2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, offered a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with unique styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional Outback, offering a rugged design that leaned more towards an off-road vehicle. It boasted 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique styling elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery that mimicked leather. While the seats were heated, the lack of ventilation was noticeable on hot days. The Outback Wilderness also featured a robust roof rack system, capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model, X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i, was equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offered up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the connected drive experience typical of BMW. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, while the xDrive45e reached 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 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 the midsize SUV, though the CVT's performance was less satisfying during aggressive driving. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems like the dual-function X-Mode. On pavement, the Wilderness felt quick but was limited by its tires. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were highlighted during testing on challenging trails, where it demonstrated impressive climbing and descending abilities.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats offered ample space for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The X5's split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easier, though the doors did not open very wide, complicating access to the second row. The cargo area was spacious, even in the plug-in hybrid model, though slightly reduced compared to the traditional X5.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated and offered power adjustments, while the rear seats provided generous space for passengers, along with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and expanded to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack, capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay had a tendency to take over musical operations unexpectedly. Additional features included a panoramic moonroof, navigation, and a range of optional upgrades like a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and massaging seats. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once mastered.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the voice recognition technology required specific prompts, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, it included a PIN code entry system, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or light rain. The X5 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly Good ratings from the IIHS, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized the effectiveness of its EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The EyeSight technology performed well during testing, maintaining safe distances and lane centering. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.