2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced for the 2015 model year, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim level was dropped, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim came with 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added features like heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, and upgraded cloth and leatherette seats. Various styling packages and driver assistance features were available for the LT trim.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. The interior featured dark gray StarTex water-repellant upholstery, heated front seats, and a black headliner. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack system capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for rooftop camping. The cabin was designed for durability and practicality, with waterproof materials and all-weather floor mats.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over potholes, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and better driving experiences.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback Wilderness had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, but the CVT's droning and soft gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Wilderness trim included all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it highly capable off-road.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, though the rear seats lacked bolstering for long-distance comfort. The front seats had multiple storage trays, and the low cupholder placement accommodated large water bottles. The Trax provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat could also fold flat for larger items. However, there was no option for a power liftgate.

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

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics, complemented by hard buttons and dials. The Trax also featured two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness had an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment and climate control system. While it included physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was not very responsive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, it featured PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera, with additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection available in the LT Convenience Package. However, many advanced safety features were not available.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with Subaru's EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness did not include Subaru's DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology. The 2021 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.