2022 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a refined design, riding on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, which it shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. This platform provided a solid foundation for the Venza, which measured 4,739 millimetres in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height, with a ground clearance of 196 mm. Its exterior design was sleek and modern, with a distinctive scalloped body side and a prominent nose, making it more suited for urban environments than rugged terrains. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display, providing a comfortable and elegant driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance, with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper. The Outback's design changes were complemented by practical features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The interior of the Outback, especially in the Limited trim, was comfortable and well-equipped, with premium Nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and ample legroom for passengers. Despite some wind noise on the highway, the Outback's cabin was generally comfortable, and its high ground clearance made it easy to enter and exit the vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup allowed the Venza to balance electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance, with the electric motors at the rear axle providing all-wheel drive capabilities. Drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, suitable for family use and urban environments.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, came with a standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided adequate power for city driving, it struggled with passing and climbing, and its fuel efficiency was less than expected. For those seeking more power, the Outback XT models offered a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of reduced fuel efficiency. The Outback's suspension provided a comfortable ride, and its all-wheel drive system, combined with X-Mode traction, made it capable off-road.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered seating for five, with comfortable front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench. The cabin provided good headroom and legroom, and the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space. The Venza's cargo capacity was impressive, with 816 litres available behind the second row and up to 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking materials throughout.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility, with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills for easy access. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front and rear seats, wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback's cargo space was generous, with 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seats folded. While the Outback's interior was comfortable, it could benefit from more practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with a hybrid powertrain that required no charging infrastructure, making it convenient for drivers without access to home charging stations. The Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while higher trims offered a 12.3-inch display, a JBL audio system, and a head-up display. Toyota's Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical controls for essential functions, but the voice recognition system was lacking. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which offered forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering. The Outback received top safety ratings from the IIHS, but the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were less impressive in terms of user experience.