2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, boasting a higher stance and more aggressive all-terrain tires. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was closer to a Jeep than a traditional station wagon. The Wilderness featured unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal. Its roof rack could support a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for rooftop camping. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with heated seats and a black headliner adding to its rugged appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a nod to classic truck design with its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and chopped tail. Tasteful accents like faux-metal step plates and skylights along the roof paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered unparalleled flexibility. Inside, it was all about function and durability, with rubbers and plastics designed to resist stains and moisture. Despite its lofty price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, maintaining the Defender's hardcore character.

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 adequate power for its 3,896-pound weight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA rated its fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world tests averaged 21.3 mpg on mountainous routes. The Wilderness trim featured 9.5 inches of ground clearance, 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system, making it the most capable Outback ever.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with its air suspension providing incredible wheel articulation and generous clearance. The Defender offered three engine options: a turbocharged four-cylinder with 296 hp, a mild-hybrid inline-six with 395 hp, and a supercharged V8 with 518 hp. The V8, in particular, delivered exhilarating performance, moving the Defender with alacrity. However, the Defender's on-road performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. Fuel economy varied, with the four-cylinder rated at 18 mpg combined, the six-cylinder at 20 mpg combined, and the V8 at a dismal 16 mpg combined.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger, with heated seats standard. Rear seat space was generous, with air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space 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, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 seating up to six and the 130 seating up to eight. The 130 featured a panoramic moonroof and a separate climate zone for the third row. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with the seats folded, while the 90 and 110 provided 58 and 79 cubic feet, respectively. The Defender also offered a range of accessories, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, making it highly versatile for both everyday use and off-road adventures.

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. Voice recognition technology was less responsive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen was larger and more legible. Both screens were quick and easy to operate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and navigation as standard features. Higher trims added features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display, enhancing the Defender's tech offerings.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured Subaru's EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were not available, 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 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but scored five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking as standard. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, it lacked front knee airbags and rear side thorax airbags, which could be a concern for some buyers.