2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, featuring 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 model also boasted unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with water-repellant StarTex upholstery, Anodized Copper accents, and all-weather floor mats, making it both functional and stylish for outdoor adventures.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport emphasized a modernist and reductive design, focusing on clean lines and subtle luxury. The test vehicle arrived in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuding understated elegance. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim provided a high-end feel. The Range Rover Sport's design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and a luxurious, high-tech interior with sustainable materials like Ultrafabrics.

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, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for a midsize SUV weighing 3,896 pounds. The Wilderness model had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 24 mpg in combined driving. However, real-world testing showed an average of 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and dual-function X-Mode traction system. On pavement, it felt quick but was limited by its tires and CVT.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology. The SE Dynamic model produced 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the SE P360 variant offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was also available, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp engine allowed it to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and it had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with an average of 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route. The SUV featured a new vehicle architecture with a 35-percent increase in torsional stiffness, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving modes for both on-road and off-road performance.

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 for both rows. 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 Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were 20-way power-adjustable with heating, ventilation, and an available massage feature. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers and had a reclined seatback angle. Storage space was decent, with a 31.9 cubic-foot cargo area that expanded to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SUV also featured a power liftgate and various storage solutions within the cabin.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which included physical knobs for volume and tuning but required the touchscreen for most functions. Voice recognition technology was less responsive than desired, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for voice commands. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims, but it did offer a useful PIN code entry system for active lifestyles.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport also offered impressive Meridian audio systems with up to 29 speakers and 1,430 watts of power, along with a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness model also had steering-responsive headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The 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 Range Rover Sport came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less responsive and smooth than expected, particularly on freeway curves.