Subaru Outback Just Scored Among The Best New Family Cars Again

The new Subaru Outback is still racking up awards. The midsize SUV/crossover was named Good Housekeeping's and Car and Driver's Best New Family Cars of 2022. The all-new 2022 Outback Wilderness trim level was named "Best Station Wagon," and the Outback nameplate wins the category for the fourth year in a row.

Good Housekeeping partnered with Car and Driver to road test and evaluate hundreds of 2022 passenger cars, SUVs, and minivans. GH says the cars they choose that are best for families to buy are tested by engineers, analysts, and parents.

photo credit: Subaru of America

Why the Subaru Outback Wilderness scores best wagon

GH says they chose the Outback Wilderness trim level for its off-road capability, and it's a "wagon great for an outdoorsy family looking for a stylish-yet-rugged vehicle for its go-anywhere adventures."

What sets the Wilderness apart?

The Outback Wilderness has upgraded CVT automatic transmission gear ratios, an oil cooler, and a revised final drive ratio for active customers who want to get further away from civilization. The upgrades allow the Wilderness models to trek further and tow more. Check out a complete report of the upgrades here.

Wilderness trim levels feature an off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height (9.5-inches), Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, an aluminum engine skid plate, and a steel rear differential skid plate.

The Wilderness is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower.

Good Housekeeping says, "What we ultimately saw in the Wilderness was an exceptional vehicle that moved up to an even higher level. It affords a cushioned ride with strong standard driver-assistance tech, including Subaru's well-regarded EyeSight system."

What is the Outback Wilderness fuel mileage?

The EPA says the new Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 22/26 city/highway mpg and 24 combined mpg. The 2022 Outback XT with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA estimated 23/30 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness has a lot more wind drag, and the bigger wheels, all-terrain tires, and the full-size spare all add to the vehicle's extra weight.

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.

How much can the Wilderness trim tow?

The Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and the standard roof rack can handle up to 220 lbs (700 lbs when stationary) for a rooftop tent.

Good Housekeeping says, "We were impressed to find that the exterior is extremely rugged, but inside you'll find water-repellant upholstery. This is great not just for off-grid getaways but also for messy children or pets as it allows for an easy wipe-down."

What is Subaru of America's inventory of the Outback Wilderness?

The Outback Wilderness is in high demand, and you won't find any sitting on retailers' lots. You can order the color and option packages and deliver the new model to the Subaru retailer near you. It will take approximately two-to-three months for your new vehicle to arrive from the plant in Lafayette, Indiana.

Subaru hit a home run with the all-new 2022 Outback Wilderness. The Outback nameplate scored more awards and was named Good Housekeeping's Best New Family Cars of 2022 for the fourth year.

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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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Photo credit: Subaru of America