2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous iterations, though the interior was fresher compared to the smaller 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing the cabin's modernity. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, added a touch of rugged sophistication. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth, plain styling maintained its lifted wagon appearance, making it a practical alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, featuring blacked-out exterior trim, badges, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, giving it a sporty look. The interior of the Onyx Edition included water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. While the StarTex material was practical, it tended to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable but unavailable option. The Ascent's design aimed to balance practicality with a sporty aesthetic, appealing to families needing a versatile and stylish SUV.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine struggled to move the vehicle, especially when fully loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving acceleration and overall performance. The turbo engine's fuel economy was slightly lower, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, compared to the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system provided excellent traction and stability, especially with the X-Mode feature for tougher road conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came standard with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The CVT, with eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, kept the engine in its optimal power band, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with our testing averaging 20.5 mpg. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance ensured superior off-road capability. The Ascent's responsive acceleration, excellent visibility, and absorbent suspension made it nimble and maneuverable in urban and suburban settings. However, the advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology could feel unsettled, affecting driving satisfaction.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, surpassing many larger vehicles, and provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. The Outback's visibility was superb, and storage options were plentiful, including 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 Subaru Ascent could seat up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent's interior was designed for comfort, with wide rear doors, available captain's chairs, and a panoramic sunroof. Storage was abundant, with a useful dashboard shelf and large cupholders in the second row. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The power liftgate and shallow storage area under the floor added to its practicality.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared outdated with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The single large screen was more cohesive and useful than the base model's dual-screen setup. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru EyeSight, which offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Higher trims offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent also received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, the system could be affected by direct sunlight and lacked refinement in certain conditions. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.