2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous aesthetic. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was designed to tackle tougher terrains, resembling a Jeep more than a station wagon. The model featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Its unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, all complemented by a new Geyser Blue paint option. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, Anodized Copper stitching, and all-weather floor mats, creating a durable and functional interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S aimed for a blend of luxury and performance. The Type S Ultra trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for quality and driving dynamics. The MDX featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, giving it a sporty yet subtle appearance. Inside, the MDX boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, including a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. Despite its luxurious appeal, some design choices, like the gloss black dashboard trim, detracted from its usability, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

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 Outback's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 on the highway, though real-world testing showed an average of 11.0 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Wilderness trim's standout features included a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power increase over the standard MDX, the Type S's performance enhancements, including a 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), didn't fully translate into a cohesive driving experience. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 L/100 km during testing, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating. While the MDX offered various driving modes and an adaptive air suspension, its performance was marred by an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation, making it less satisfying for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could become uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way manual adjustment for the passenger, with heated seats standard. The rear seat provided ample head and legroom, along with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The cargo area offered 920 litres of space behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat, complemented by a waterproof cargo tray and robust roof rack for additional storage.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided a spacious and functional interior with three rows of seating and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating available in the outboard positions. The MDX's cargo area offered 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited room for small items.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the system required learning specific voice commands, it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for better voice assistant functionality. However, the lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for this model.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. The infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for operation, which could be cumbersome compared to traditional touchscreens. Despite this, the MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In for enhanced connectivity. The Type S Ultra trim included a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering impressive sound quality. Additionally, the MDX provided a head-up display and AcuraLink connected services, though some features required a subscription.

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 effective and unobtrusive, maintaining safe distances and lane positioning. The Outback also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following. The MDX also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble and occasional false notifications were drawbacks. Despite these issues, the MDX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.