. The premium trim isn’t a game-changer but it does offer some cool things like LED fog lamps, a moon roof, dual-zone climate control, and a powered back gate. 

Is the 2022 Subaru Outback really the best new SUV under $30k for your family?

Budgets are important and necessary for most of us. The Subaru Outback is the best SUV under $30k for families. It earned the IIHS Top Safety Plus, it’s reliable, decent-looking, and capable. However, it is a bit boring. 

Fear not. If you like the Outback but still want gear head cred, and have a few extra cabbages to spend, consider the Outback Wilderness. This model takes the slowness, quaint styling, and AWD makes the most of each. The Wilderness is an Outback but with an off-road suspension lift and upgraded shocks, along with all-terrain tires, and body armor. 

These small changes not only make the Outback more capable off-road but also can make buyers feel like their practical purchase is something other than just practical. The Wilderness package grants the Outback access to the cool car club. 

The Subaru Outback is an all-timer

It’s hard to go wrong with any current Subaru SUV, but the 2022 Subaru Outback is an all-time great that should always be considered for anyone looking for a decent, safe, reliable, and affordable AWD SUV.