2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson debuted with a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. with two rows of seating and increased cargo space. Up front, it showcased a distinctive parametric grille that cleverly integrated standard LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When illuminated, these elements formed a pattern reminiscent of the wings of the Aztec Spirit Bird.

The Tucson's side profile drew inspiration from the Hyundai Elantra, employing a silver D-pillar design that gave the vehicle a floating roof appearance. The rear featured toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs, except for the base model, enhancing its uniqueness among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, Hyundai offered the Tucson with 17- or 19-inch wheels, with four distinct designs.

Higher-end Tucson trims boasted premium features, including front and rear skid plates, gloss black pillars, body-color side-mirror housing, and a panoramic sunroof. The cabin was thoughtfully designed with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats as standard and options for sport combination and leather-trimmed seats on higher trims. Horizontal lines across the dashboard created a sense of spaciousness, and the uncluttered interior provided a refined feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its rugged design. It offered a higher ground clearance of 9.5 inches, 0.8 inches more than other Outbacks, and came equipped with aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection trim, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a glare-reducing matte black hood decal added to its distinct look.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness's cabin featured dark gray StarTex water-repellant upholstery, black headliner, Gunmetal Gray interior trim, and Anodized Copper stitching and accents. Brushed aluminum pedals and standard all-weather floor mats complemented the robust aesthetic. The durable and waterproof rear seatback material and cargo tray emphasized its adventurous spirit.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine generating a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version proved to be the more exhilarating option, providing efficient power during elevation changes and outshining competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

While the ICE model of the Tucson aimed for an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined, Tucson hybrids achieved impressive efficiency with up to 38 mpg combined. An all-wheel-drive system was available for ICE models and standard on hybrids, performing admirably in off-road conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with horizontally opposed cylinders, generating 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. However, the vehicle's continuously variable transmission (CVT) detracted from its driving engagement, offering eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters that were less satisfying than a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Subaru's standard all-wheel drive, coupled with the Wilderness's 9.5-inch ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhanced its off-road capabilities. It also boasted revised final-drive ratios, a dual-function X-Mode traction system, and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles.

The Hyundai Tucson offered spaciousness and affordability without compromising on quality. A six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard, with higher trims providing an eight-way version and additional lumbar support. Three-stage heated front seats, ventilated seats, and memory settings for the driver’s seat were among the available luxury features.

Despite having slightly less legroom up front compared to some SUV rivals, the Tucson's rear seats offered more legroom than the Toyota RAV4. Its cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, and the cargo area provided 74.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded, rivaling the Subaru Forester, RAV4, and Honda CR-V.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness, while ruggedly equipped, presented a different set of interior trade-offs. The StarTex upholstery, though water-repellant, could feel uncomfortable on hot days, and ventilated seats were missing from its features. The front seats were power-adjustable, and rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and dual USB ports.

Cargo capacity in the Outback Wilderness was ample, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Additionally, its robust roof rack could handle substantial loads, facilitating rooftop camping.

Hyundai equipped the Tucson with an array of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, although these models required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The inclusion of flat touchpoints for climate and media controls on the larger screen model could be less intuitive compared to traditional buttons.

Subaru's Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by physical knobs and buttons for essential functions. While the voice recognition system could have been more user-friendly, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved the experience. However, the Wilderness did not include a premium sound system option, which might have disappointed some buyers.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson showcased a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Hyundai's robust warranty package provided extra peace of mind.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized the effectiveness of its EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. It also featured steering-responsive headlights and blind-spot warning but lacked the DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology found in higher trims. The standard Outback's "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and the NHTSA's 5-star overall rating underscored its commitment to safety.