CR's Most Reliable And Fuel-Efficient New Midsize SUVs - Subaru Outback Scores #1

With all the two-and-three row SUVs available for shoppers, which ones are the most reliable and fuel efficient? A newly-updated study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2022 Subaru Outback ranks number one among mainstream (non-luxury) models this year. CR says the Outback is reliable, fuel-efficient, safe, and perfect for around-town drives, commutes, and longer trips.

The 2022 Subaru Outback was completely redesigned for the 2020 models year, and it’s made in America at the Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Consumer Reports compiled the list of two- and three-row midsized SUVs that scored well in their road tests, have average-or-better predicted reliability ratings, and get 21 mpg overall or better.

CR’s Most Reliable and Fuel-Efficient New Midsized SUVs

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

In the 3-Row SUV category, the Kia Telluride is the top model with a score of 97, followed by the Toyota Highlander (88), Hyundai Palisade (87), and Mazda CX-9 (84).

Is the 2022 Outback reliable?

According to Consumer Reports, the Subaru Outback should be on your shopping list. They scored the 2022 Subaru Outback wagon/SUV the number one of eleven Midsize SUVs. Outback scored highest in four areas; performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction.

Is the 2022 Outback fuel efficient?

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

The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieved 28 mpg in their test. The EPA estimated fuel mileage is 26/33 city/highway and 29 combined mpg for the 2.5-liter Outback. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine gets 23/30/26 mpg.

CR says the 2020 Subaru Ascent 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine “feels plenty quick in a segment where V6s dominate. And its 22 mpg overall is comparable to its rivals.” EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 21/27 city/highway and 23 combined mpg.

Is the Outback a safe vehicle?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2020 Subaru Outback the highest Top Safety Pick Plus score in crash tests. The 2020 Subaru Ascent earns a Top Safety Pick because of its headlights. New 2021 Ascent models are getting new steering responsive LED headlights with high beam assist for improved nighttime visibility.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Outback?

The 2022 Outback comes in eight trim levels; the base trim is priced from $27,845, Premium ($30,270), Limited ($34,720), Touring ($38,620), Onyx Edition XT ($36,270), new for 2022, Outback Wilderness ($38,120), Limited XT ($39,120), and Touring XT ($41,070). Pricing includes $1,125 destination and delivery fees.

The 2022 Subaru 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.

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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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