2023 Subaru Outback vs 2024 BMW X5

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, further enhanced by a 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 Onyx Edition became more accessible in 2023, offering a non-turbo powertrain option at a starting price of $33,495, a $5,100 savings compared to the turbocharged version.

Inside, the Touring trim of the Outback impressed with its Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, contrasting beautifully with the black interior. The dashboard and door panels featured light gray contrast stitching, creating an upscale and cohesive look. Despite the use of hard plastic in some areas, the interior did not feel cheap, and the flat, textured door sills served as practical steps for accessing the roof rack. However, the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim on the center console were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless style, though the M Sport treatment was not universally favored. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch "741M" wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, a turbocharged V8 engine, and a high-performance turbo V8 variant. The xDrive50e M Sport specification, with its Brooklyn Grey paint and optional 21-inch wheels, came fully equipped with every available package, bringing the MSRP to $88,075.

For 2024, BMW introduced a light styling refresh and added the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen to the X5's cabin, modernizing the interior. The reduction in physical switchgear and new transmission controls contributed to a more contemporary feel, while the quality of materials and construction retained a connection to BMW's heritage.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped lower the vehicle's center of gravity and provided a distinctive grumble and vibration. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. However, the 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg, but real-world testing returned only 25.6 mpg. The Outback XT models, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivered 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 rpm and 4,800 rpm, offering better performance but at the cost of fuel efficiency and a higher price.

The Outback's CVT was programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel for manual control. All models came with an Active Torque Split AWD system, varying power distribution between the front and rear axles as needed. The X-Mode traction system and hill descent control enhanced the Outback's off-road capabilities, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance and a more capable X-Mode system. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Outback excelled in handling and ride quality, with a firm suspension that absorbed bumps and provided confidence on mountain roads.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The lithium-ion battery pack had a capacity of 19.2 kWh, allowing for 38 miles of electric-only driving and a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV's adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, and the 21-inch wheels provided a balance between road feel and ride quality.

The X5 xDrive50e excelled in both electric and hybrid modes, achieving impressive efficiency during testing. The SUV's handling was exceptional, with excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response. The brakes performed well under repeated hard use, and the PHEV's ability to recharge its battery during spirited driving added to its appeal. Overall, the xDrive50e was the preferred version of the X5, offering a blend of performance and efficiency.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The rear outboard seats were also heated, and the steering wheel was heated for added comfort in cold climates.

The Outback's interior provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The vehicle's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, and the flat door sills served as steps for accessing the roof rack. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space, as the dashboard shelf and center console were limited in capacity.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious and luxurious interior with room for five passengers. The cargo area measured 33.1 cubic feet, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the 40/20/40-split back seat folded down. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach items deep in the cargo hold. The X5's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery was convincing, and the Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats.

Rear-seat passengers enjoyed supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof with a full shade. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring buyers to consider the BMW X7 for additional seating capacity.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system in all trims except the Base, which had a 7-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to subscription-based Starlink connected services. A navigation system and Harman Kardon premium audio system were available on higher trims. The infotainment system's usability improved for 2023, but the graphics and voice recognition system were lacking. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and over-the-air software updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to frustration. The available head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were highlights, but the reduction in physical controls was a drawback.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, enhancing safety features and supporting pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian detection.

The 2024 BMW X5 added the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which worked well in certain conditions but could be frustrating in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance operated subtly, encouraging use. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 an overall crash-test rating of four stars.