2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a unique deviation from the standard Outback models, bridging the gap between a traditional station wagon and an adventurous SUV. It featured an increased ground clearance of 9.5 inches, which was 0.8 inches more than the standard Outbacks. This model also sported all-terrain tires tucked under sizable fender protection trim, lending it a more rugged appearance. Improved approach and departure angles thanks to redesigned front and rear bumpers further underscored its off-road capabilities.

Distinctive design elements on the Wilderness included a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim accented with Anodized Copper, and a matte black hood decal designed to reduce glare. The roof rack had been redesigned to support a 700-pound static load, enabling rooftop camping. A new, exclusive paint color, Geyser Blue, was introduced for this model.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness's dark gray and black cabin featured StarTex water-repellant upholstery. Despite looking like leather, the material wasn't, and while heated seats were available, ventilated seats were not, which could be a drawback in warm conditions. The interior boasted a black headliner, Gunmetal Gray interior trim, Anodized Copper stitching and accents, brushed aluminum pedals, and all-weather floor mats. It also included waterproof rear seatbacks and a waterproof cargo tray.

The Outback Wilderness was positioned between the Onyx XT and the Limited XT trims, with a price tag of $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge. Our Autumn Green test car came with a power sunroof, a navigation system, and reverse automatic braking, bringing the total to $39,965, including destination charges.

Despite the general decline in minivan popularity due to the rise of SUVs, Toyota never abandoned the minivan market. The 2022 Sienna made efforts to blend the practicality of a minivan with the styling cues of an SUV. Its assertive front end and redesigned sliding side door mechanism helped conceal the sliding channel, giving it a sleeker look. Standard models came with 17-inch wheels, while higher trims featured 18-inch or even 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Sienna aimed to dispel the minivan/school bus feel with an uncluttered front cabin design. A plethora of storage options highlighted its family-friendly focus, with under-console open storage, large door pockets, and multiple cup holders. The second and third rows offered comfortable and roomy seating, with available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The 60/40-split third-row seat folded away easily, simplifying cargo handling.

Functionality extended to the power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, which could be triggered with a foot motion—an added convenience for families juggling children or groceries.

The 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 allowed the Wilderness, which weighed 3,896 pounds, to tow up to 3,500 pounds. The EPA rated its fuel efficiency at 24 mpg combined, but real-world testing on a mountainous route yielded an average of 21.3 mpg.

Despite the engine's strength, the Wilderness's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less satisfying compared to a dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The CVT had eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters for manual control, but it lacked the crisp, precise gear changes of a DCT.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard, with the Wilderness featuring a raised stance for 9.5 inches of ground clearance and 225/65R17 Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. These modifications improved off-road capability and included better approach and departure angles thanks to the redesigned bumpers—20 degrees for approach, 21.2 degrees for breakover, and 23.6 degrees for departure. The Wilderness had a dual-function X-Mode traction system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, plus hill descent control.

Carrying over the hybrid powertrain from 2021, the Sienna combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, but an AWD option was available on all trims. Instead of a complex mechanical AWD system, the Sienna used a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels, adding 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque.

The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. While not performance-oriented, the CVT delivered smooth power delivery and maximized fuel efficiency. The TNGA platform supported better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with its independent rear trailing arm suspension aiding in minimal body roll and smooth highway driving.

The standout feature was its fuel economy, with the EPA estimating 36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg combined for AWD models. The hybrid battery pack, located under the front seats, came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

Subaru’s Outback Wilderness featured seats wrapped in StarTex water-repellant upholstery, beneficial for outdoor and active lifestyles by preventing moisture absorption. However, it could prove uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger, along with heated front and rear seats.

The rear seat provided ample room for two adults or three children, with sufficient space for knees, feet, and head. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet with the rear seat in place, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet when the rear seat was folded flat. Other highlights included a robust roof rack with a 220-pound dynamic load capacity and a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The Sienna excelled in cargo versatility, able to transport a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row provided flexibility for loading cargo and offered 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The third-row seat featured a standard 60/40-split bench that stowed easily into the floor. Throughout the cabin, ample storage cubbies, cupholders, and bottle holders ensured that every row was equipped with practical storage solutions. Power-operated side doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

Comparatively, the Sienna offered a slight edge in overall cargo capacity and flexibility, while the Outback Wilderness focused on durability and off-road readiness with its waterproof cargo areas and robust roof rack.

The Outback Wilderness's 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system dominated the dashboard but required some familiarity with Subaru's specific voice commands. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were available, the lack of a high-end sound system was puzzling given the Wilderness's target demographic. The Outback did offer neat PIN code entry technology, allowing users to securely leave the key fob in the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The Sienna offered a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration as standard. However, wireless functionality for these features was missing. The Sienna included a variety of telematics services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect, and higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch widescreen display.

The higher trims also came with advanced features like a digital rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display, enhancing driver convenience. The Sienna’s inclusion of a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet on higher trims provided practical utility for powering devices.

Overall, the Sienna offered a more comprehensive suite of technology features, especially in its higher trims.

The Outback Wilderness leveraged Subaru's EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. This setup was supported by steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system with lane-change assistance.

While Subaru's DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology wasn’t available for the Wilderness trim, the standard Outbacks earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA.

The Sienna earned a top safety rating from both the IIHS and NHTSA for 2021, expected to carry over to the 2022 model. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition.

Additional safety features included 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors for child seats, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit along with an optional spare tire relocated for safety.

Both vehicles emphasized safety, but the Sienna’s extensive airbag system and robust child seat considerations made it particularly family-friendly.