2022 Subaru Outback is Getting Hybrid Engine
The model for the 2021 season is unchanged compared to the previous edition. Outback crossover was redesigned in 2020, and most of the styling will be carried over for the next few seasons. The upcoming vehicle is bringing disappointment. There is no hybrid drivetrain. We expected it as the key update for the first year after the redesign. Well, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company delayed some plans for the following season. So, the 2022 Subaru Outback is bringing the first update of the new crossover.
The Japanese company is growing. It was one of the biggest carmakers in the world, but they had a drop in the last couple of decades. Now, the success of existing crossovers and SUVs are making Subaru move forward. We already got the three-row Ascent, and the Baja Pickup Truck comeback is also an option.
For the 2022 Subaru Outback, the company is preparing a new drivetrain. The crossover SUV already offers an option with the turbocharged unit and more power. This time, a hybrid configuration is boosting the gas mileage. A V6 is in the past and it won’t come back.
2022 Subaru Outback Specs
There are two certain drivetrains for the 2022 Subaru Outback. Most of the lineup will use a naturally-aspirated flat-four Boxer unit. The Japanese carmaker is famous for this powerplant, unique at the market. A 2.5-liter displacement will return 182 ponies and 175 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy is very good, rated at 29 mpg combined. Have in mind that the Outback is an all-wheel-drive crossover, which puts more reasons to brag about. A CVT gearbox is a pair and it works like an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2022 Subaru Outback XT will stick to the turbocharged engine. A smaller block (2.4-liter) is ready to produce 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of twist. This is the high-end output for the compact crossover. Plus, the engine keeps the fuel economy at 23/30 mpg in the city/on the highway. The same transmission sends power to all wheels, which is definitely the best thing about all Subaru vehicles.
2022 Subaru Outback Hybrid
This is not all about the crossover, since the biggest change should be the hybrid drivetrain. We expected it as a part of the update for the 2021 season. Still, the new powerplant is postponed for the following season. According to available information, the 2022 Subaru Outback Hybrid will use the power from a 2.0-liter engine and add the e-Boxer system. Again, buyers are getting the 4WD crossover. The electric motor will send power to the rear wheels. Outputs for this configuration are unknown yet. The Japanese carmaker made it available for Forester and Crosstrek, but the Outback Hybrid is debuting next season.
Packages
Four trims for the 2.5-liter engine and three more turbocharged ones are available for purchase. The entry-level model will use hill-descent control, 17-inch wheels, and LED lamps. All versions will use roof rails. Inside, telescoping steering wheel, adjustable buckets, and EyeSight safety are standard. A 7-inch screen is the center of the multimedia system, which also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Premium package upgrades the offer with a de-icer system for wipers. The leather steering wheel and shift knob are interesting additions. Driver’s seats have more positions, while the infotainment system comes with USB ports for passengers at the back and a larger display. Onyx edition is a special bundle of features that upgrades the Premium model, but it uses a turbo engine.
The next package is available for both engines. The Limited edition is coming with larger wheels, adjustable headlights, leather seats with the heating of the front row, and a premium audio system with 12 speakers. The safety gets a boost from the automatic brakes for reverse and a blind-spot monitor.
Top of the range version is the 2022 Subaru Outback Touring. A power sunroof and ventilated seats are the most significant additions. Plus, this package will come with navigation and Nappa leather. This one will be also the top offer with the 2022 Subaru Outback Hybrid. The Limited edition is also certain, and we might see it even with the Premium trim.
2022 Subaru Outback Release Date
The price of the standard lineup stays the same. The base Outback starts at $27,000. It is slightly higher than most of the competition. The Premium version adds about $2,000 and Limited another $4,500. With the regular engine, the most expensive version will be Touring, priced at $37,500. A 2.4-liter turbocharged engine will increase the price by $3,000, depending on a trim level. We expect the 2022 Subaru Outback Hybrid to be priced like the XT edition.
According to www.motorbiscuit.com, the Outback hybrid version is coming soon.
The new crossover will be there when engineers prepare the new e-Boxer configuration. Fans shouldn’t expect it before the second half of 2021. By then, the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic will settle down a bit and the automotive market should start recovering.
