Check out the ten best beach cars of 2021. See why the 2022 Subaru Outback checks all the right boxes.
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What are the best cars for going to the beach this summer? According to Kelly Blue Book, the newly-arriving 2022 Outback is among the ten best models for a trip to the shore. The Outback won’t just get you to the beach; you can drive in the sand, and you won’t get stuck like some SUVs.
What sets the new Subaru Outback apart?
The Outback wagon/SUV is higher riding with extra ground clearance than most family haulers. The Outback comes with 8.7-inches of deep sand-clearing clearance, and it also comes standard with all-wheel-drive. Not all AWD systems are equal.
Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system always directs at least some of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, and it can direct a more considerable amount aft if needed. Many other automaker’s systems fitted to front-wheel-drive vehicles operate with 100 percent of the power typically going to the front wheels; the rear wheels only receive power when the front wheels start slipping.
The Outback also comes with another off-road system other SUVs don’t have; X-Mode for off-pavement and extreme conditions. X-Mode controls the engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive torque split, and braking system when road conditions are challenging, and there is a need to capitalize on the grip. This is useful when there is mud, wet conditions, and deep sand on the beach.
Which Subaru Outback trim level is best for the beach?
Subaru Report would recommend the Outback Onyx Edition XT trim. Seats are wrapped in a new water-repellant durable StarTex material and perfect for cleaning after a day at the beach for active customers. It also comes with a hands-free power gate, a front view monitor, and a full-size spare tire.
The Onyx Edition XT also comes with a new dual-function X-Mode for added off-pavement capabilities. The new system has settings for Snow and Dirt mode to the new Deep Snow/Deep Mud Mode and is best for sand where traction is compromised.
Improved tow rating
The Outback XT also gets increased towing capacity. The midsize wagon/SUV comes with a 3,500-lb tow rating, an increase from the previous 2,700-lb. Thanks to newly developed rear differential gear when equipped with the new 260-horsepower FA24 2.4-liter direct injection turbocharged Boxer engine. Subaru bumps up the towing capacity on the Outback for those wanting to tow a camper or a small boat to the beach.
Kelly Blue Book’s 10-Best Beach Cars
1. Ford Bronco Sport
2. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
3. Ford F-150 Raptor
4. Mercedes Benz GLS
5. Land Rover Defender
6. Mazda MX-5 Miata
7. Jeep Gladiator
8. Subaru Outback
9. Toyota Sienna
10. Porsche Cayenne
The microchip shortage has limited supplies of some new Subaru all-wheel-drive SUVs, but the 2021 and 2022 Subaru Outback inventory is better than most models. Customers should find the color and trim level they want this summer.
The 2022 Subaru Outback arrives now with the same features as the 2021 model year trim levels. The 2022 Outback adds the all-new Wilderness trim with even more ground clearance and off-pavement abilities. Both XT and Wilderness trims are a good choice for active customers going to the beach this summer.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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