2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX redefined its category with a fresh design and innovative engineering on a new dedicated platform. This specific attention to detail and enhancement extended across its dimensions, with a longer wheelbase and overall length, creating more cabin space, and a wider body and track for enhanced stability. Emphasizing elegance, Acura increased the critical dash-to-axle distance by over four inches. This MDX generation also featured Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive linear LED daytime running lights. The 19 x 8.5-inch wheels on the base model, and 20 x 9 inches on higher trims, added a sporty and assertive feel to the MDX’s exterior, which was manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio.

Inside, the MDX interior was sharpened with layered dashboards emphasizing cabin width and space. Authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather combined with quality plastics elevated the feel. The unique center gear selector, reminiscent of fighter jets, added a touch of novelty, while the 12.3-inch infotainment screen, although not a touchscreen, positioned in a landscape orientation, ensured ease of access and driver safety. The front seats offered extensive adjustments, catering comfortably to American body sizes, while the beefy steering wheel featured redundant controls, including paddle shifters.

Consumers were provided with eight external color options and six interior themes, ranging from standard and premium selections to evoke an opulent aesthetic appeal.

Similarly, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a more rugged design compared to its standard counterpart. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, this Outback provided a more off-road-friendly stance, complemented by larger fender protection trim, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles.

The Outback Wilderness showcased unique design elements such as a bespoke grille, black 17-inch wheels, Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal. Its robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, enhancing its utility for activities like rooftop camping. The exclusive Geyser Blue paint further distinguished it from other Outback models.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness sported dark gray StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which appeared similar to leather but with better resilience against water and sweat. While heated seats were a cozy feature, the absence of ventilated seats was felt during warmer weather. The cabin also included Gunmetal Gray trim, Anodized Copper stitching, brushed aluminum pedals, and all-weather floor mats, boosting its rugged aesthetic appeal.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine could either power the front wheels or the all four wheels through Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), featuring torque vectoring. This allowed 70% of the torque to be directed to the rear wheels and up to 100% to either side during cornering, enhancing agility and control.

The newly implemented double-wishbone front suspension and revised multi-link rear suspension contributed to the MDX’s superior handling and ride quality. The upgraded suspension combined with the stiffer body structure improved the SUV’s overall rigidity, eliminating squeaks and rattles. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, complementing the V6 engine and providing smooth power delivery.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 4,800 rpm. Despite having a substantial towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, the Outback's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was considered a drawback compared to potential dual-clutch automatic options due to its droning and less engaging simulated gear changes.

The Outback's 9.5 inches of ground clearance, revised suspension for off-road performance, and dual-function X-Mode traction system, made it adept at handling rough terrains. It excelled in off-road conditions with its approach, breakover, and departure angles improved to 20 degrees, 21.2 degrees, and 23.6 degrees, respectively.

The Acura MDX was a versatile three-row SUV suitable for various functions. It offered dual bucket sport seats in the first row, and an innovative second row with a removable middle seat section. The second row could slide to balance legroom for passengers in the second and third rows and had a recline feature. The third row, while somewhat cramped for adults, was ideal for children and pre-teens. The MDX provided between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with up to 48.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The advanced features like the “Grab ‘N Go” tailgate function and customizable interior lighting enhanced its overall functionality.

In comparison, the Subaru Outback Wilderness, though limited to two rows, featured spacious and comfortable seating. Its dark gray StarTex seats were optimal for resisting water and sweat. The cargo area offered 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and up to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, complemented by robust storage features like the waterproof seatback material and cargo tray. The Wilderness model also boasted a strong roof rack with a high load capacity for adventurous gear transport.

The 2022 Acura MDX's tech highlights included the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, delivering 710 watts of transparent sound immersion. The base model featured nine speakers and a premium audio system, while Tech trims offered 12 speakers with additional wattage. MDX’s navigation, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and Acura Precision Cockpit's 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel were standard. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were all seamlessly integrated. Higher trims added enjoyable features like the CabinTalk PA system, advanced surround-camera systems, and OTA updates.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness sported an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system. While equipped with physical knobs for basic functions, most controls were touchscreen-based. The lack of natural voice recognition and a superior sound system were notable drawbacks, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered some relief. The innovative PIN code entry system was convenient for outdoor enthusiasts, offering secure entry without the need for a key fob.

For the 2022 Acura MDX, crash-test ratings were pending, but expectations were high due to the structurally reinforced body and advanced safety features. The MDX featured pedestrian safety enhancements, a low-speed braking control system, and comprehensive collision mitigation technologies. The AcuraWatch suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and a driver attention monitor.

Similarly, the Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized safety through its EyeSight ADAS. Featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping and centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system, EyeSight was highly reliable. Additional features included steering-responsive headlights and blind-spot warning with lane-change assistance and rear cross-traffic warning. The 2021 Outback had received top safety pick ratings, suggesting robust safety for its 2022 model.