2021 Honda HR-V vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs, which typically featured more traditional and intimidating designs. Its distinctive styling included unique window lines converging near the taillights, housing the rear door handles. Most trims came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport model boasted matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain yet functional, with good material quality and fit. Higher trims offered features like push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with leather upholstery available on the EX-L model.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of a station wagon, resembling more of a Jeep with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires. It featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal. The interior was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but not ventilated, making it less comfortable in hot weather. The cabin offered generous rear seat space and a robust roof rack for rooftop camping. The Outback Wilderness stood out with its rugged design and purposeful modifications, appealing to those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While all-wheel drive was available, front-wheel drive was standard. The HR-V's powertrain was considered underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was deemed ineffective. However, the HR-V's chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda's reputation for fun cars. Its all-wheel-drive system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rough terrain, and it lacked towing capability.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, offering a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim excelled off-road with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles. The CVT, while equipped with paddle shifters, was less satisfying compared to a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Outback Wilderness was capable on challenging terrain, with features like a dual function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control, making it the most capable Outback ever.

The 2021 Honda HR-V offered impressive cargo space for its size, with 58.8 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded down. It surpassed competitors like the Chevrolet Trax and Hyundai Kona in cargo capacity. The HR-V excelled in rear-seat legroom, leading the segment, though front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob, with a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for easy driving position adjustments.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness provided a spacious interior with dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but not ideal for hot weather. The front seats offered power adjustments, and the rear seat was generous for two adults or three kids. 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 Honda HR-V's base LX trim included standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. Upgrading to the Sport trim provided a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was functional but lacked the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto found in many competitors. The two available USB ports were conveniently located ahead of the shifter.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but 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 featured PIN code entry technology, allowing keyless access for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Honda Sensing safety features were available on higher trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology was effective, maintaining safe distances and lane centering. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.