“The Outback Wilderness can get about anything done. It is a very versatile vehicle and has a great price point for what it offers.”
2022 Subaru Outback: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for the 2022 Subaru Outback is the first-ever Wilderness trim, a factory-built off-road version with extra ground clearance and trail-focused hardware. Otherwise, the sixth-generation Outback receives only minor equipment updates.
About the 2022 Subaru Outback
6th generation (2020-2025), third model year, before the 2023 refresh.
The 2022 Outback is Subaru’s do-everything family adventure vehicle: part wagon, part SUV, with standard AWD, useful ground clearance, generous cargo room, and strong safety tech. Subaru positions it as the vehicle for people who want everyday comfort and road-trip space without giving up dirt-road confidence. Its main draw versus many midsize crossovers is that it blends car-like ride quality with genuine foul-weather and light-trail ability, plus roof-rail and towing practicality.
The 2022 lineup ranges from the practical base model to leather-lined Touring and turbocharged XT trims. The new Wilderness stands out with a 260-hp turbo engine, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, tougher roof rails, water-repellent upholstery, and enhanced settings for loose or slippery terrain. Limited and Touring models focus more on comfort, with features such as premium audio, leather upholstery, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new Wilderness trim uses the 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. The lineup’s existing 182-hp base engine and turbo engine otherwise carry over.
Styling
Fog lights become standard on the base Outback rather than optional.
Tech
The Limited trim gains a standard heated steering wheel; it was optional for 2021.
Structural
The first-ever Wilderness trim joins the lineup with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, trail-focused X-MODE tuning, and ladder-style roof rails designed for heavier loads.
2022 Subaru Outback specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 26 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2022 and 2021 Subaru Outback?
The biggest difference is the addition of the Wilderness trim for 2022. Most other Outback trims carry over, aside from the Limited gaining a standard heated steering wheel and the base model gaining standard fog lights.
Is 2022 the first year of the Subaru Outback Wilderness?
Yes, 2022 is the first model year for the Outback Wilderness. It combines a 260-hp turbo engine with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, enhanced settings for rough terrain, tougher roof rails, and water-repellent upholstery.
Was the Subaru Outback redesigned for 2022?
No, the 2022 Outback was not redesigned. It remains part of the sixth generation introduced for 2020, with the new Wilderness trim serving as the year’s main update.
Which 2022 Subaru Outback trims have the turbo engine?
The 2022 Outback Wilderness, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT use the 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The base, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims use the 182-hp 2.5-liter engine.
Did every 2022 Subaru Outback get more off-road capability?
No, the major off-road upgrades are specific to the new Wilderness trim. The rest of the lineup keeps the familiar standard all-wheel-drive setup and largely carries over from 2021.
2022 Subaru Outback Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Subaru Outback.
4.3
2022 Subaru Outback
(669 reviews)
“Enjoyable to drive, dependable, engineered/well constructed, versatile, very good gas mileage/driving range, good outward visibility, good all-weather vehicle. little noisy, engine revs hot, some controls functions unnecessary.”
“You won't find another vehicle that can handle snow, like a Subaru! I don't worry about my wife getting stuck in the winter time, or sliding around on nasty roads when she's out alone.”