2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. Its interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a fresh design with a bright 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The quality of materials was evident, with substantial window switches and dash padding. The Outdoor XT trim offered a unique touch with water-resistant synthetic upholstery and lime green stitching, adding a playful yet practical element. 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 brown paint option, while still embodying the essence of a lifted wagon.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer presented a more athletic appearance, thanks to its rear-drive platform that allowed for a long hood and rakish roofline. The blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect, enhancing its modern look. The Explorer's interior, especially in higher trims, offered a mix of quality materials, though some elements hinted at its base trim origins. The cabin was generally well-appointed, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated seats available in fully equipped models. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The Explorer's design emphasized a sporty aesthetic, with practical storage space somewhat lacking compared to its competitors.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was defined by its two engine options. The base 2.5-litre flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered its performance, making it slow and noisy. However, the turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine available in the XT trims transformed the Outback's capabilities, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a quieter and smoother ride, with improved acceleration and the ability to keep up with traffic. The Outback's handling was forgiving, with a focus on comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced all-wheel-drive system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a good balance of power and efficiency, with a towing capacity of up to 2,400 kilograms. The Explorer also offered a hybrid option with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, delivering 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. For those seeking maximum power, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard in the ST and Platinum trims, produced 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kilograms. The Explorer's ride was robust and capable, with a focus on off-road performance, especially in the Timberline model.

The 2021 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space and practicality. With 2,144 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised, it offered ample room for storage. The cabin provided excellent headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats. Visibility was superb, aided by thin pillars and a low shoulder height. The Outback's interior featured clever storage solutions, including large map pockets and bottle holders, though some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were not standard on lower trims. The standout feature was the standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was limited in space, making it suitable only for children. The Explorer's interior featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a power-adjustable steering wheel in higher trims. Storage space was somewhat lacking, with missed opportunities for additional compartments. The cargo area offered 528 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded and 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated with graphics reminiscent of older technology. The system included standard features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with optional navigation. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could limit its effectiveness in certain conditions.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and a premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system lagged behind Ford's newer Sync 4 technology, particularly in voice recognition capabilities. The Explorer also included a digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0 in higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. It offered a range of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.

The 2022 Ford Explorer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Explorer also offered Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. While the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, the previous year's ratings were mostly five stars, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.