2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 more challenging 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 GV80 exuded sophistication and elegance with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, nearly 5 metres long, featured 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim, enhancing its stately presence. The exterior's matte Brunswick Green paint added a touch of elegance, while the interior boasted quilted leather seats in a matching dark green. The dashboard was sleek, with horizontal air vents and a centre console featuring three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The GV80's interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a serene environment for occupants.

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. While the CVT offered paddle shifters for manual control, its droning and soft gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, 23 cm of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it capable off-road. It also had improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, along with a dual-function X-Mode traction system for challenging terrains.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. Our tester, equipped with the V6, delivered 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not the quickest in its class, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. The active noise cancellation further enhanced the driving experience, making it a comfortable and quiet ride on long journeys.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant material that kept seats dry but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior offered heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Rear passengers enjoyed generous head and legroom, with heated seats and USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 prioritized luxury and comfort, with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and Nappa leather upholstery. The Ergo driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing features, while the optional third row was best suited for children. The GV80 boasted a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Cargo space was ample, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with seats folded. The GV80's towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for those needing utility.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrated with climate control. While physical knobs were available for volume and tuning, most functions required touchscreen interaction. The voice recognition system was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better alternatives. Despite its target demographic, the Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, albeit cumbersome. The system included handwriting recognition and a head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present, though not wireless. The GV80 also offered remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature in tight spaces.

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. The system, powered by cameras, maintained safe distances and lane centring effectively. The Wilderness also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided a video feed of the blind spot, enhancing safety. The GV80's Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to offer hands-on driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.