2022 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Toyota Venza had a history of attempts, with a previous model from 2009 to 2015 that didn't make a significant impact. Reintroduced in 2021, the Venza was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with several other successful Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 186.6 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 65.9 inches in height, the Venza was on the smaller side of the midsize crossover SUV segment. Its design was sleek and modern, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose, making it more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats could comfortably accommodate three adults.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. The aggressive appearance was further enhanced by a simulated skid plate, fog lights, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim. The Onyx Edition, available with both the base and turbocharged powertrains, offered black wheels and trim that complemented the bold cladding. The Outback's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was luxurious with Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery and a host of comfort features. The vehicle's practicality was evident in its easy entry and exit, ample cargo space, and robust roof rack. However, wind noise on the highway was a minor drawback.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance, with options for electric-only operation for short distances. Drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes to tailor the performance. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, and the Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, similar to the Camry. It was designed as a midsize family hauler, providing a comfortable ride without encouraging aggressive cornering.

The 2023 Subaru Outback used horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the vehicle felt underpowered, especially when passing or climbing. The EPA estimated 28 mpg in combined driving, but real-world tests returned 25.6 mpg. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better acceleration and responsiveness. The XT models, however, were less fuel-efficient, rated at 25 mpg combined, with the Wilderness trim at 23 mpg. All Outback models featured a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission and an Active Torque Split AWD system. The Outback excelled in off-road conditions and provided excellent visibility and maneuverability in urban settings. However, the standard engine's performance was lackluster, and the turbocharged option was recommended for those seeking better power.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, making it comfortable for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat. The Venza had a lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats, which did not significantly impact cargo capacity. It offered 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Toyota focused on making the Venza's cabin quiet and serene, with extensive sound-blocking and absorbing materials.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a thigh support bolster, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, and heated and ventilated seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The rear outboard seats were also heated. The Outback provided ample legroom and comfort for long trips, though wind noise was noticeable on the highway. The vehicle's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, and the cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Outback's practical storage solutions included a dashboard storage shelf and a versatile roof rack.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention from the driver. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used the navigation system to optimize battery charging based on driving habits. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the Limited added a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Both setups included Toyota Connected Services, such as Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim included a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Venza's infotainment system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate settings. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. Higher trims offered wireless connectivity for Apple and Android platforms, access to Starlink connected services, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The voice-recognition system was subpar, often failing to understand commands. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera. However, a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. It also had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, enhancing pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Outback Limited and Touring offered a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems were less impressive, with artificial steering feel. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, causing jarring stops.