The 2022 Subaru Outback Has 1 Frustrating Drawback
Things are mostly smooth sailing for the Subaru Outback. If you talk to a 2022 Subaru Outback owner, they’ll probably have a boatload of excellent things to say. However, owners keep bringing up one frustrating aspect.
The 2022 Subaru Outback only has one issue
According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Subaru Outback is one of the most satisfying SUVs. It’s tied for first place with the 2022 Jeep Wrangler. It’s no secret that Jeep people really love their vehicles, so this is an epic win for the Outback.
Based on the survey Consumer Reports sends out to thousands of vehicle owners, 71 percent of Outback owners said they would definitely buy this vehicle again. The survey considers price, performance, potential trouble spots, comfort, and enjoyment.
But its overall rating is hurt by its infotainment system. It has one of the worst ratings for ease of use. The base model features two stacked 7.0-inch touchscreens, and all other models have an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen.
According to Edmunds, the massive screen isn’t very functional. The system is slow to respond, and there are too many complicated menus to navigate. The controls can be buried, and the screen has wasted space in massive blank areas. The voice recognition isn’t very accurate, and the EyeSight feature constantly beeps.
What do people like about the 2022 Outback?
The 2022 Subaru Outback has a high score for its driving performance. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
With the base engine, the Outback can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.8 seconds, which is a little sluggish. The turbo engine helps the Outback reach 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds.
All-wheel drive comes standard, and the Subaru Outback has an 8.7-inch ground clearance, allowing it to tackle off-roading trails. There is a bit of body roll around turns, but the handling is responsive with good feedback from the road.
Plus, the Outback provides a smooth ride over most road conditions. Potholes, speed bumps, and dips are absorbed with ease. The seats are spacious and supportive. They provide relaxing comfort for long drives.
Does the Outback have a nice interior?
Yes, the 2022 Subaru Outback has an excellent interior that’s crafted with upscale, durable materials. The layout is simple and straightforward, which may be preferred by some fans and considered boring by others. The lack of physical controls may force you to rely on the infotainment system more than you want.
Each model but the base trim comes with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and plenty of USB ports. You can opt for a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
You can access 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with up to 75.7 cubes total. The cargo floor is conveniently low and flat for loading cargo, and the roof rails are easy to access. Cabin storage is a little tight, but there is a convenient shelf for your phone.
The Subaru Outback is a pretty well-rounded SUV that people love. However, the infotainment system could use a few improvements. That’s not a big enough issue to prevent people from buying and enjoying the Outback, though.