2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. Its subtle yet effective design changes conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec Package added sporty interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, enhancing the overall sporty feel. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a rugged look with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles. It featured a unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was practical with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and a black headliner. The Outback Wilderness was designed for off-road adventures, with features like a robust roof rack and waterproof cargo area, making it stand out from standard Outbacks.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and an optional SH-AWD system, which improved handling by distributing up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. However, the A-Spec Package lacked adaptive dampers, which would have improved handling on uneven roads.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The Outback Wilderness featured a CVT with eight programmed ratios, but its droning and soft simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Wilderness trim offered 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual function X-Mode traction system, making it highly capable off-road. However, on pavement, the tires limited its handling capabilities.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, making them less comfortable. The cargo area measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Acura also provided additional storage compartments under the cargo floor, making it practical for carrying various items.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger, with effective dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seat provided generous space for two adults or three kids, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console. While it mirrored the screen and was an improvement over Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific. However, the TTI system was not ideal for everyone, especially those accustomed to touchscreen controls.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness had an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control. However, most functions required using the touchscreen, and the voice recognition technology was not very responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, offering better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was surprising given its target demographic. However, it featured PIN code entry technology, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured EyeSight, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness lacked Subaru's DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology. The standard Outback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.