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For as long as we can remember, the Subaru Outback has been on the Consumer Reports' most reliable new midsize SUVs (by subscription) list. The 2022 Outback fails to make the most reliable new midsize SUVs in the 2-Row category for the first time. Is there a problem with the 2022 Outback?
As recently as April, Consumer Reports had the 2022 Outback on its most reliable and fuel-efficient 2-Row SUVs list. CR said the Outback is reliable, fuel-efficient, is a top safety pick winner, and "perfect for around-town drives, commutes, and longer trips."
What changed?
Consumer Reports ranks the 2022 Outback number one of eleven midsize SUVs you can buy. But in predicted reliability, they give the Outback a 3/5 score. CR says, "We expect the 2022 Outback will have about average reliability compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2020, 2021, and 2022 models."
Yet, Consumer Reports gives the 2022 Outback the best score of 100 for its overall reliability and is based on its reliability history and Subaru's track record. In contrast, they give the Nissan Murano a score of 77, Chevrolet Trailblazer (75), Honda Passport (58), Ford Edge (56), and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (41).
Consumer Reports gives the 2022 Outback a 5/5 for in-car electronics, 5/5 for significant transmission issues, and 5/5 for fuel system problems. They give the Outback a perfect 5/5 in all major areas in every reported trouble spot.
Subaru Outback recalls
The 2022 Subaru Outback has zero recalls so far, and it's been on the market for an entire year. The 2020 Subaru Outback (the first year of its redesign) has four recalls. The 2021 Subaru Outback has one recall for a CVT select lever cable nut that was not tightened properly. The drive chain may break, causing a loss of drive power. The fuel pump may fail (defective Denso fuel pumps). A third recall was for a rearview camera that may shut down, and the fourth was for a possible loose or missing brake pedal mounting bracket bolt.
Is the 2022 Subaru Outback a reliable midsize SUV?
According to Consumer Reports' scores, the 2022 Subaru Outback has steadily improved in reliability since the redesign in 2020 and now gives it a perfect score of 100 in predicted reliability. We aren't sure why the Outback fails to make the new list.
Our take
We suspect the 2022 Outback fails to make Consumer Reports' most reliable new midsize SUVs in the 2-Row category because of the issues with the redesigned 2020 models. The new Outback is a reliable vehicle.
Should customers wait for the 2023 Outback?
The 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV gets new updates with a redesigned front fascia and exterior cladding, the latest version of EyeSight safety technology, and a new wide-angle mono camera on Touring trim levels. Subaru also updated the Outback's multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
When will the refreshed 2023 Outback be available?
The upgraded 2023 Outback will arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall. There will be a price increase, and pricing will be announced closer to the retailer launch. Stay tuned.
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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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