2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Subaru Outback had a familiar and comfortable feel, reminiscent of older Subaru models. Despite its redesign in 2020, the Outback maintained its traditional analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms. However, the interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base model, which featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display. This display was surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, giving it a modern look. The Onyx Edition XT, in particular, stood out with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching, adding a touch of flair to the otherwise conservative design. The exterior of the Outback was characterized by its high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, providing a practical and balanced appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco boasted attractive retro styling and a go-anywhere attitude, making it one of the most sought-after vehicles. The Bronco lineup expanded with the introduction of the Everglades model, designed for swamp trekking and deep water with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height enhancing its off-road capabilities. The interior continued this theme with features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs in the floor, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. The Bronco also offered advanced technology, including the G.O.A.T. mode dial and a full complement of cameras, making it both rugged and modern.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine struggled to move the vehicle, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered its capabilities. The XT trim offered a significant improvement with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a quieter, smoother, and more powerful driving experience. The Outback's fuel economy was decent, with the base engine achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT managed 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its long-travel springs, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and Subaru's electronically-variable all-wheel drive system.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The four-cylinder engine could be paired with a seven-speed manual transmission, featuring a crawl gear for low-speed driving, while the V6 came with a 10-speed automatic. Both engines provided ample power for various driving conditions. The Bronco's off-road prowess was impressive, with models like the Everglades conquering challenging terrain with ease. The Bronco also performed well on pavement, offering a smoother and more comfortable ride compared to its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler. Wind noise was a minor issue, but overall, the Bronco excelled in both off-road and on-road performance.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, surpassing that of many larger vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford F-150. This allowed the Outback to navigate rough terrain without the drawbacks of being oversized. Inside, the Outback provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide, flat, and free of obstructions. The Outback's seats were comfortable and supportive, with ample headroom and legroom. Visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and a low shoulder height. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior. Headroom and legroom were abundant, even for taller passengers. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some effort, but the four-door model offered easier entry. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top providing up to 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with them folded. The four-door hard top increased these figures to 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, including large armrest bins, netted door pockets, and rubberized phone trays. External hard mounting points and removable fender flares added to its utility. However, the rear seats did not fold flat, complicating the loading of larger objects.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The central screen in the instrument panel was particularly lacking. Despite this, the Outback offered modern tech features like adaptive cruise control with four settings, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Subaru EyeSight system, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions, reducing its effectiveness.

The 2022 Ford Bronco smartly integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers by optimizing drivetrain and chassis settings for specific terrain. The forward-looking trail camera was particularly useful, offering a clear view of obstacles directly in front of the vehicle. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system was responsive, with sharp graphics and helpful off-road apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complementing the available wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis compared to previous models. Standard safety features included a driver’s knee airbag and passenger seat-cushion airbag. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, including a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and an overall five-star rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came with standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Additional features, such as frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist, were available through optional packages. The Bronco received a four-star rating for frontal crash protection and a three-star rating for rollover protection from NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Bronco its best score of “Good” in frontal, side, and roof strength tests.