2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The exterior boasted standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and more modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was refined with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of colour options for both the exterior and interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, offering a rugged design that was closer to a Jeep. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires, the Outback Wilderness was built for adventure. Its unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal. The interior featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The cabin was equipped with heated seats and dual-zone climate control, ensuring comfort in colder conditions. The Outback Wilderness also offered generous rear seat space and a robust roof rack, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though its performance was less engaging compared to a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Outback Wilderness 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, though its on-road performance was limited by its tires. The Outback Wilderness was designed for adventure, offering a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered versatile seating arrangements with comfortable first and second rows, and a third row suitable for smaller passengers. The second row featured a removable centre section and could slide to balance legroom. The MDX provided ample cargo space, with up to 2,690 litres available with the seats folded. The power tailgate included convenient features like Hands-Free Access and customizable opening height. Interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured water-repellant StarTex upholstery, which was practical but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The cabin offered generous rear seat space and a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded. The Outback Wilderness was designed for practicality, with waterproof materials and LED lighting in the cargo area.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a range of features like Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MDX also included a head-up display, surround-view camera, and WiFi hotspot, ensuring a connected and convenient driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While it included physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was available in other Outback trims.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured an advanced safety structure with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and a range of safety features, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The MDX's front end was designed with pedestrian safety in mind, and it included a low-speed braking control system for added protection.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology was effective and unobtrusive, providing a high level of safety. The standard Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for 2021.