2023 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Outback's interior, particularly in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale feel, with Java Brown leather and contrasting stitching that added a touch of luxury. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior did not feel cheap, and the flat, textured door sills were practical for accessing the roof rack.

The 2023 Ford Bronco stood out with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, evident in its blocky shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgia with a white grille, roof, and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised fins aided in cargo securing and obstacle navigation. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with features like drain plugs and marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Despite some creaking over bumps, the Bronco was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler, offering a more refined ride.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-liter engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled with acceleration and fuel efficiency, achieving only 25.6 mpg in real-world testing. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the XT models offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. All Outbacks came with a CVT and standard AWD, with features like X-Mode traction and hill descent control enhancing off-road capabilities. The Outback excelled in ride quality and handling, but the standard engine's lack of power was a drawback.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp, a 2.7-liter V6 with 330 hp, and a 3.0-liter V6 in the Raptor with 418 hp. The Bronco's engines provided ample power for both on- and off-road adventures, with the Raptor's engine delivering exhilarating performance. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with better highway tracking and quieter interiors. While the Bronco's high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, it remained confident and maneuverable, especially with the aid of cameras and off-road features.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills. The Touring trim offered comfort with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded. The vehicle's height made entry and exit easy, and the interior was designed for practicality, though more storage space would be beneficial.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape maximized interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. Cargo space varied between the two-door and four-door models, with the latter offering up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, appealing to off-road enthusiasts. However, the rear seats did not fold flat, limiting cargo versatility.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical controls for essential functions, but other features were embedded in the touchscreen. While the system's usability improved, the voice recognition was lacking, necessitating reliance on smartphone connectivity. Additional tech included a digital rearview mirror and a front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was absent.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance off-road capabilities with G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrain. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch infotainment display for better usability. The tech features catered to both off-road enthusiasts and those seeking modern infotainment options.

The 2023 Subaru Outback emphasized safety with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster. The IIHS awarded it top marks, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist, with additional features available in higher trims. The Outback's safety systems were effective but could feel intrusive, and the rear automatic braking system had limitations in certain situations.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning and hill-descent control, with additional driver assistance features available in higher trims. While the Bronco's safety features functioned well, it lagged behind more conventional SUVs in terms of standard equipment.