CR's 9 Most Reliable, Fuel-Efficient 2-Row SUVs - Subaru Outback Is Back

With all the two SUVs available for shoppers, which ones are the most reliable and fuel efficient? An updated study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2022 Subaru Outback is back at the number one spot among mainstream (non-luxury) models. CR says the Outback is reliable, fuel-efficient, safe, and ideal for around-town drives, city commutes, and long road trips.

Consumer Reports compiled the list of luxury and mainstream 2-Row midsized SUVs that scored well in road tests, have average-or-better predicted reliability ratings, and get 21 mpg overall or better. They say, "Two-row models are roomy enough to carry three kids in the back seat, along with their school, sports, or camp gear."

photo credit: Subaru WPB

CR's Most Reliable and Fuel-Efficient New 2-Row Midsized SUVs

The BMW X5 scores highest in the luxury 2-Row SUV category, with 90 points. The 2022 Subaru Outback is the best mainstream (non-luxury) model, scoring 85. The Toyota Venza scored 83, Lexus RX (83), Nissan Murano (81), Ford Edge (80), Honda Passport (76), Porsche Cayenne (75), and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (70).

Is the 2022 Outback reliable?

According to Consumer Reports, the Subaru Outback should be on your shopping list. They scored the 2022 Outback, the number one of twelve new midsize SUVs. Outback scored highest in performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction.

photo credit: Subaru WPB

Is the 2022 Outback fuel efficient?

In Consumer Reports testing, the 260 horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the Outback XT "gives the SUV effortless acceleration yet still got 24 mpg overall in our tests."

The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieved 28 mpg in their tests. The EPA estimated fuel mileage is 26/33 city/highway and 29 combined mpg for the 2.5-liter Outback. The EPA says the 2022 Subaru Outback 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets an estimated 23/30 city/highway and 26 combined mpg. The Outback Wilderness gets an EPA_estimated 22/26 city/highway and 24 combined mpg.

What is the Outback's safety score?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates all 2022 Subaru Outback trim levels the highest Top Safety Pick+ score in crash tests. The 2022 Outback is also the only midsize car with the highest score in the new IIHS side impact crash test.

The Outback comes standard with advanced safety systems, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. In the two-row SUV category, Consumer Reports says the Outback scores highest in its category.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Outback?

The 2022 Outback comes in eight trim levels; the base trim is priced from $28,820, Premium ($31,020), Limited ($35,470), Touring ($39,370), Onyx Edition XT ($37,020), new for 2022, Outback Wilderness ($38,870), Limited XT ($39,870), and Touring XT ($41,820). Pricing includes $1,175 destination and
delivery fees.

Should customers wait for the 2023 Outback?

Customers may want to wait for the 2023 Outback upgrades. The 2023 models get new updates with a redesigned front fascia, the latest version of EyeSight safety technology, and a new wide-angle mono camera. Subaru also updated Outback's multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2023 Outback Onyx Edition is now available with the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine. Before, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine was the only engine you could get.

What is the price of the 2023 Outback?

The refreshed 2023 Subaru Outback does get a significant price increase.

The 2023 Outback now comes in nine trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $29,620 (+$800), Premium ($31,920 +$900), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5 liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520 +$1,050), Touring ($41,070 +$1,700), Outback Wilderness ($39,670 +$800), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820 +$2,800), Limited XT ($40,920 +$1,050), and Touring XT ($43,520 +$1,700). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.

The 2023 Subaru Outback should also get the highest scores from Consumer Reports. Customers should order the new 2023 models now for fall delivery.

You Might Also Like: Subaru’s Safety Tech Hits A Major Milestone And Reduces Crashes

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.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru WPB