2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, offering a sense of familiarity and luxury. The X5's exterior featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trims and larger wheels, ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Inside, the X5 maintained the brand's signature style, with a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it shared many design elements with other BMW models. The M Sport interior added unique touches like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips, enhancing its sporty appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional Outback, offering a rugged, Jeep-like appearance. It featured a higher ground clearance of 23 centimetres, aggressive all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles. The Wilderness stood out with its unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. While the seats lacked ventilation, they were heated, and the cabin offered practical features like a waterproof cargo tray and robust roof rack. The Wilderness package injected personality into the Outback, appealing to those seeking adventure and off-road capability.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and dynamics were less engaging than expected, with a Lincoln-like feel. Fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using electricity and gas.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for the midsize SUV. However, the CVT's droning and simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, enhanced by its lifted stance, all-terrain tires, and improved suspension and traction systems. It excelled off-road, with a dual-function X-Mode traction system and skid plating, making it the most capable Outback. On pavement, the Wilderness felt quick but limited by its tires, while off-road, it demonstrated impressive climbing and descending abilities.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats offered ample space for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The X5's split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easy, though the doors didn't open wide enough for effortless access to the second row. The xDrive45e model had slightly less cargo space due to its battery, but the difference was minimal for most buyers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. The rear seats provided generous head and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo area measured 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat, with waterproof materials and LED lighting. The Wilderness also had a robust roof rack, supporting a 700-pound static load for rooftop camping.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity features. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was available in other Outback trims.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had limitations, with issues in bright sunlight and rain affecting its performance. The X5 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. EyeSight technology was effective and unobtrusive, though the Wilderness lacked Subaru's DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology. The 2021 Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.