2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, carried a styling that felt older due to significant similarities with its previous generation. The most noticeable update was its distinctive cross-shaped taillights. Subaru's decision to maintain its boxy, upright design was intentional, adhering to what many SUV buyers sought—a rugged, no-nonsense appearance. However, the Base trim's 17-inch steel wheels gave it a plain look. In contrast, the Forester Sport added orange striping along its edges and black 18-inch alloy wheels, transforming its appearance significantly, especially with the dark blue pearl paint on our test car.

Inside, the Forester mirrored its external ruggedness. The interior materials were durable yet visually unremarkable, designed to withstand extensive use. The Sport trim’s orange accents provided a slight visual break from the otherwise utilitarian interior. Different trim levels offered varying degrees of luxury, with the higher trims featuring leather upholstery and the convenience of the All-Weather Package. However, the Forester's shared platform with other Subaru models, including sedans and wagons, was evident and somewhat limited its rugged appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness diverged from the traditional station wagon design, edging closer to a rugged off-roader with increased ground clearance of 9.5 inches. The vehicle's aggressive all-terrain tires, functional bumpers, and oversized fender trims enhanced both its off-road capability and visual appeal. The Outback Wilderness stood out with unique elements like the glare-reducing matte black hood, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness felt plush and practical, thanks to the dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant material simulating leather. While heated seats ensured comfort during cold weather, the lack of ventilated seats was noticeable during warmer conditions. The interior’s dark tones, complemented by copper stitching and gunmetal gray trims, created a cohesive look, enhancing its rugged persona. The increased functionality also extended to its more robust roof rack capable of supporting a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 700 pounds, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a single powertrain option—a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this engine had a boxer configuration, contributing to a lower center of gravity. The power felt adequate in most driving situations but struggled during high-speed merging and overtaking. The Forester's ride was soft, focusing on comfort rather than sharp handling, which resulted in noticeable body roll and bounce on uneven surfaces. Its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was a stand-out feature, with standard X-Mode and hill-descent control enhancing its off-road prowess. However, serious off-roaders might prefer alternatives like the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine shared with the turbo Outback XT models. With 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, this engine offered considerable power for a mid-size crossover. Despite its impressive power, the Outback Wilderness’s CVT detracted from the driving experience with its droning and mushy simulated gear changes. The SUV’s 9.5 inches of ground clearance, combined with all-terrain tires and advanced suspension and traction systems, made it exceptionally capable off-road. The Wilderness excelled on challenging terrains, aided by features like dual-function X-Mode and revised final-drive ratios. On pavement, it offered a balanced ride but felt somewhat restricted by its off-road-oriented tires.

The interior space of the 2021 Subaru Forester was generous, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its tall roofline. The large windows ensured excellent visibility and a spacious feel but also let in significant sunlight. The Forester offered 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded, making it more spacious than some competitors but less so than others with innovative seat configurations. Functional features like large cupholders, a reasonably sized center console, and optional power liftgate enhanced its practicality, though it lacked wireless charging and standard power-adjustable seats in the base trim.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness also provided a functional interior with thoughtful elements like the StarTex upholstery, resisting water and sweat absorption. The front seats offered significant adjustments, ensuring comfort for different body types. However, the lack of ventilated seats was a notable omission on hot days. The rear seat offered generous space and practical features like air vents and USB ports. The cargo area of the Outback measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the seats, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less spacious than the Forester. Its waterproof rear seatbacks and cargo tray, along with ample LED lighting, underscored its readiness for outdoor adventures. The more robust roof rack added extra utility, particularly for those keen on rooftop camping.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's infotainment system featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base model, upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen with the Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, providing seamless smartphone integration. The system was user-friendly, with well-placed physical controls, though it was slow to boot up. Additional secondary screens displayed various vehicle data, but their redundancy could overwhelm some drivers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, dominating the dashboard. While it included physical controls for essential functions, most operations required using the touchscreen. The voice recognition system struggled with natural language commands, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto more reliable alternatives. Despite Subaru targeting affluent, tech-savvy buyers for the Wilderness, the lack of a premium sound system was perplexing. However, the Outback's PIN code entry system provided a practical solution for those leading active lifestyles, allowing them to secure their vehicle without the key fob.

Safety was a strong point for the 2021 Subaru Forester, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Subaru's EyeSight suite, standard on the Forester, included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The unique DriverFocus system monitored driver distraction, setting Subaru apart in safety features. However, some aspects, like the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering’s jerky handling, highlighted room for improvement.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness continued Subaru's commitment to safety with its EyeSight package, which included all the standard features and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness trim's advanced technologies ensured effectiveness despite modifications. Additional safety features included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. Though crash-test results for the Wilderness were pending, the standard Outback's Top Safety Pick+ rating and five-star NHTSA rating predicted excellent performance.