2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous design. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was equipped with aggressive all-terrain tires and restyled bumpers that improved its approach and departure angles. The exterior featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery. Despite the lack of ventilated seats, the cabin was equipped with heated seats and a black headliner, creating a robust and purposeful aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder front-end design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The new LED accent lights and recessed headlights were polarizing, but the sides and rear remained largely unchanged. The interior received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were luxurious, with supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some harsh reflections from glossy trim options, the X7's interior was well-built and offered a modern, elegant appearance.

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 EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback's CVT, with eight programmed ratios, offered paddle shifters for manual control but was less satisfying during hard acceleration. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 offered impressive acceleration, with the V8 reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system provided smooth power delivery. While handling was limited by its weight, the X7 maintained a composed ride, balancing performance and comfort.

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

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in interior space, with ample room for second-row passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some patience, but it offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. Cargo space measured 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats down. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading easier. Front-seat storage was generous, with a large center console bin, wireless charging pad, and spacious door pockets.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring physical knobs for volume and tuning, but relying heavily on the touchscreen for other functions. Voice recognition technology required specific prompts, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preferable for voice commands. The lack of a premium sound system was a notable omission, but the PIN code entry system was a practical feature for active lifestyles.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had moved many functions to the touchscreen, complicating basic operations. Voice commands offered some relief, but the system's complexity detracted from its usability. The lack of physical buttons for frequently used features was a drawback, and the menu structure could be more intuitive.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was effective and unobtrusive, maintaining safe distances and lane positioning. Additional safety features included steering-responsive headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for 2021 and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature was particularly effective in reducing driver fatigue. While crash test results were unavailable, BMW's reputation and extensive safety features provided confidence in passenger protection.