2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained its familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet offered a fresher interior compared to its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The Outback's interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, added a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding on its wheel arches and bumpers, and a few chrome accents. The 2021 model introduced adaptive LED headlights as standard and a new brown paint option, while continuing to offer the lifted wagon appeal that set it apart from typical crossovers and SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, despite its mature design, managed to maintain a timeless exterior with modestly sized grilles and elegant wheel arches. Its large dimensions, including a 77-inch height and 205.1-inch length, gave it a commanding presence. The Sequoia's interior, however, showed its age with a flat and old-fashioned design, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to modern SUVs. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition added a modern touch with darkened chrome and black painted finishes, enhancing its appearance. Overall, the Sequoia's design focused on durability and functionality, catering to families needing a reliable three-row SUV.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was characterized by its two engine options. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled with the Outback's weight, especially when loaded, resulting in sluggish acceleration and noise. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance and refinement. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, but its capability to keep up with traffic made it a worthwhile upgrade. The Outback's handling was forgiving, with a focus on ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and electronically-variable all-wheel drive system.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was powered by a robust 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and stable ride, despite the Sequoia's substantial weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's truck-based construction contributed to its impressive towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. The Sequoia excelled in off-road conditions, with its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension providing a controlled ride. The TRD Pro model further enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it suitable for families with adventurous lifestyles.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats were folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. Its wide and flat cargo area, along with ample headroom and legroom, made it a practical choice for families. The Outback's visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and a low shoulder height. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and a handy front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, providing convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. The Sequoia's cargo compartment offered 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows flat. The Sequoia's interior featured ample storage, including a large center console and door pockets. A power moonroof and available heated and ventilated front seats added to the comfort. The Sequoia's auxiliary 12-volt outlet in the cargo area was a practical addition for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The large 11.6-inch touchscreen was more cohesive and user-friendly than the base model's dual-screen setup. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Subaru EyeSight provided adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen that felt outdated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, while a premium audio package offered additional features. Despite its outdated infotainment, the Sequoia featured modern LED lighting and a rear backup camera, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags, including a driver's knee airbag. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims, while rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were optional. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating and "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. A full complement of airbags and child safety features added to its safety credentials.