2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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, balanced design with high gray cladding for protection, adaptive LED headlights, and a new brown paint option.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, showcasing a mature design. Its exterior featured a modest grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was well-constructed with high-quality materials, though it appeared dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition aimed to keep the Sequoia relevant, offering a stylish take on the Limited model.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-litre flat-four with 182 horsepower, struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when loaded. The CVT transmission added to its sluggishness. However, the turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four in the XT trims delivered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it offered impressive towing and payload capacities. Despite its weight, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities enhanced by its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension. However, its fuel efficiency lagged behind modern standards.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with rear seats folded. Its design prioritized visibility and storage, featuring clever roof rails with integrated crossbars. However, some features like push-button start and climate vents were only available in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across three rows and three-zone climate control. Its cargo area offered 3,401 litres of space with seats folded, making it ideal for large families. The Sequoia included practical features like a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area, enhancing its utility for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, but it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight provided advanced safety features, though it relied solely on cameras. The large touchscreen, while not perfect, was more cohesive than the base dual-screen setup.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a basic driver information screen. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system in higher trims. Toyota updated the Sequoia's lighting to LED, but its powertrain technology remained dated.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong chassis and comprehensive safety features, earning top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. It included advanced driver-assist technologies and airbags, ensuring high safety standards.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings but featured Toyota Safety Sense P, offering pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and more. Its STAR safety system and comprehensive airbag coverage provided additional protection.