2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained its familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet offered a fresher interior compared to its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The Outback's interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Outdoor XT trim added a touch of adventure with its water-resistant synthetic upholstery and lime green contrast stitching. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding for protection and a few chrome accents. The 2021 model introduced adaptive LED headlights as standard and a new paint option, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, for select trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco was celebrated for its retro styling and off-road prowess. The Bronco lineup expanded with the Everglades and Bronco Raptor models, each designed for specific terrains. The Everglades, for instance, was equipped for swamp trekking with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with features like removable fender flares and a full-size spare mounted on the tailgate. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco offered modern technology, including a digital instrument panel and a large infotainment touchscreen.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was anchored by its 2.5-litre boxer flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine struggled with the Outback's weight, especially when loaded, resulting in sluggish acceleration. The XT trims offered a significant upgrade with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a more capable and quieter driving experience. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and high ground clearance, making it adept at tackling rough roads. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system was proactive, always driving all four wheels and offering additional driving modes for challenging conditions.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine producing 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive across its lineup, with features like a seven-speed manual transmission with a crawl gear and a 10-speed automatic for the V6. The Everglades model excelled in challenging terrains, demonstrating its prowess on muddy trails and steep rock climbs. On-road, the Bronco offered a smoother ride than its competitors, with precise steering and reduced driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, surpassing even some trucks, and offered a spacious interior with 2,144 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent outward visibility. Storage solutions were plentiful, with large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear console climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its generous interior space, with ample headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the four-door hard-top offering up to 2,197 litres with seats folded. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Its utility was enhanced by external hard mounting points and removable fender flares. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, complicating the loading of larger items.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. Despite this, it offered modern features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing semi-automated control on highways, though it relied solely on cameras, limiting its effectiveness in certain conditions.

The 2022 Ford Bronco embraced technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their setups. A forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist were standout features, aiding in navigating challenging terrains. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a strong and stiff chassis, with standard airbags and driver-assist technologies. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests and forward emergency braking.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, including hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Bronco received mixed ratings from safety organizations, with high scores in some areas but lower ratings for rollover protection.