2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, with a higher stance and more aggressive all-terrain tires. It offered 9.5 inches of ground clearance, 0.8 inches more than other Outbacks, and featured restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The Wilderness also sported a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with heated seats and a black headliner. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, with our test car totaling $39,965.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, rode on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, with 7.8 inches of ground clearance, the Venza had a modern exterior design that could fit into the Lexus lineup. Its interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a layered dash. The Venza's front seats were supportive, and the rear seats could comfortably accommodate three adults. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures.

The 2022 Subaru 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, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness achieved an EPA-rated 24 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Wilderness featured all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and 225/65R17 Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. It also had improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, making it the most capable Outback ever. The dual function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Venza combined a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain allowed for electric-only operation for short distances and offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza's hybrid setup provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, with a tank of gas yielding over 500 miles. The Venza's handling was agile, though its taller body and higher ground clearance discouraged aggressive cornering.

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 and offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. The rear seat provided ample space for two adults or three kids, 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 Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The Venza's interior featured numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, and an electric parking brake. The cabin had four cupholders and four bottle holders, with each door holding a 24-ounce bottle. The Venza's cargo area offered 28.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Toyota also focused on making the Venza's cabin quiet, with sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was not very responsive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided 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 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention and eliminated the need for charging infrastructure. The Venza featured a Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program that optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the Limited added a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Both setups included Toyota Connected Services, with features like Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. The Limited trim also offered an Advanced Technology Package with a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the 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 also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and a rear cross-traffic warning. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. The Venza also had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for every seating position, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) group of driver aids included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA.