2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned in 2020, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. Its interior, especially in higher trims, offered a fresh look with an 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Outdoor XT trim featured durable, water-resistant upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback maintained a smooth, plain design with high gray cladding for protection, adaptive LED headlights, and a new brown paint option. Despite its updates, it remained a lifted wagon, offering a unique alternative to typical crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, with a rugged trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. Its side profile introduced a swooping character line, adding visual weight. The rear echoed the grille design, resulting in a somewhat disjointed appearance compared to competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment screen. The Bronze Edition added unique touches like bronze wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, though the latter was prone to dirt. Overall, the Highlander Hybrid's design and materials were less cohesive and convincing than some rivals.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-litre flat-four engine with 182 horsepower, which struggled under heavy loads due to its limited power and CVT. The turbocharged 2.4-litre engine in the XT trims offered a significant improvement with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a smoother and quieter ride. The Outback excelled in off-road conditions with its high ground clearance and proactive AWD system, making it more capable than many crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with a hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. Its AWD system used an electric motor for the rear axle, offering decent acceleration and a smooth ride. The CVT contributed to a droning engine sound under heavy acceleration, but the braking system was seamless. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a quiet cabin and soft suspension, making it suitable for family travel.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. Its design ensured excellent visibility and ample storage options. However, some features like push-button start and climate vents were not standard on lower trims. The integrated roof rails and crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable front seats with ample adjustments and storage options. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs, while the third row was less accommodating. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with seats folded. The Highlander offered practical features like a power moonroof and USB ports, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared outdated, but it included modern features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EyeSight system provided good semi-automated control, though it relied solely on cameras, affecting performance in certain conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch standard touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with additional features like a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid's technology met expectations but didn't exceed them.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong chassis and comprehensive safety features, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It included standard driver-assist technologies, with additional features on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also received high safety ratings, with a five-star NHTSA score and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS. It came equipped with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and other standard safety features, though some systems required fine-tuning.