2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a bold departure from the traditional station wagon design, offering a rugged appearance that was more akin to a Jeep. It featured a raised ground clearance of 9.5 inches, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its distinctive look, while the Geyser Blue paint provided an exclusive touch. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. The interior was designed for practicality, with waterproof materials and all-weather floor mats, though it lacked ventilated seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative yet upscale design. The mid-cycle refresh brought new grille and fascia designs, along with updated headlamps and taillamps. The Avenir trim stood out with its unique grille and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with upgraded materials and a restyled center console featuring push-button gears. The Avenir trim provided climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, enhancing comfort. While not reaching luxury levels, the Enclave's interior materials were a step above, with exclusive seat patterns and piping adding visual appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it highly capable off-road. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) detracted from the driving experience with its droning and soft gear changes. The Wilderness 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 Buick Enclave came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Enclave provided a smooth and quiet ride, enhanced by the Avenir Technology package's premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. While not designed for off-roading, the Enclave's AWD and 7.5 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle light trails and wintry conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which was practical but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered power adjustments, and the rear seat provided ample space for passengers. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Outback's robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility and comfortable power-adjustable front seats. The spacious cabin accommodated passengers in all three rows, with the third row suitable for adults. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the voice recognition technology required specific prompts, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The Outback lacked a premium sound system option, but it included PIN code entry technology for convenience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported multiple device pairings and included a WiFi hotspot. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator and Teen Driver technology, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness had not been crash-tested, but the standard Outback received high safety ratings.

The 2022 Buick Enclave included the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Premium trim added enhanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received high safety ratings from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were not available.