2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often compared to a Lexus in terms of its design, with critics noting its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Its sleek profile, from the grille to the elongated body, gave it a luxurious appearance that set it apart from other Toyota SUVs. Available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a range of features, including LED lighting, alloy wheels, and a variety of paint colors. The interior was well-equipped, with standard features like a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims added more premium touches.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was designed with ruggedness in mind, offering a higher ground clearance and more aggressive all-terrain tires. Its unique design elements, such as a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents, gave it a distinctive look. The interior featured StarTex water-repellant upholstery and a dark color scheme, with heated seats and a dual-zone climate control system. The Outback Wilderness was positioned as a more adventurous option, with a robust roof rack and exclusive Geyser Blue paint, appealing to those seeking a vehicle capable of handling off-road conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. While not the most powerful in its class, the Venza offered smooth acceleration and confident handling, typical of Toyota vehicles. Its electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (eCVT) provided a seamless driving experience, though engine noise was noticeable during acceleration. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway and 39 mpg combined, making it a standout choice for those prioritizing fuel economy.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided ample strength for a midsize SUV, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less engaging, with its characteristic droning detracting from the driving experience. The Outback Wilderness was equipped with all-wheel drive and specialized tires for off-road capability, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance and improved approach and departure angles. While its fuel efficiency was lower, averaging 21.3 mpg in real-world testing, the Outback Wilderness excelled in off-road performance.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin was designed with a unique aesthetic, featuring premium materials and a well-organized center stack. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with ample space for passengers. The Venza offered a maximum of 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use. The interior was more refined compared to the rugged RAV4, providing a more elegant driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a spacious interior with StarTex upholstery, designed to withstand the elements. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, while the rear seats provided generous space for passengers. The cargo area was substantial, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Outback Wilderness also featured a robust roof rack, capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE and XLE trims, while the Limited trim featured a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though not the most intuitive, offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. A Wi-Fi hotspot and a nine-speaker JBL audio system were available, enhancing the in-car entertainment experience. Toyota also provided connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect, adding convenience and safety features.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dominating the dashboard. While physical controls were available for basic functions, most operations required the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the voice recognition technology was less responsive. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was surprising given its target demographic. However, the PIN code entry system was a practical feature for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional safety technologies available on higher trims. The Venza's safety systems were effective and unobtrusive, providing peace of mind for drivers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While the DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology was not available, the EyeSight system performed well, maintaining safe distances and lane positioning. The Outback's safety ratings were not available at the time, but the standard model received high marks from safety organizations.