2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned in 2020, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. Its interior, especially in higher trims, offered a fresh look with a bright 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT featured durable gray and black StarTex upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth, plain styling with high gray cladding for protection, adaptive LED headlights, and a new brown paint option. Despite its updates, it remained a lifted wagon, offering a unique alternative to typical crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, with a rugged trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. Its side design introduced a swooping character line, adding visual weight. The rear echoed the grille's shape, resulting in a somewhat disjointed appearance compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen. The Bronze Edition test vehicle had light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif, surrounded by Softex synthetic leather. The third row had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the Highlander Hybrid's materials quality trailed behind others in its class.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, struggling to move its weight efficiently. The CVT added to its sluggishness, making it noisy and slow on highways. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in the XT trims offered a significant improvement with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a smoother and quieter ride. The Outback excelled in off-road conditions with its high ground clearance and proactive AWD system, making it more capable than many crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD. AWD was available through an electric motor powering the rear axle. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, but the engine's drone became noticeable under heavy acceleration. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride with adequate cornering confidence, prioritizing comfort over sportiness.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, surpassing even some trucks, and offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded. Its interior provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent visibility. Storage options were plentiful, though some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims. The standout feature was the standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample storage options. The second row provided generous space and versatility, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The Highlander Hybrid offered built-in window shades, USB ports, and a household power outlet for added convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, but it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EyeSight system, standard on all trims, offered adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, though it relied solely on cameras, affecting performance in certain conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL audio system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback had a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. It earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star NHTSA rating, though with some four-star scores.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+." Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems required fine-tuning for smoother operation.