The 12-Best SUVs Under $40,000 - New Subaru Outback Now Scores Number 2

What are the best SUVs you can buy under $40,000? The 2022 Subaru Outback now scores the second-best model. Check out the full details here.

Why is the 2022 Subaru Outback ranked one of the best SUVs under $40,000? Consumer Reports’ (by subscription) top twelve SUV 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 now the second-best model in its rankings. The Kia Telluride is ranked number one, and the Subaru Outback is number two.

They are followed by the Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge, Lexus UX, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Murano, Buick Envision, Toyota Venza, Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Consumer Reports says the 2022 Outback is #1 of eleven 2-Row midsize SUVs.

CR says the 2022 Subaru Outback is a “smart alternative” to an SUV. 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.

Why should I buy a Subaru Outback?

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.

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 2021 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.

Check out our full breakdown of the eight 2022 Outback trim levels here.

Are there shortages of the 2022 Outback?

Because of the microchip shortage and plant closures, Subaru of America has a limited inventory of models like the Forester and Crosstrek. Still, the 2022 Subaru Outback is made in Lafayette, Indiana, the plant has remained open this summer, and retailers have a better inventory of the midsize SUV this fall for shoppers.

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

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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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