2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a bold statement, while the character line along its side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus model, added a touch of elegance. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier front end and suspension tuning, though it was more about appearance than performance. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with tan leather seats, dark brown accents, and wood details, emphasizing comfort and convenience over sportiness.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, resembling more of a Jeep with its 23 cm ground clearance and rugged design. It featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and improved approach and departure angles. The unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its distinctive look. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. The Outback Wilderness was designed for adventure, with a robust roof rack and waterproof cargo features, making it a standout choice for those seeking off-road capability.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, it provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained more focused on comfort than performance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) detracted from the driving experience with its droning and soft gear changes. The Wilderness trim excelled off-road, with 23 cm of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual function X-Mode traction system. It was capable of tackling challenging terrain, making it ideal for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered a spacious interior with three rows of seating. The front featured large shelves for storage, while the second row provided ample legroom with available captain's chairs. The third row was more suitable for children, and cargo space ranged from 453 litres behind the third row to 2,245 litres with all seats folded. However, the placement of rear-seat climate control vents on the ceiling was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted a practical interior with StarTex upholstery, though it lacked ventilated seats. The front seats were heated, and the driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment. Rear passengers enjoyed generous head and legroom, along with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seat folded. The robust roof rack supported rooftop camping, enhancing its adventure-ready appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on the Platinum trim. While navigation was available from the Limited grade, it struggled with points of interest. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL audio system, available from the Limited grade, offered decent sound quality.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control. While physical knobs were provided for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. Voice recognition was limited, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. Surprisingly, the Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was available on other Outback trims.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness included the EyeSight suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.