Subaru Outback vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a more premium crossover styling that was lower and wider than its predecessor. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a sculpted look that was more refined than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, though not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut, featuring upgraded exterior elements like a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels. The interior of the Avenir was adorned with leather-appointed seating and a head-up display, while all Envisions came with LED lighting and a driver-centric cabin design.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, offering a rugged design with 9.5 inches of ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires. The Wilderness model featured unique design elements such as a matte black hood decal, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Buick Envision was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite a reduction in power from the previous model, the Envision's weight loss of 200 to 300 pounds improved its fuel efficiency, achieving 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway for FWD models. However, the engine noise and lack of sporty driving dynamics made the Envision less engaging to drive, with a focus on comfortable cruising.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback's CVT, while offering paddle shifters, was less satisfying due to its droning nature. The Wilderness trim excelled off-road, with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system. On pavement, the Outback felt quick but was limited by its tires, making it more suited for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign resulted in a loss of interior space, with reduced headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and less legroom and hip room for rear passengers. Cargo capacity was also diminished, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was compromised for shorter drivers. Despite these drawbacks, the Envision offered standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness provided generous rear seat room and ample cargo space, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The StarTex upholstery, while water-repellant, could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The Outback's dual-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable seats ensured comfort, while the robust roof rack supported rooftop camping. The Outback's interior was well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts, with waterproof materials and LED cargo area lighting.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the driver-centric design made it difficult for passengers to access controls. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a rearview camera, with available options like navigation and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the voice recognition technology required learning specific prompts, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The Outback lacked a premium sound system, but its PIN code entry technology was a practical feature for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a range of standard safety features, including forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Avenir trim added adaptive cruise control and enhanced park assist, though it lacked advanced driver assist systems like GM's Super Cruise.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized safety with its EyeSight ADAS, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. The Wilderness also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results were unavailable, the standard Outback earned high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.