2022 Subaru Outback — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Outback uses the FA24 2.4-liter turbo engine (not the older 2.5 NA), which delivers 260 hp paired with the Lineartronic CVT—owners praise the turbo grunt for merging and passing without the sluggish feel of the previous generation. The standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive with X-Mode (rock/snow/dirt modes) makes owners confident on unpaved roads and winter weather without switching to a dedicated SUV. The cargo floor sits 8.3 inches lower than competitors, so groceries and luggage load easier than a RAV4.

Common complaints and known issues

The FA24 turbo engines in early 2022 models (under 40k miles) have reported knocking/pinging under light acceleration even on premium fuel—Subaru has investigated but no widespread recall emerged, frustrating some owners. CVT shudder and hesitation between 10k and 50k miles is a recurring theme in Subaru forums, though many dealers replace the transmission under warranty. Paint adhesion complaints appear at 15k–30k miles, especially on the hood and roof, with chips and peeling prior to any collision.

Typical asking price

Under 40k miles: $28,500–$32,000. 40k–80k miles: $24,000–$28,500. Over 80k miles: $20,000–$24,500. Higher trims (Touring, Limited, Touring XT) command $3k–$5k premiums; accident history and geographic region (Western and Northeastern markets hold value better) drive variation within each band.

Ranges are typical 2026 asking prices, not appraisals. The actual fair offer depends on this specific car's title history, accident record, and open recalls — which is what EstimateProof tells you.