Is the 2022 Subaru Outback a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B+8/10
The Subaru Outback is a solid choice for those who need all-wheel drive and ample cargo space, but be aware of the CVT and infotainment quirks.
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Pros
- Excellent all-wheel-drive system
- Spacious interior with great cargo capacity
- Good fuel economy for its class
- Reputation for safety and reliability
Cons
- CVT can be unrefined under hard acceleration
- Base engine may feel underpowered
- Some tech features can be finicky
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
26 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,500/yr
Expected lifespan
250,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- CVT performance concerns
- Infotainment system glitches
- Rear suspension wear
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (4)
The 2022 Subaru Outback has 4 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger (campaign 24V227000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — Engine — Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) — 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).…
- Visibility — Windshield — 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. A…
- Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch — 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.…
- Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger — 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 pa…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.