2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a standout in its class, offering a rugged design that pushed the boundaries of a traditional station wagon. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was equipped with aggressive all-terrain tires and restyled bumpers that improved its approach and departure angles. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its distinctive look. Inside, the cabin featured dark grey StarTex upholstery, a black headliner, and Anodized Copper stitching, creating a cohesive and purposeful interior. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $41,995, making it an entry point into the turbocharged Outback family in Canada.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a classic and mature design, having been in its second generation for 14 years. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, with a substantial presence due to its dimensions. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and ample space for passengers. The Sequoia's Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the SUV relevant.

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 a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, 23 cm of ground clearance, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, making it capable off-road. Its dual-function X-Mode traction system and revised final-drive ratios allowed it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. However, the CVT's droning and simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience on pavement.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride on highways and was capable off-road, especially in the TRD Pro model with Fox shocks. Its fuel consumption ratings were 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark grey StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The rear seats offered generous head and legroom, with heated seats and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,144 litres with them folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating.

The Toyota Sequoia offered spacious and comfortable seating across all three rows, with three-zone climate control and a standard power moonroof. Heated front seats were standard, with heated rear seats available on the Platinum grade. The Sequoia's cargo compartment featured a 12-volt outlet and 535 litres of space behind the third row. With the third row folded, it offered 1,886 litres, and with both the second and third rows folded, it provided 3,401 litres of cargo space.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrated with climate control. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was limited, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was surprising given its target demographic.

The Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. The Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain advancements.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness was expected to perform well in crash tests, with the standard Outback earning top safety ratings.

The Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, offering pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. It also had a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sequoia's STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. However, crash-test ratings for the Sequoia were not available.