2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Genesis GV70

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 rougher 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 Genesis GV70 exuded luxury and sophistication, drawing styling cues from the G70 compact luxury sedan. Its design featured split-bar headlights and a chrome line that suggested a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. The GV70's interior was a testament to Genesis's luxury credentials, with high-quality materials and a contemporary yet classic design. The dashboard housed a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a blend of modern technology and traditional functionality. The GV70 was available in various trims, each offering a range of luxury features, from Nappa leather seating to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided ample power for its 3,896-pound frame, 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 Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, enhanced by a taller stance, 23 cm of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. It also boasted improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The GV70's performance was a blend of power and refinement, with the V6 providing extra grunt for enthusiasts. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering dual electric motors, delivering 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It offered a range of 383 kilometres and could charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes on a fast charger.

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 were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. Rear seat space was generous, with ample head and legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and dual USB ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,144 litres with them folded flat. The roof rack was robust, supporting a 700-pound static load for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use. The hands-free power liftgate added convenience. The front seats were comfortable, with easy adjustments, while the rear seats offered less legroom, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats. The rear bench reclined for added comfort. The GV70's interior featured large cupholders, a centre console tray, and a bin for storage.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering physical knobs for volume and tuning. However, the voice recognition technology was limited, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preferable options. Despite its target demographic, the Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was available in other Outback trims.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus. A rotary dial and buttons in the centre console provided additional control, though the proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo, with options for a Lexicon 18-speaker system and digital key.

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. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness was expected to maintain the high safety ratings of standard Outbacks, which received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The 2.5T Advanced Plus trim added a blind-spot camera and 360-degree parking camera, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 came standard with most of these features. The GV70 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.