2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous design. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was equipped with all-terrain tires and enhanced bumpers for improved off-road capability. The exterior featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark gray and black tones with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. The Outback Wilderness was positioned between the Onyx XT and Limited XT in terms of pricing, with a starting price of $36,995 plus destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was available in several trims, including the sporty RS model, which featured a V6 engine and a sophisticated AWD system. The Blazer's design was inspired by the Camaro, with a bold exterior and a modern interior. The RS trim included 20-inch wheels and a distinctive black trim that added a unique touch to its appearance. Inside, the Blazer offered a comfortable cabin with black leather upholstery and red accents, though some materials felt hard and less premium. The Blazer's pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding destination charges.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 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 Outback Wilderness featured a CVT with eight programmed ratios, though its performance was somewhat hindered by the transmission's droning and soft gear changes. The vehicle's AWD system, combined with its all-terrain tires and lifted suspension, made it highly capable off-road, with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Blazer RS trim came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided satisfying acceleration, though it could be loud and unrefined. The Blazer RS's AWD system and driving modes enhanced its performance, but the SUV's handling was less impressive on winding roads. The Blazer's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with our test vehicle averaging 20.5 mpg.

Inside the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, the seats were wrapped in StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating, while the rear seats provided ample space for passengers. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback Wilderness also featured a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's interior was comfortable and practical, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The front seats offered power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, though they lacked thigh support. The Blazer's rear seat was spacious and could slide to adjust cargo or passenger space. The cargo area offered 30.5 cubic feet, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Blazer also featured a power liftgate with hands-free operation, though its success rate was inconsistent.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which required the use of the touchscreen for most functions. While physical knobs were provided for volume and tuning, the voice recognition technology was less intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, offering better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen display and physical controls for volume and tuning. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the upgraded system included satellite radio and connected navigation. The Blazer also offered wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. Safety features included rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. The Blazer's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were effective, though its headlights received lower ratings from the IIHS.