2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a standout in the Outback lineup, offering a rugged appearance that pushed the boundaries of a traditional station wagon. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it sat higher than standard Outbacks, resembling more of a Jeep. The Wilderness model featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior boasted dark gray StarTex upholstery, heated seats, and a black headliner. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $36,995, with additional features like a power sunroof and navigation system bringing the total to $39,965.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a classic and mature design, having been in its second generation since 2008. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia measured 205.1 inches in length and offered 9.6 to 10 inches of ground clearance. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. However, it was built with high-quality materials and offered a spacious interior, making it suitable for families. The Nightshade Special Edition added a modern touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes.

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. Weighing 3,896 pounds, it had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness achieved an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The CVT transmission, while functional, lacked the engagement of a dual-clutch automatic. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it capable off-road. It also had improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, a dual-function X-Mode traction system, and hill descent control.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. The Sequoia's fuel economy was rated at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway for both RWD and 4WD models. Despite its weight of over 5,730 pounds, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with a robust body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance for off-road capability. The TRD Pro model further enhanced its off-road prowess with specialized suspension.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. The rear seat offered generous space for two adults or three children, with heated seats and dual USB ports. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows. It offered three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The center console and glove compartment provided ample storage, while the cargo area featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet. With the third row folded, the Sequoia offered 66.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though its voice recognition technology was less intuitive than Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, it featured PIN code entry technology, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, while a premium package offered a 14-speaker JBL system. The Sequoia's exterior lighting was fully LED, and it included a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had 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 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also featured a blind-spot monitor, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. The Sequoia's robust construction and safety features made it a reliable choice for families.