Consumers buying a midsize SUV are looking for a comfortable, quiet cabin, and you don’t have to buy a luxury car to get it. Which car manufacturer makes the quietest new SUVs? A recent Consumer Reports study (by subscription) identifies the ten quietest mainstream midsize SUVs you can buy today. The 2022 Subaru Outback now ranks seventh in its class and joins the compact Subaru Impreza and Legacy sedan as best at keeping the noise out.

Because it’s hard for SUV buyers to determine how quiet a vehicle is during a short test drive, Consumer Reports tests all models to determine the best new cars with the quietest cabins. CR’s interior noise tests show that the midsize consumer models listed below are the quietest. All ten models performed well in road tests, have good reliability, have active safety features and scored the best of crash tests.

Photo credit: Subaru Competition

The 10 Quietest Mid-Size Consumer SUVs

For long road trips this summer, buyers want a leisurely ride. CR has identified the ten best models you can buy today.

The Kia Telluride ranks first, followed by the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Passport, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Outback, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas.

photo credit: Subaru Competition

Why the Subaru Outback is in the top 10

Consumer Reports says, “Yes, it looks more like a raised wagon than an SUV, but the Outback is a formidable contender, thanks to its solid feel and super-comfortable ride that surpasses even some luxury SUVs.” The XT trim’s four-cylinder engine gives the Outback effortless punch. It also has a much quieter behavior than the base engine. The XT’s interior is well-trimmed and keeps most noise where it belongs outside the cabin.

What is the price of the 2022 Outback?

The 2022 Outback is available in eight trim levels; base trim is priced at $28,820, Premium ($31,020), Limited ($35,470), Touring ($39,370), Onyx Edition XT ($37,020), new for 2022, Outback Wilderness ($38 $870), Limited XT ($39,870) and Touring XT ($41,820). Price includes $1,175 destination and
shipping cost.

With gas prices average $5.00 per gallonfuel consumption is essential on road trips.

The 2022 Outback XT 2.4-liter turbo’s EPA fuel economy rating is 23/30 mpg city/highway and 26 mpg combined. Estimated fuel economy for the standard 2.5-liter engine is 26/33 mpg city/highway and 29 mpg combined.

The EPA says the new 2022 Outback Wilderness gets about 22/26 mpg city/highway and 24 mpg combined. The 2021 Outback XT with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA estimated 23/30 mpg city/highway and 26 mpg combined.

What’s next for the 2023 Subaru Outback?

Customers may want to wait for the recently updated 2023 Outback. The midsize Outback SUV gets new updates with a redesigned front fascia, the latest version of EyeSight safety technology and a new wide-angle mono camera. Subaru has also updated the Outback’s infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Ahead of the refreshed 2023 Outback’s arrival, Consumer Reports now ranks the 2022 Outback among the top ten midsize SUVs with the quietest cabins.

You might also like: Meet the Refreshed 2023 Subaru Outback – All the Details and Pictures

Denis Flierl has invested more than 30 years in the automotive industry in an advisory role with all major automotive brands. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check Subaru report where it covers all models of the Japanese manufacturer. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitterand instagram.

Subaru Report – We have what you need! Check back tomorrow for more unique and informative SUBARU news, reviews and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with your friends and tweet it to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru Competition