2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous design. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was equipped with all-terrain tires and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark grey and black tones with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. The Outback Wilderness was designed to stand out with its exclusive Geyser Blue paint and robust roof rack, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a vehicle with a distinct personality and purpose.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was styled with a sporty flair, drawing inspiration from the Camaro. The RS trim, in particular, featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, adding a touch of sophistication. The Blazer's exterior was marked by a two-tone paint option and revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier version. Inside, the Blazer offered a comfortable and spacious cabin with power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Blazer's design was appealing, though some elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, gave it an unfinished appearance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided ample power for its 3,896-pound weight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 23 cm ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems like the dual-function X-Mode. However, the CVT's droning and soft gear changes detracted from the driving experience on pavement.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 with 308 horsepower. The V6, available on higher trims, provided satisfying acceleration and a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. The Blazer's nine-speed automatic transmission and driving modes, including Sport and Tow/Haul, catered to various driving conditions. While the Blazer RS felt firm and sporty in city and highway driving, its performance on winding roads was less impressive, with slow downshifts and artificial steering heft in Sport mode.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The rear seat offered generous head and legroom, while the cargo area provided 920 litres of space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback's robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The Chevrolet Blazer RS boasted a spacious cabin with black leather upholstery and red accents. The front seats offered power adjustment and optional ventilation, while the rear seat could slide to adjust passenger or cargo space. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded. Storage solutions included a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer's power liftgate, available with hands-free operation, provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for basic functions, the touchscreen was necessary for most operations. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for this model.

The Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen display with simple physical controls and innovative temperature adjustment rings on the air vents. The Blazer's infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the RS trim offered a premium Bose audio system. The Blazer's technology package included a range of driver assistance features, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was effective and unobtrusive, providing a Level 2 ADAS experience. The Outback also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system.

The Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, offering forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. The Blazer's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were effective, though its headlights did not receive high ratings from the IIHS.