2023 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance. It featured a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding, simulating large air intakes at each corner. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model contributed to its bold look. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint colour could help tone down the design's excesses. The Outback Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding well. The Limited trim, with its Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, offered an upscale and cohesive interior, despite some hard plastic elements. The large infotainment screen and gloss black trim, however, were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2023 Ford Bronco stood out with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering across nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a throwback white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for aesthetics; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" aided in cargo securing and vehicle corner awareness. The interior maintained a rugged theme with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery. While not as refined as typical SUVs, the Bronco's interior was designed for durability, with sturdy handholds and practical features like a grid-like mesh on seat backs for attaching accessories.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the CVT made good use of this power at lower speeds, passing and climbing power was limited. The Outback's towing capacity was 1,225 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was below expectations, with a combined rating of 9.2 L/100 km, despite an official rating of 8.3 L/100 km. The turbocharged XT models offered a more responsive 2.4-litre flat-four engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, though they were less fuel-efficient. All Outbacks came with an Active Torque Split AWD system and an X-Mode traction system for challenging terrain. The Outback excelled in off-road conditions and city driving, but the standard engine lacked urgency, especially at higher speeds or elevations. The suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, and the Outback handled well, though it wasn't a sports station wagon.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices. The base 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, available only with the automatic. The top-tier Raptor featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos had a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most adventures, while the V6 suited the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine offered exhilarating power. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. It tracked well on highways and was quieter than a Wrangler. While the Bronco's high-riding dimensions required care on curving roads, it felt confident overall. Maneuvering the four-door model was aided by cameras, making it less stressful than expected.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered comfort with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback provided ample legroom and storage space, with 923 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the back seat folded. The vehicle's height made entry and exit easy, and the robust roof rack was ready for accessories. However, more practical storage space could be added by redesigning the transmission shifter.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape maximized interior space, with ample room in both the two-door and four-door models. The four-door model offered easier access to the rear seats. Up front, the Bronco featured netted door pockets, a rubberized tray for phones, and options for accessory rails atop the dash. The two-door Bronco had 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with seats folded, while the four-door offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

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 control. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with subscription-based Starlink services. A navigation system and Harman Kardon premium audio were available on higher trims. The infotainment system was improved but still had confusing graphics. The voice recognition system was limited, making smartphone connectivity essential. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains, making off-roading accessible to novices. Numerous camera views aided in tight confines, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed sharp turns. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and FordPass Connect. A wireless charging pad was optional, and a 12-inch infotainment display was recommended for ease of use.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was recognized for its safety, with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster supporting pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The IIHS awarded it top marks, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Outback Premier XT added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better detection. While the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking were effective, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash test results from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Mid package added enhanced driver assistance features, while the High and Luxe packages offered additional safety technologies. Compared to conventional SUVs, the Bronco's test scores and feature availability were limited, but the driver assistance systems functioned without false alarms.