2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, boasting a higher stance and a more aggressive design. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was closer to a Jeep than a traditional station wagon. The Wilderness featured all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents set it apart. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with heated seats and a black headliner adding to the rugged aesthetic. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, positioning it between the Onyx XT and Limited XT models.

The 2022 BMW X3 presented a more refined and aggressive exterior design with a larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The X3 was available in nine finishes, including new colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels and an optional M Sport Package added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the X3 offered a clean and efficient design with dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The interior was available in various colors and materials, including SensaTec synthetic leather and premium Vernasca leather. The X3's cabin was both comfortable and practical, with ample cargo space and a power tailgate.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine provided ample power for the 3,896-pound vehicle, allowing for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA rated the Wilderness at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded an average of 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, though the CVT's droning and soft simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Wilderness trim also included all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires for off-road capability. The vehicle excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, as well as its dual function X-Mode traction system.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models, producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both RWD and AWD versions achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was rated at 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i returned 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The X3 M40i also included a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, an adaptive suspension, and a rear-oriented AWD system for enhanced performance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could become uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated and offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. The rear seat provided ample space for two adults or three children, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 220-pound dynamic load rating and a 700-pound static load rating for rooftop camping.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration. The cargo area was spacious enough to accommodate backpacks, film equipment, and additional carry-on suitcases. The X3 featured SensaTec faux-leather seats, with an option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added comfort. The front seats included an extendable thigh-support cushion, though the control handle could be intrusive for some drivers. The redesigned center console featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The X3's interior was well-appointed, with improved ergonomics and easy access to frequent touchpoints.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for basic functions, most controls required the use of the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was not very responsive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for voice commands. The Outback Wilderness also featured a PIN code entry system, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle while engaging in outdoor activities.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional package enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully-digital experience. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, which added features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured Subaru's EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and a rear cross-traffic warning. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control, forward-collision warning, and active pre-collision protection systems. The available Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, active lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.