2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a bold departure from the standard Outback, offering a rugged aesthetic that hinted at its off-road capabilities. It featured a higher ride height with 23 centimetres of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The design was further distinguished by a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark grey and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. The Outback Wilderness was positioned as an entry point into the turbocharged Outback family, priced at $41,995 plus a destination charge.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and go-anywhere attitude, was a highly sought-after vehicle. It offered a deep lineup, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor models, which were designed for extreme off-road conditions. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height. Inside, it continued the rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Bronco's technology, including the G.O.A.T. mode dial and a full complement of cameras, enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco offered a surprisingly smooth ride on pavement, making it a versatile choice for both off-road adventures and highway cruising.

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 adequate power for its 3,896-pound weight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 on the highway. The Outback Wilderness featured all-wheel drive, 23 cm of ground clearance, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, making it capable off-road. However, the CVT's droning and soft gear changes detracted from the driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door model, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and four-door models. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident in its ability to tackle challenging terrain, with features like a crawl gear and G.O.A.T. modes. On pavement, the Bronco impressed with its smooth ride and precise steering, making it a versatile performer.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark grey StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way manual adjustment for the passenger. Rear seat space was generous, with ample head and legroom, and the cargo area provided 920 litres behind the rear seats and 2,144 litres with them folded. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the two-door hard top offering up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with them folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, and offered stowable doors for added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which integrated climate control and required the use of the touchscreen for most functions. While physical knobs were provided for volume and tuning, the voice recognition technology was less intuitive than desired. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for improved voice assistant functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for this model.

The 2022 Ford Bronco utilized technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with features like G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco's technology suite included off-road apps and a wireless charging pad, making it both functional and convenient for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was effective and unobtrusive, though the beeping could become excessive. The Outback Wilderness also included steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Additional features like frontal collision warning and blind-spot monitoring were available in higher trims. The Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it high scores in most categories, with an "Acceptable" rating for head restraints and seats.