2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the standard Outback models. It featured a higher stance with 23 centimetres of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its distinctive look. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark grey and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching, creating a purposeful and robust interior environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander showcased a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and third-row window design gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, navy blue exterior, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander offered a range of trims, each adding various features, from the base LE with standard AWD and an 8-inch touchscreen to the luxurious Platinum trim with premium amenities.

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. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, enhanced ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it highly capable off-road. However, the CVT's performance was less satisfying during aggressive driving, and the tires limited on-road handling.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Its eight-speed automatic transmission offered a tap-shift function and drive modes for varied conditions. The Highlander excelled in highway cruising and overtaking, with a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim enhancing its handling. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families needing both space and capability.

Inside the Subaru Outback Wilderness, the StarTex upholstery provided water resistance, though it could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The cabin offered generous space for passengers, with heated front and rear seats and dual-zone climate control. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,144 litres with them folded. The robust roof rack supported rooftop camping, adding to its adventure-ready appeal.

The Toyota Highlander offered up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With all seats in use, it provided 453 litres behind the third row. The cabin featured numerous storage solutions, including deep door pockets and a spacious centre console. The XSE trim's second-row captain’s chairs added comfort and accessibility, though the third row was best suited for short trips.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate controls. While it included physical knobs for basic functions, other controls required touchscreen interaction. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though voice recognition was less intuitive. A premium audio system was notably absent from this trim.

The Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and premium JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

The 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 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for 2021.

The Toyota Highlander included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, offering forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its comprehensive safety offerings.