2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, featuring a higher stance and more aggressive all-terrain tires. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was closer to a Jeep than a traditional station wagon. The Wilderness model also boasted unique design elements such as a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal. The roof rack system was robust, supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with Anodized Copper accents adding a touch of flair. The interior was practical, featuring waterproof materials and all-weather floor mats, but lacked ventilated seats, which could be a drawback in hot weather.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty elegance with a sleek design that had evolved subtly since its 2015 debut. The Macan S test vehicle featured Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuding a taut, athletic look. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, with a flat and wide dashboard, a large tachometer, and a center console housing most secondary controls. The red leather seats, gloss black interior trim, and silver metallic accents created an upscale, sporty ambiance. However, the new haptic touch controls on the center console required drivers to look away from the road, which could be distracting.

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, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for a midsize SUV weighing 3,896 pounds. The Wilderness model had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and dual-function X-Mode traction system. However, the CVT's droning and simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience on pavement.

The 2022 Porsche Macan S, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with Porsche's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, allowed the Macan S to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Macan S also came with a fully variable all-wheel-drive system, larger 20-inch wheels, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for improved ride and handling. The Macan S excelled on twisty roads, offering precise steering, unyielding grip, and fantastic braking performance. However, its as-tested fuel economy of 18.1 mpg was lower than the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger, with heated seats standard. 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 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Porsche Macan S offered a more luxurious interior with 14-way power-adjustable front seats, heating, and ventilation as part of the optional Premium Package. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls looked modern but could be distracting to use while driving. Cargo space was limited, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Despite the limited space, the Macan S could accommodate four full-size suitcases if the cargo cover was removed.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control. However, most functions required the use of the touchscreen, and the voice recognition technology was not very responsive. 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 while engaging in outdoor activities.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services. The voice recognition system was less responsive than those in BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, or Volvo vehicles. However, the Macan provided easy access to frequently adjusted features like stereo volume and climate control, reducing the need to interact with the touchscreen while driving.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with 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 model also featured steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera. Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Macan also offered front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and an optional Park Assist system. However, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published safety ratings for the Macan.