2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by a massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The SUV's exterior was further enhanced by large wheel arches and elegant aluminum-alloy wheels, while the rear echoed the front's design with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and metal finishes, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, offering a rugged, Jeep-like appearance with 9.5 inches of ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires. Its unique design included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, along with a matte black hood decal to reduce glare. The interior featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. Despite this, the Outback Wilderness provided practical features like heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a robust roof rack, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's suspension system included independent multi-link suspension and, on 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T models had a curb weight between 4,506 and 4,850 lbs, while the 3.5T models weighed between 4,907 and 5,104 lbs. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with RWD, and 21/25/22 with AWD, while the 3.5T AWD was rated at 18/23/20.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 3,896 pounds, it offered a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, though its performance was less engaging compared to a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Wilderness trim stood out with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. It also included a dual-function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control, making it highly capable off-road. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed an average of 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack included a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The second row was spacious for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, though it was not available on other trims.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a practical interior with dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment and the front passenger seat 8-way power adjustment. The rear seat provided ample space for two adults or three children, 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 flat. The Outback Wilderness also featured a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected features, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 included three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, providing various remote and guidance features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The standard audio system had 12 speakers, with an optional Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system offering 21 speakers and 1050 watts of amplification.

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

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. It came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

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. It also featured 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. While crash-test results were not available, the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 2021.