2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander certainly did not blend into the backdrop of America's bustling school parking lots and family driveways. It offered a distinctive aesthetic that set it apart from the swarm of other midsize SUVs and crossovers. With wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille, the Highlander made an impression. Along its sides, Toyota’s characteristic line—reminiscent of the Supra sports car—ran the length of this three-row crossover, while the rear bore tail lights vaguely akin to those on Lexus models. These design enhancements contributed to a sleeker, lengthier look without sacrificing its ample size.

New to the 2021 lineup was the XSE trim, which brought a sportier visage to the Highlander. The restyled front end, unique 20-inch wheels with black accents, and an aggressive lower spoiler gave it a youthful edge. Despite its sporty facade, it didn’t quite compete with the dramatic styling or performance of something like the Ford Explorer ST.

Our test Highlander, adorned in Limited trim, epitomized upscale aesthetic, boasting chrome roof rails and gloss accents. Interior-wise, the Highlander excelled with tan leather seats complimented by dark brown trim and visually appealing faux wood accents. The fit and finish were near impeccable, with no unsightly gaps or annoying squeaks—a hallmark of Toyota's craftsmanship.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness also did not suffer from anonymity. Sitting higher than standard Outbacks, it had 9.5 inches of ground clearance and rugged design elements that flirted with the aesthetics of a Jeep. The Wilderness came fitted with aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers, adding heft to its adventurous persona.

Other noteworthy design features included a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper trim accents. The matte black hood decal mitigated potential glare. The Geyser Blue paint—exclusive to the Wilderness trim—further distinguished this model. Inside, Subaru used dark gray and black StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellent and practical. The cabin's trim featured Gunmetal Gray and Anodized Copper accents, providing a cohesive look aligned with its rugged theme.

Under the hood, the 2021 Toyota Highlander carried a tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it powered either the front or all four wheels. Although it wasn't designed for drag racing, the Highlander's powertrain held its own in terms of reliability and smooth operation. It matched or surpassed several competitors in horsepower and torque, although it lumbered through corners—a trait common among three-row crossovers due to their soft, comfort-oriented suspension.

The XSE variant tightened things up a bit with higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar. While this didn't transform the Highlander into a sports car, it did offer a semblance of driving excitement for those looking to balance utility with a sportier ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness housed a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. This flat-design engine produced 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, giving it a respectable power-to-weight ratio for its 3,896-pound frame. Its towing capacity stood at an efficient 3,500 lbs. Although it averaged 21.3 mpg on a test route involving elevation gains, the EPA estimated its combined fuel efficiency at 24 mpg.

Subaru’s use of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) subdued the Wilderness's robust engine. While its eight pre-programmed ratios and paddle shifters offered some manual control, the transmission's characteristic droning hampered overall driving pleasure, especially during hard acceleration. Nevertheless, the standard all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced suspension systems made the Outback Wilderness an off-road standout.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior comfort and practicality. The dashboard featured a convenient set of shelves in front, ideally sized for large cell phones, with a pass-through for charging cords. Higher trims included a wireless charging pad within the center console. Second-row passengers enjoyed significant legroom, with seats that slid fore and aft. While the third row could accommodate adults, this required compromise from second-row occupants.

Cargo capacity in the Highlander was reasonable: 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and an ample 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows lowered. These figures made it competent for most family needs, even if it was outclassed by minivans.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured StarTex water-repellent seats, which were practical but less comfortable in hot weather due to lack of ventilation. Nevertheless, heated seats mitigated discomfort in cold climates. A 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an 8-way passenger seat ensured comfort, while the rear seats provided ample space for two adults or three children, complete with air conditioning vents and dual USB ports.

Cargo space in the Outback Wilderness measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. This configuration, plus waterproof coverings for the seatbacks and cargo tray, made it an efficiency champion for outdoor enthusiasts. Moreover, the sturdy roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen as standard on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Limited and coming standard on Platinum trims. Navigation required additional payment and performed adequately for specific address queries but struggled with points of interest. However, the inclusion of standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provided workarounds. The JBL audio system, though decent, did not awe, and only specific apps made full use of the expansive screen, somewhat diminishing its appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness packed an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen dominating its dashboard. Physical knobs catered to basic volume and tuning needs, but most functions required touchscreen interaction. Given the non-intuitive voice recognition technology, users often relied on superior Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations. Despite the target market's preference for adventure and active lifestyles, the lack of a premium sound system option was a puzzling omission. However, the PIN code entry system allowed secure, keyless access—an appealing feature for those frequently on the go.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), encompassing automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. This feature detected and potentially prevented collisions with oncoming vehicles making left-hand turns. The suite also included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, road-sign assist, and automatic high beams. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Highlander top marks for safety, including a 5-star overall rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness also emphasized safety, preserving the efficacy of its EyeSight ADAS system despite its rugged modifications. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. Additional features included steering-responsive headlights, blind-spot warning with lane-change assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning. While the IIHS rated standard Outbacks as Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA also granted the Outback a 5-star overall rating for its 2021 model.