2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged, almost Jeep-like appearance, with its increased ground clearance of 9.5 inches and aggressive all-terrain tires. It featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal, all accentuated by Anodized Copper accents. The exclusive Geyser Blue paint and robust roof rack system added to its adventurous appeal. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. The interior was designed for durability, with waterproof materials and all-weather floor mats.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, with a rugged trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, its side profile introduced a softer character line, creating a somewhat disjointed appearance. The interior featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element, providing storage and breaking monotony. The Bronze Edition test vehicle had light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif, surrounded by Softex synthetic leather. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was less accommodating, with limited comfort for longer trips.

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. It offered a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world tests showed 21.3 mpg. The CVT, while functional, lacked the engaging feel of a dual-clutch transmission. The Wilderness trim excelled off-road, with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles. Its dual function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control made it adept at handling challenging terrains.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, delivering 243 horsepower. It came with a CVT and standard FWD, with optional AWD. The Highlander Hybrid reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a smooth transition from electric to gasoline power, though the CVT's drone was noticeable during acceleration. The ride quality was soft, with a suspension that handled bumps well, making it comfortable for family trips. The cabin remained quiet on highways, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a spacious interior with StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats had power adjustments, and the rear seats provided ample space for passengers. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The robust roof rack supported rooftop camping, adding to its adventure-ready design.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample storage options. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs, while the third row was less accommodating. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The Highlander offered practical features like built-in window shades and multiple charging ports, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical knobs for basic controls. While voice recognition was limited, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better functionality. The lack of a premium sound system was a drawback, but the PIN code entry system was a practical addition for active users.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.3-inch option for higher 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 premium audio system, enhancing the tech experience.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with EyeSight ADAS, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for 2022 were unavailable, the 2021 model received high safety ratings.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star NHTSA rating and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally performed well, though some fine-tuning was needed for smoother operation.