One of the most popular small SUVs in the world is the 2022 Subaru Outback. With new features and trim levels for the new model year, there are loads of reasons to own one. However, Consumer Reports likes a few things in particular that help it stand out above competitors. Here are three things Consumer Reports loves about the 2022 Subaru Outback.

Consumer Reports loves the 2022 Subaru Outback driver assistance features

According to Consumer Reports, every Outback model comes with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Each feature is combined via a single button on the steering wheel. Firstly, adaptive cruise control allows drivers to customize acceleration and braking behavior at four different levels. For example, a tap of the speed button adds five mph to the current limit. However, adding a single mph requires a specific amount of time to hold the button. CR reported that the timing makes it a bit tricky to use.

Both of the other driver assistance features can easily be deactivated and reactivated as needed. LKA is useful for long highway drives, where staying in your lane at high speeds is essential. CR says that the automated steering isn’t invasive and is easily overridden by the driver when necessary. This has become glaringly important, as sometimes the driver intends to switch lanes, and the driver assistance system prevents it from happening.

Lastly, Subaru’s DriverFocus is the automaker’s driver monitoring system. It ensures the driver’s head is facing forward and eyes remain open. This way, the Outback can trigger a warning if the driver falls asleep or looks away from the road. Systems like this are essential for those relaxing while automated steering, accelerating, and braking are active. All automated driving still needs human supervision.

Light off-roading is easy with the Outback

Is the 2022 Subaru Outback going to replace your Jeep Wrangler for off-road driving? Of course not. However, the Outback is surprisingly capable of doing some light off-road driving, handling it well. It’s designed for light-duty off-roading, like dirt trails, snowy roads, and hills. However, don’t expect to take it out boulder-climbing or mudding.

The Subaru SUV uses X-Mode, optimizing traction for slippery conditions and activating hill descent control. Most importantly, the all-new Wilderness edition adds 0.8-inches of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, all-terrain tires, and a specially-tuned X-Mode. Moreover, the Wilderness X-Mode can keep the optimized traction active at much higher speeds than the other models. Consequently, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness is an excellent addition to the lineup.

Consumer Reports loves the 2022 Subaru Outback fit and finish

Finally, the fit and finish of the Subaru Outback is excellent. One of the most important things about any vehicle is how comfortable and well-built the interior is, for many reasons. According to Consumer Reports, “the Outback’s interior has a solid and substantial feel to it.” Using soft-touch materials a padded dashboard, the interior looks and feels luxurious. Some competitors use hard plastic materials throughout, which can’t help but feel cheap.

Next, door panels, armrests, and other interior items are nicely padded. A chrome door latch is surrounded by gloss black trim and chrome-tipped window switches. All of this together looks and feels high-quality inside the Outback. Finally, the fully-lined glove box seems almost too lovely for the segment and price point of this Subaru SUV. CR’s testers specifically love the perforated leather seats with contrast stitching on the side bolsters.

Should you buy a 2022 Subaru Outback?

Overall, the 2022 Subaru Outback is one of the best options in its class. According to Consumer Reports, it scored very high on the road test, while reliability and owner satisfaction are close behind. Regardless of which trim level you choose, you’ll receive excellent value. Starting at just $27,145, it’s hard to argue against buying one of the best small SUVs available. Need more reasons to buy one? Just look at the driver assistance features, off-road capability, and fit and finish. Those are three things Consumer Reports loves about the 2022 Subaru Outback.