2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2021 Ford Escape, a fourth-generation model, balanced the line between SUV and hatchback. Its curved front and sleek roofline gave it a less truck-like appearance compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. For 2021, the Escape introduced new appearance packages across three of its four trim levels, including the SE Sport Appearance Package, SEL Stealth AWD Package, and Titanium Elite Package. These upgrades featured 19-inch alloy wheels, ActiveX upholstery with Miko Suede seat inserts, and leather-wrapped steering wheels. However, the interior design did not match the cohesive exterior, with low-quality materials and odd design choices like an angular instrument cluster.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its increased ground clearance of 9.5 inches, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique design features such as a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which, while practical, could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The Outback Wilderness also featured a new roof rack system capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for rooftop camping. The cabin included heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ample cargo space with waterproof materials.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a variety of powertrains, including two gasoline engines and hybrid options. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine increased output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, delivering a total system output of 200 hp. The Escape's chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering making it less enjoyable to drive. The 2.0-liter engine models could tow up to 3,500 pounds, but towing figures for the hybrid models were not provided.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Outback Wilderness achieved an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed an average of 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Wilderness trim included all-wheel drive, 17-inch all-terrain tires, and a suspension system designed for off-road capability. The vehicle's approach, breakover, and departure angles were improved, making it the most capable Outback ever. The dual function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control further enhanced its off-road performance.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered competitive interior space, with first-row and second-row headroom and legroom near the top of its segment. The standard sliding rear seat allowed for adjustable legroom or cargo space, with up to 40.7 inches of rear legroom in non-hybrid models. Cargo space varied, with gasoline models offering 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 65.4 cubic feet with the seat folded. Hybrid models had slightly less cargo space due to the battery pack placement.

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 ample space for two adults or three children. 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 included a more robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Ford Escape used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with base models featuring a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Upgrading to the SE trim added an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Titanium trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. While Sync 3 was user-friendly, it lacked the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto found in the newer Sync 4 system.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which controlled most functions except for volume, tuning, and temperature. The voice recognition technology required specific prompts, making it less intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but the Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system option. The vehicle did include PIN code entry technology, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside while engaging in outdoor activities.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, park assist, and Evasive Steering Assist.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 2021.