2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2021 Subaru Outback carried the brand's recognizable design, rooted in familiarity and comfort. Despite being redesigned for the 2020 model, it retained many traditional Subaru elements, such as the analog gauges and the familiar steering wheel design. The seats were similar in form, but the interior received some fresh updates. Higher trims offered an 11.6-inch portrait display, integrated nicely with polished black plastic and physical buttons, chrome trim, and even contrasting leatherette. This interior exuded a quality not seen in pre-2015 models, with substantial surface materials and more upscale options in the Limited and Touring trims. The Onyx Edition XT, for instance, featured gray and black StarTex upholstery with lime green stitching, offering a distinct style. The exterior maintained its lifted wagon appearance, designed for practicality and minimal damage to paint with its high gray cladding. Notable updates for 2021 included standard adaptive LED headlights and a new brown paint option, enhancing its functional yet familiar aesthetic.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder introduced a revamped design, drawing inspiration from Nissan's overall SUV lineup. It showcased the new V-motion grille flanked by LED headlights and complemented by slim daytime running lights. The Pathfinder's side panels and hood had a more muscular look, aligning with modern SUV trends exemplified by models like the Kia Telluride. The rear featured sleek taillights, a bold nameplate, and a wider stance, contributing to a robust appearance. Available in 14 paint options, including a distinct black roof, the Pathfinder offered a personalized touch for buyers. The redesign aimed to position the Pathfinder as more capable and rugged, a narrative that resonated well with its target audience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback was notable for its refusal to modernize its engine output significantly. Its base model came with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it maintained a lower weight starting at 3,635 pounds, it struggled under load, often appearing slow and noisy, especially on highways and hills. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine available in higher trims like the XT was a game-changer, offering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine transformed the driving experience, providing smoother and more powerful performance. Fuel economy for the turbo XT stood at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, slightly lower than the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback excelled off-road with its electronically-variable AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode settings, redefining its capability to handle rugged terrains better than many crossovers and SUVs.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The transition to a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT, resulted in smoother gear transitions and enhanced driving dynamics. Available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD), the Pathfinder offered diverse drive modes, with AWD models featuring seven options. It promised a stable ride with well-tuned suspension and a tighter turning radius, improving maneuverability and parking. The Pathfinder boasted a 6,000-pound towing capacity, surpassing the Outback significantly. Fuel economy varied slightly with configurations, with the AWD Pathfinder achieving 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined in its fully-loaded Platinum version. Its stable towing and comfortable driving experience cemented its role as a robust family SUV.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's versatility was highlighted by its substantial interior space and innovative design. Its ground clearance of 8.7 inches made it easier to tackle varied terrains without being a massive vehicle. Inside, it offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them upright. The wide and flat cargo area simplified loading, while ample headroom and legroom provided comfort for all passengers. Exceptional outward visibility and thoughtful storage solutions further enhanced its practicality. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims, and the moonroof came bundled with expensive options. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars showcased Subaru's clever engineering, making roof loading straightforward and efficient. The large 11.6-inch touchscreen, despite complicating climate controls, offered intuitive operation and better setting adjustments, though the dual-screen setup in the base model was less desirable.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder emphasized passenger comfort and flexibility, starting with a quieter cabin thanks to better insulation and acoustic glass. Designed with family needs in mind, it offered innovations like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seating, enhancing access to the third row. This feature worked seamlessly, even with installed car seats. The second-row center console's easy removal highlighted Nissan's practical design approach. Ample cargo space included 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Pathfinder's flush rear cargo sides facilitated loading wide items, while the under-floor storage added functional versatility. Front and second-row seats offered ample space and comfort, with an array of adjustments and climate controls ensuring a pleasant ride. Higher trims came with heated and ventilated seats, with a motion-activated liftgate standard in the Platinum model.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system was a mixed bag. The graphics and interface felt outdated, resembling older game consoles, which contrasted with its modern underlying tech. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the base model's dual-screen setup was suboptimal. EyeSight, Subaru's driver-assist suite, was standard across all trims, integrating adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. Despite its reliance on cameras without radar, it performed impressively on marked highways but showed limitations around tighter curves due to this sensor choice.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was well-equipped with user-friendly and modern tech, even in lower trims. Standard features encompassed a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, smartphone integration, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered a plethora of upgrades, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, head-up display, premium Bose audio system, a larger 9-inch touchscreen, and wireless charging. NissanConnect Services and connected navigation were standard on upper trims, ensuring drivers stay informed and connected. This extensive array of features enhanced the Pathfinder's appeal across its various trim levels.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a robust safety profile, built on a stronger chassis than previous models. Standard safety features included a driver’s knee airbag and a passenger seat-cushion airbag, along with EyeSight driver-assist technology. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear emergency braking, and a driver-attention monitor. The Outback secured the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award for 2020, performing exceptionally in crash tests and forward emergency braking evaluations. It scored five stars overall from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover tests.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, comprising automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, rear automatic braking, and more. Standard across all trims, the safety package offered comprehensive protection. The Pathfinder Platinum included an additional airbag, totaling 11. Though not crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA yet, its extensive safety features provided confidence in its protective capabilities.