Flash Drive

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness

October 27, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness

The new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness has enhanced off-road capabilities and bolder styling.

Engine:  2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer-4, 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined

Base Price: $36,995

As Tested: $38,120

Performance:

Smooth engine with good power/acceleration

Pleasant highway ride

Tje Subaru Outback Wilderness has increase approach and departure angles and more aggressive tires.

Increased ground clearance, now 9.5-inches

Increased approach angles, now 20.0-degrees

Increased departure angles, now 23.6-degrees

Increased ramp break over angle, now 21.2-degrees

X-Mode can stay engaged up to 25 mph

Hill descent control

Paddle shifters

Front skid plate

The Outback interior is spacious and comfortable for both rows of seating.

All-terrain Yokohama tires on 17-inch alloy wheels

Active torque vectoring

Respectable fuel economy—our best was 26.3-mpg

Comfort:

Super stretch-out front legroom

Driver power lumbar

Comfortable, supportive seats

Medium soft headrests

Slightly contoured steering wheel

The Outback has an excellent steering wheel and a large infotainment screen.

Very good auxiliary controls

Ample tilt/telescopic range

Large, sliding visors

Soft armrest over console bin

Water repellant upholstery

Great rear seat room

Heated outboard rear seats

Soft, wide armrest with cupholders

Utility:

Hands-free power rear liftgate 

Flat cargo deck, no lift-over

The power rear liftgate can be operated hands-free.

Ample cargo capacity

Auto folding rear seats with no slope

180-degree front view monitor

Raised, ladder style roof rack

Four tow points

Medium size console bin w/phone space

Medium locking glovebox

Narrow front door bins

Small rear door bins

WOW Factors:

Added off-road capabilities

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness has a large sturdy roof rack for accommodating a variety of cargo needs.

Unique exterior and interior features

More rugged SUV styling

Large cargo area with trick auto fold seats

Whines:

Heated front seats controlled on infotainment screen

Small door bins

Bottom Line:

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness is a new model that emphasizes the Outback’s off-road abilities while maintaining all of its great everyday attributes. Clearances are increased all around and there is additional protective cladding. The CVT transmission has been recalibrated for better low speed rock crawling/mud/snow. The Wilderness package is functional, not just cosmetic and it adds a lot of value to an already attractive multi-purpose vehicle.