2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Subaru Outback was redesigned for the 2020 model year, but it retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous generations. However, the interior saw significant improvements, especially if you skipped the base trim. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display that was bright, sharp, and integrated seamlessly with polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT, in particular, stood out with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching, giving it a unique and durable look. The exterior maintained its smooth and plain styling, with gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, and a few chrome accents. The 2021 model introduced a new brown paint option and adaptive LED headlights as standard features.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, made a comeback after a hiatus, riding on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. The Venza measured 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, with a 105.9-inch wheelbase. Its exterior design was modern and elegant, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate bisected by LED lighting. The nose had a significant overhang, making it more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to the overall sophistication. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats provided ample space for three adults.

The 2021 Subaru Outback 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 powertrain struggled to move the Outback, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo, resulting in slow and noisy performance. 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 turbo engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful, making it a better choice for those seeking more capability. 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's handling was geared towards comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road. Subaru's electronically-variable all-wheel drive (AWD) system was proactive and effective, especially with the X-Mode feature for tougher road conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, in contrast, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance, with drivers able to choose between EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, feeling maneuverable despite its taller body and higher ground clearance. It was designed as a midsize family hauler, delivering a comfortable and composed ride. The hybrid setup provided excellent fuel efficiency, with a tank of gas yielding over 500 miles of range.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, surpassing even some trucks, allowing it to tackle various terrains without being oversized. Inside, it 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. Visibility was superb, thanks to thin pillars and lots of glass. 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 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls but was generally responsive and useful.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on higher trims. The electric parking brake and sliding sun visors added to the convenience. The Venza offered 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Toyota focused on making the cabin quiet, with extensive sound-blocking and absorbing materials, resulting in a serene and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The user interface was clunky, masking the modern tech underneath. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation system looked more modern. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system offered good semi-automated control but relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, making it convenient for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza's hybrid setup was transparent in operation, with a tank of gas yielding over 500 miles of range. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used the navigation system to optimize battery charging based on driving habits. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the Limited added a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota Connected Services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect, were standard. An Advanced Technology Package on the Limited trim included a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The 10-inch HUD was one of the best in its class, and a digital rearview mirror was also available.

The 2021 Subaru Outback rode on 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. Rear emergency braking was optional on the Onyx Edition XT and standard on the Limited 2.5 and Touring trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received top ratings in all crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Outback five stars overall, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It had eight airbags, including driver and front-passenger advanced airbag systems, and three-point seatbelts for all seating positions. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) was standard, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and hill-start assist were also standard. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.