2022 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height, all contributing to its off-road prowess. Inside, it maintained a rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and sealed switches, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. The Bronco also integrated modern technology, such as G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it both a capable off-roader and a tech-savvy vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper. The Outback offered a range of trims, including the Onyx Edition with black wheels and trim. Inside, the Limited trim featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and a cohesive interior design. The Outback was praised for its comfort, with heated seats and a heated steering wheel, making it a cozy choice for colder climates. Its practicality was evident with a generous cargo space and a robust roof rack, although the infotainment system's usability and voice recognition left room for improvement.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came with a choice of two engines: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like a seven-speed manual transmission with a crawl gear and a 10-speed automatic for the V6. It excelled in challenging terrains, such as deep water crossings and steep rock climbs, while maintaining a smooth ride on highways. The Bronco's steering was precise, and it offered a comfortable ride, making it a versatile choice for both off-road and on-road adventures.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While it provided adequate power for city driving, it struggled with passing and climbing. The Outback XT models offered a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its suspension offered a comfortable ride. However, the standard engine's fuel efficiency was disappointing, and the turbocharged engine came at a higher cost.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top accommodating up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, enhancing its utility.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated seats and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback's cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the back seat folded. Its roof rails and rack were robust, ready for tying down items. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Bronco's technology was designed to keep the driver engaged while providing confidence in challenging terrains.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, the system's graphics and voice recognition were less impressive. The Outback included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, enhancing visibility. While the infotainment system worked well, the voice recognition system was frustratingly ineffective.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received a four-star rating for frontal crash protection from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS for frontal, side, and roof strength tests.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Outback received top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. The EyeSight system included new features like Automatic Emergency Steering, enhancing safety. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were less impressive, with a distinctly artificial feel.