The 11 Best SUVs Under $40K - Subaru Outback Is 2nd Best 2-Row

Why is the 2022 Subaru Outback ranked one of the best SUVs under $40,000? Consumer Reports’ (by subscription) top eleven SUVs list includes models that they own, test drive for thousands of miles, put it through an extensive array of tests, and ask owners about their experiences. The top vehicles also have the highest IIHS crash scores.

How does the 2022 Subaru Outback 2-Row midsize SUV compare with other top SUVs under $40,000? According to the latest study by Consumer Reports, Outback is among the best in its rankings in the 2022 model year 2-Row category.

photo credit: Competition Subaru

The best 2-Row SUVs under $40,000

Consumer Reports says the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime is ranked number one, and the 2022 Subaru Outback is number two, followed by the Buick Envision, Toyota Venza, Chevrolet Blazer, and Nissan Mirano.

The best 3-Row SUVs under $40,000

The best 3-Row SUVs, according to Consumer Reports, are the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-9, and Chevrolet Traverse.

photo credit: Competition Subaru

What sets the 2022 Outback apart?

CR says, “The 2022 Subaru Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Thoughtful details like built-in crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover are nice touches.”

The Outback is classified as a wagon and offers a car-like ride and handling if you don’t want the bulky feel of a larger SUV. The Outback offers 8.7-inches of ground clearance, which is more than some SUVs, and the Outback has a superior safety rating from IIHS. Fuel mileage is also better than many SUVs.

You won’t spend $40,000 on the 2022 Outback unless you buy the top-trim Touring XT ($41,070). All trim levels come standard will all-drive, which you won’t find in all SUVs.

Where does the Outback need to improve?

CR says the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder “does the job but can feel strained under stress. The turbocharged 260 horsepower 2.4-liter engine transforms the Outback, giving it effortless acceleration.”

What is the best Outback trim level? Check out our complete 2022 Outback trim level and model guide here.

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.

What is the 2022 Outback fuel mileage?

The 2022 Subaru Outback with the non-turbocharged 2.5-liter Boxer engine gets an estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 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 all-new Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 22/26 city/highway mpg and 24 combined mpg.

Are there 2022 Outback inventory shortages?

Because of the supply chain shortages, Subaru of America has a limited inventory of models like the Forester, Crosstrek, and 2022 Subaru Outback. Check with your local retailer for more information.

In its latest rankings, Consumer Reports says the 2022 Subaru Outback is #1 of eleven 2-Row midsize SUVs and the second-best overall among all SUVs under $40,000.

In the link below, shoppers looking for a compact SUV can check out the latest list of the best 2022 model year SUVs under $30,000.

You Might Also Like: The 6 Best SUVs Under $30K - Subaru Forester, Crosstrek Rise To The Top

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: Competition Subaru