2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was designed to stretch the boundaries of what a station wagon could be, edging closer to a Jeep in its ruggedness. It featured a 9.5-inch ground clearance, 0.8 inches higher than other Outback models, and came equipped with aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection trim, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its distinctive look. 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 stitching and accents, and all-weather floor mats. The interior was functional but lacked ventilated seats, which would have been a welcome addition.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade received a styling update that gave it an even more commanding presence. The new front fascia, squared-off grille, and LED lighting elements contributed to its bold look. The top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, and a unique grille with glossy black and chrome. The new XRT trim added a dark grille, roof cross rails, and black 20-inch wheels. The interior of the Calligraphy trim was stylish, with premium Nappa leather seats, a dual-pane sunroof, and horizontal quilting reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz. The Palisade offered a range of seating configurations, including second-row captain's chairs with wing-out headrests in higher trims, and heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows for Limited and Calligraphy models.

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 provided ample power for the 3,896-pound vehicle, allowing for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, though the CVT's droning and soft simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The vehicle's all-wheel drive system, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires made it highly capable off-road, with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. The dual function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade came with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This made it more powerful than several competitors, including the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas. The eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled via paddle shifters, and all-wheel drive was available for an additional $1,900. The Palisade's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and AWD models featured a dedicated Tow Mode. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined. The Palisade offered a comfortable ride, making it suitable for light off-roading but not rock-crawling.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could become 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 seats 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 roof rack could support a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered generous interior space, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. Passenger volume was 155.3 cubic feet. The second-row seats featured a one-touch slide for easy access to the third row, and the third-row seats were 60/40-split and could fold flat. Cargo space was 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with the second and third rows folded flat. The Palisade also featured HVAC vents in all three rows, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free smart liftgate on all but the base SE trim.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which dominated the center dashboard. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was not very responsive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, it did feature PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade upped the ante with a new 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, standard on all trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade also offered a 4.2-inch color driver info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. An in-car intercom, rear-seat quiet mode, and Hyundai’s Bluelink connected vehicle system were also available. The Palisade was the first vehicle to feature Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with both Android and Apple devices.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system (ADAS), 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. It also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness had not been crash-tested at the time of review, but the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 model, and the 2023 model included additional safety features. The Smart Sense suite included forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, intelligent speed limit assist, and Highway Driving Assist I and II were also available. The Palisade featured a full-display digital rearview mirror, safe exit warning, and rear seat occupant alert.