2022 Subaru Outback Premium Black: A Comprehensive Review

Buying a car isn't just about the specs sheet. It's about the vibe, the feel, and how that machine fits into your daily life. When you look at the 2022 Subaru Outback Premium in Crystal Black Silica, you are looking at one of the most balanced crossovers on the market, wrapped in one of its classiest paint jobs. But does the "Premium" trim actually hit the sweet spot, or is it too bare-bones? Does that deep, mesmerizing black paint justify the potential headache of maintenance? Let’s dig in.

The Allure of Crystal Black Silica

Subaru’s "Crystal Black Silica" is no ordinary black. It’s a deep, candy-apple finish with subtle red undertones that catch the light in ways standard gloss black simply cannot. On the 2022 Outback, this color transforms the vehicle’s rugged lines into something more sophisticated. It makes the Crosstrek-inspired roof rails and the honeycomb grille stand out with sharp contrast.

However, beauty demands attention. Dark paint, especially this specific metallic formula, shows every speck of dust, water spot, and swirl mark. You’ll find yourself wiping down the hood on the driveway more often than you’d like. If you plan to drive this car hard in the dirt or coastal salt air without washing it weekly, consider a light color. But if you want that commanding, sleek presence, there is no better choice on the Outback lineup. It turns a utilitarian wagon into a style statement.

The "Premium" Trim: The Sweet Spot?

The 2022 Outback lineup can be confusing, sliding from the base to the Touring. The Premium trim sits right in the middle, and historically, this is where value lives. You get away from the bare-bones starter model but avoid the premium tax of the higher trims.

What does the Premium trim actually give you? Structurally, it adds the essential creature comforts. You get the 8.0-inch infotainment screen, which is a massive leap over the smaller displays on lower trims. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are non-negotiable for most modern drivers. You also get the power moonroof—a feature that makes the cabin feel significantly larger and airier, a welcome bonus in a vehicle with a high roofline.

Keyless access is standard here, as are heated front seats. In colder climates, that heating element alone is worth the upgrade. You also get 18-inch alloy wheels, which, paired with the black paint, give the Outback a more upscale, planted look. The alloy wheels are styled with a bright, machined finish that pops against the dark tires and fenders.

Under the Hood: Performance and Efficiency

Let’s talk about the engine. The 2022 Premium trim comes with Subaru’s venerable 2.5-liter flat-four engine. It produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a sports car engine; it’s not trying to be. It’s reliable, smooth, and adequately powerful for merging onto highways or towing light loads.

The lineartronic CVT transmission does its job, though it can drone a bit at high speeds, which you might notice more with the windows up in a black car that draws attention to the vehicle's profile. Fuel economy is the real star here. You’re looking at around 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. For a vehicle with full-time all-wheel drive, that’s impressive.

Speaking of all-wheel drive, the Symmetrical AWD system is standard. It’s not the torque-vectoring monster found in rally cars, but it provides excellent traction in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. This is where the Outback shines. It’s a car that handles a commute to the office with the same ease as a weekend trip to a rocky campsite.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Step inside the 2022 Outback Premium, and you’re greeted by a functional, driver-focused cockpit. The materials are a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch surfaces. It’s not luxury leather, but it’s durable and easy to clean. The seats are supportive, with good bolstering for long drives.

• Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, you get 32.5 cubic feet. Fold them down, and that jumps to 75.7 cubic feet. The flat load floor is a lifesaver for luggage, kayaks, or mountain bikes.
• Visibility: The Outback has class-best visibility. The wide glass area and slim pillars make parking and navigating narrow trails less stressful.
• Storage: There are thoughtful touches, like the in-floor storage compartment that hides your charging cables or dog toys from view.

The infotainment system on the Premium trim is competent. The touch interface is responsive, and the rotary dial for volume control is a welcome physical touchpoint. However, be aware that some lower-level settings are buried in the menus, which can be distracting while driving.

Safety: EyeSight and Beyond

Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology comes standard on the Premium trim. This includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane keep assist. In my experience, the adaptive cruise control is smooth and effective, making long highway stretches less tiring. It maintains a consistent distance without the jerky start-stop behavior seen in some competitors.

The active torque vectoring, while not AWD, helps steer the car through corners by applying brake pressure to the inner front wheel. It doesn’t replace good driving technique, but it keeps the Outback feeling stable and predictable at higher speeds.

Is the 2022 Outback Premium Black Right for You?

The 2022 Subaru Outback Premium in Black is a compelling package. You get the rugged utility of the Outback, the sophisticated look of the black paint, and the essential tech features of the Premium trim, all at a reasonable price point. It’s not flashy, and it’s not fast. But it’s incredibly capable, highly efficient, and surprisingly stylish.

If you want the latest touchscreen gimmicks or luxury leather, you might want to step up to the Limited or Touring. But if you want a no-nonsense, reliable, and attractive vehicle that can handle the daily grind and the occasional adventure, the Premium trim is the sweet spot. Just be prepared to wash it regularly—that Crystal Black Silica demands it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2022 Subaru Outback Premium come with a sunroof?

Yes, the Premium trim comes standard with a power moonroof that spans both the front and rear seats, adding a nice sense of openness to the cabin.

Is Crystal Black Silica more expensive than other paint options?

Yes, Crystal Black Silica is typically an optional paint charge, usually around $400-$500, because of the multi-layer crystal clear coat process that gives it its depth and shine.

Can the Outback Premium tow a trailer?

It does not come with a tow package standard. However, you can add the tow package option (which includes a radiator grill and hitch receiver) to tow up to 2,700 lbs, making it suitable for small pop-up campers or utility trailers.

Is the infotainment screen on the Premium trim wireless Apple CarPlay compatible?

In 2022, the standard 8.0-inch infotainment system in the Premium trim supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless connectivity typically became standard or available on higher trims in later model years.