2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since its 2005 launch, continued to impress with its luxurious design and features. The 2018 refresh, which carried over into 2021, introduced a dual-screen center console that became a hallmark of Land Rover interiors. This model offered a variety of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and a premium sound system, to the high-end Autobiography with 22-way power-adjustable seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition trims catered to performance enthusiasts with a powerful V8 engine and sport seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness redefined the Outback's identity, pushing it closer to an off-road vehicle with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance and rugged design elements. It featured aggressive all-terrain tires, a unique grille, and a matte black hood decal. Inside, the Outback Wilderness offered a practical yet stylish cabin with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and a robust roof rack for outdoor adventures. The interior was designed for comfort and utility, with heated seats and ample cargo space, making it a versatile choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base P360 mild-hybrid system, which delivered 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition provided options for a plug-in hybrid with 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque or a diesel engine with 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 hp, while the SVR models pushed the limits with 575 hp. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, offering impressive off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds.

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 CVT, provided a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Outback Wilderness excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems. It featured a dual-function X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, enhancing its off-road prowess. While the CVT offered paddle shifters for manual control, its performance was less engaging compared to a traditional automatic transmission.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows provided ample space and comfort, while the third row was best suited for children.

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

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was defined by its dual-screen center console, with the lower screen managing climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen handling infotainment. While the system had a learning curve, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system's dials allowed for easy control of various functions, though the overall interface could be more intuitive.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the voice recognition technology required learning 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, but it included a convenient PIN code entry system for keyless access.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available at an extra cost.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized safety with its EyeSight ADAS, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While it lacked Subaru's DriverFocus technology, the Outback Wilderness's EyeSight system was effective and user-friendly. The 2021 Outback received high safety ratings, though specific results for the 2022 model were unavailable.