2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. It exuded class and elegance, with a design that was both sporty and sophisticated. The Velar's exterior was a masterful blend of the big Range Rover's iconic profile, scaled down into a sleek, streamlined package. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and distinctive Land Rover grille were unmistakable, while subtle design elements like the sloping roof and flush door handles added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite being a base trim, the interior maintained a sense of luxury with its sharp graphics and sophisticated design.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance. The redesigned front end, with its new LED headlights, restyled grille, and revised bumper, added a bold touch to the Outback's look. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding, making it a standout choice. Inside, the Outback Touring trim offered a comfortable and upscale experience, with Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery and a host of features like heated and ventilated seats. The interior was spacious, providing ample legroom and storage options, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience that was distinct from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While it provided average response, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered more power, with up to 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. The Velar's Terrain Response system and All Terrain Progress Control added to its capabilities, though it lacked the off-road prowess of larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While it offered decent performance at lower speeds, it struggled with passing and climbing power. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in the XT models delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a more responsive driving experience. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its suspension tuning offered a comfortable ride. However, the standard engine's fuel economy was disappointing, falling short of EPA estimates.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, though the Pivi Pro infotainment system offered a cleaner interface. The Velar's focus on style sometimes came at the expense of practicality.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility, with features like a robust roof rack and practical storage options. The Touring trim offered a comfortable experience with power-adjustable seats, premium Nappa leather, and heated features. The Outback's spacious interior provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the flat door sills served as useful steps for accessing the roof rack. However, the Outback could benefit from additional storage space in the center console.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. Features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield added to its appeal. The system's navigation and 360-degree cameras were useful, though the adaptive cruise control's steering assist was not as advanced as competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and power heated front seats.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical controls for essential functions. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with subscription-based Starlink services. While the system's usability had improved, the voice recognition was lacking, making smartphone connectivity essential. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was highly rated by the IIHS, earning top marks in safety tests. The EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like Automatic Emergency Steering and a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian detection. The Outback's safety features were effective, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist could be improved for a more natural feel.