2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a bold departure from the standard Outback, offering a rugged aesthetic that hinted at its off-road capabilities. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it sat higher than its siblings, resembling more of a Jeep than a traditional station wagon. The Wilderness model featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Its unique design elements, such as a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, set it apart. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark grey and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching adding to its rugged charm. Despite its adventurous spirit, the lack of ventilated seats was a notable omission.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 had evolved from its "cute ute" origins into a mature crossover SUV, often topping sales charts in Canada. Its exterior design was more conventional, with angular wheel arches and expressive headlights giving it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's fit and finish were of high quality, reflecting Toyota's attention to detail. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The interior design was cohesive, with a geometric pattern tying various elements together. The RAV4's cabin was spacious and comfortable, offering ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had 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's CVT, while functional, lacked the engaging feel of a dual-clutch transmission. The Wilderness trim's standout features included all-wheel drive, 23 cm of ground clearance, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. Its off-road prowess was enhanced by improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, as well as a dual-function X-Mode traction system.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Fuel economy ranged from 8.8 L/100 km in the city to 6.8 on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models offered enhanced performance and efficiency, with the Prime boasting 302 hp and an electric-only range of 68 kilometres. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering. Multi-Terrain Select tuning further enhanced its adaptability to various road conditions.

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 for two adults or three children. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat. The Outback's roof rack had a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 1,059 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of 499 to 511 kilograms, depending on the configuration. Towing capacity varied by model, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable, with plenty of space for four adults. The front seats provided ample legroom and were separated by a spacious centre console. Dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which integrated climate control. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. Voice recognition technology was limited, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a surprising omission for this model.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system, navigation, and additional connectivity features. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a head-up display. Wireless smartphone charging and a bird’s-eye view camera system were available on top trims.

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. Steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system were also standard. The Outback Wilderness was expected to maintain the high safety ratings of its predecessors, with the 2021 model earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, offering features like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.