IT'S THE SECOND-BEST WAGON IN THE WORLD for 2022, according to Car & Driver. The luxury Audi A6 Allroad was first, but if you're willing to settle for a close second, here's something that won't set you back near as much.

It's a 2022 AWD Subaru Outback Base trim in Magnetite Gray Metallic with 163k representing the 6th generation of Outbacks ('20-'25), built on the acclaimed Subaru Global Platform. This re-engineered chassis made of ultra-high tensile steel results in a smoother, quieter, and safer ride.

--> After giving this one our signature 300+ mile test, we can't disagree.

We gave it new rear brake pads and rotors. Front pads are not far from new, with 8mm thickness (10mm is new for front pads).

17" alloy rims with a set of 4 Goodyear Finesse all-season tires have about half their tread remaining: 6/32" in front and 5/32" in back (10/32" is new, and 2/32" means Replace Now). We rotated and balanced the tires for you, putting the deeper tread in front.

Automatic (CVT) transmission with optional manual mode and paddle shifters.

Previous owner regularly changed oil and CVT (transmission) fluid.

Subaru found us nearly an additional cubic foot of passenger volume (109 cf), which back seat passengers may especially notice with increased legroom. And with rear seats folded, cargo capacity for this Outback grew over the previous generation by more than two cubic feet, to 75.7 cf. Furthermore, the rear cargo hatch opening is significantly wider than previous generations.

Driver's seat height (adjustable) averages about 25" off the ground. Its ground clearance of 8.7 inches makes it not only easy to get in and out of, but along with the all-wheel drive, makes it a great vehicle for all seasons, including Midwest winters.

The EPA mpg rating is 33 hwy/26 city/29 combined, about one mpg more than the previous generation. We've found that to be true: over the last 505 miles of combined driving, this one has gotten 29.3 mpg (see photo of trip computer).

Active grille shutters automatically open and close in lower front grille for quicker cabin heating, improved fuel economy & aerodynamics, engine cooling, and quieter performance.

Luggage roof rails with pivoting fold-away crossbars.

Has a hitch! (2" receiver)--also a wiring harness for trailer lights. Its Vehicle Dynamic Control system (see below) has Trailer-Stability Assist with yaw sensors to detect any trailer sway or fishtailing, and it applies individual brakes to stabilize the situation. 2700 lb. towing capacity.

The Subaru Eyesight system is a bundle of safety features now standard on Outbacks of this generation: it includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure & sway warnings, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency pre-collision braking. These are made possible by a pair of forward-facing cameras on either side of the rearview mirror (see photos). Also has automatic engine stop-start (can be disabled).

Backup camera has a washer which handily removes mud or snow from that lens when the rear window washer is activated.

Steering-responsive LED headlights. Automatic High Beam Assist (automatically dims when it senses oncoming cars). LED fog lights.

Tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Tilt- as well as height-adjustable headrests. Flip-down rear armrest and beverage holder. 8 cupholders in all: 4 in front, 4 in back. Rear seats recline as well as fold down for more cargo space. Retractable rear cargo cover. 12v power outlet in the rear cargo area.

Two stacked 7" touchscreens in the dash: bottom one is for vehicle utilities and the automatic climate control system (which also has voice-activated controls).

Top one is for multimedia. Handsfree Bluetooth connectivity for your phone and for wireless audio streaming. Integrates with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Subaru Starlink, and Sirius XM.

HD Radio for enhanced sound quality. New JBL speakers in all the doors. Two USB ports plus an 1/8" aux jack are in the dash console.

Audio, Bluetooth, phone, and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.

You can tackle nasty roads with the "X-Mode" feature, which improves AWD in snow or mud, and when driving on steep inclines, either up or down. It uses lower gear ratios and makes the traction control system more sensitive. This mode also activates Hill Descent Control for a constant speed going downhill (<15 mph) so no braking is needed. (X-Mode uses more gas, so it's recommended to turn it back off when driving conditions return to normal.)

Its Auto Vehicle Hold, or "brake hold" feature, enables you to press a button and keep the brakes engaged without putting the vehicle into Park. Back to normal when you step on the gas. Useful for stopping for undetermined amounts of time, such as in a drive-thru or urban rush hour situations.

For stability and safety, Subaru's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system monitors the direction of the car compared to the intended steering direction. It compensates by braking individual wheels and/or altering fuel flow to the engine. Also, the Traction Control System (TCS) senses if any wheels are skidding and redirects power only to those wheels having the best traction.

This model was a Top Safety Pick for 2022 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It comes with 8 airbags (including side-curtain ones, a driver's knee airbag, and dual-stage front ones) as well as Brake Assist and Pre-Collision Braking.

Imperfections (see photos): ding on RH rear door.

But of course this Outback has Subaru's signature All-Wheel Drive transmission!

No hidden fees. Find us at Strictly Subi, 303 E. Bradford, West Union, Iowa 52175, right on Hwy 18. For more photos & info, see our Facebook page "Strictly Subi" and look under Photos/Albums. To try this vehicle out, to find out what else is available or up & coming, or for more info, please contact Aaron at 563-380-4739. Thank you!

VIN: 4S4BTAAC7N3109832