2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 enhanced 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 StarTex upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. The Outback Wilderness was designed for those seeking a vehicle with a more robust and purposeful appearance, complete with a roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza presented a more refined and modern aesthetic, reminiscent of a Lexus. It featured a sleek design with a scalloped body side and LED lighting on the tailgate. The Venza's interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a layered dash that took advantage of the steep windshield. The cabin was spacious, offering comfortable seating for five and a range of convenience features, including an available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza was designed for those who valued a sophisticated and quiet driving experience.

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 provided ample power for the 3,896-pound vehicle, with 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 a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though its performance was somewhat hindered by the CVT's droning and soft gear changes. The vehicle's all-wheel drive system, combined with its 23 cm ground clearance and all-terrain tires, made it highly capable off-road, with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system allowed for electric-only operation for short distances and offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. The Venza's regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, contributing to its impressive fuel efficiency. The Venza's performance was characterized by sprightly acceleration and agile handling, making it a suitable choice for everyday driving.

Inside the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, the seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex upholstery, which was practical for outdoor adventures but could become uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a 4-way manual passenger seat. 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 the seats folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also featured a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered a spacious cabin with two rows of seating, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row featured a 60/40-split folding bench seat, allowing for flexible cargo arrangements. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the seats folded flat. The interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and numerous storage compartments. The Venza's cabin was also engineered for quietness, with sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which integrated climate control and dominated the dashboard. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for basic functions, most controls required the use of the touchscreen. The system's voice recognition technology was not as intuitive as it could be, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. Despite its target market, the Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was available on other Outback trims.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention from drivers, making it a convenient choice for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and additional features like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided a range of safety and convenience features, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was powered by cameras mounted near the rearview mirror and was carefully calibrated to maintain its effectiveness. The Outback Wilderness also featured steering-responsive LED headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were not available, the 2021 Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came standard with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. The Venza also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver aids, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features included a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and hill-start assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.