2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often likened to a Lexus due to its sleek design and premium aesthetic. Its exterior, from the grille to the elongated profile, closely resembled the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, giving it a distinct and upscale appearance. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims adding more luxurious touches like a digital rearview mirror and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was designed to push the boundaries of the traditional Outback, offering a more rugged and adventurous look. It featured a higher ground clearance of 23 centimetres, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. The Outback Wilderness also introduced a new Geyser Blue paint option and a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and a host of rugged features, making it well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.4 on the highway, making it a standout in its class. Its handling was reliable and typical of a Toyota, offering a comfortable and predictable driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, combined with Subaru's signature all-wheel drive, made the Wilderness capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs. However, its continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less engaging, with a characteristic droning sound and soft gear changes. The Outback Wilderness was designed for off-road adventures, featuring a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system, making it the most capable Outback for tackling challenging terrains.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, including a deep centre console with resizable cup holders and a wireless charging pad. The front seats were comfortable and accommodating, while the rear seats provided ample space for two adults. The Venza's cargo space was 816 litres, which was less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use. The interior was more refined compared to the rugged RAV4, offering a more elegant and spacious feel.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated and offered good adjustability, while the rear seats provided generous head and legroom. The cargo area was spacious, with 920 litres available behind the rear seats and 2,144 litres with the seats folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also included a robust roof rack for additional storage and camping capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited trims featured a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. However, the Venza included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system on higher trims. Toyota also offered connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect for added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that integrated climate control. While physical knobs were provided for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome due to limited voice recognition capabilities. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for better voice assistant functionality. Despite targeting a higher-income demographic, the Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was available on other Outback trims.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional safety technologies available on higher trims. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The EyeSight technology was effective and non-intrusive, providing a Level 2 ADAS experience. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were not available, the standard Outback received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.