2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained its familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet offered a fresher interior compared to its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The Outback's interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The quality of materials was evident, with substantial window switches and dash padding. The Outdoor XT trim showcased a unique combination of grey and black soft-touch upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with high grey cladding on its wheel arches and bumpers, and a few chrome accents. The 2021 model introduced adaptive LED headlights as standard and a new brown paint option, while still embodying the essence of a lifted wagon.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Its assertive profile was complemented by a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered sliding doors that concealed the slider channel. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across all rows. The second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans and a spacious third-row bench provided flexibility and comfort. The Sienna's interior was practical, with a focus on family-friendly features like abundant cup holders and storage spaces. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families. Overall, the Sienna's design balanced practicality with a touch of style, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was a tale of two engines. The base 2.5-litre flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered its performance, making it slow and noisy. However, the turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine available in the XT trims transformed the Outback, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving its capability and refinement. Despite the turbo engine's slightly higher fuel consumption, it was a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking better performance. The Outback's handling was forgiving, with a focus on ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and legendary all-wheel-drive system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, offered a hybrid powertrain as standard, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna's hybrid system provided excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving. The AWD option added an electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The electronically controlled CVT contributed to smooth power delivery and efficiency, while selectable drive modes allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience. Overall, the Sienna's hybrid powertrain offered a compelling blend of performance and efficiency.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of obstructions, making it practical for various loads. The Outback's seating provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent outward visibility. Storage solutions were abundant, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front centre console. However, some features like push-button start and rear console climate vents were not standard on lower trims. The standout feature was the integrated roof rails and crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings for those needing a roof rack.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away into the floor, and each row offered ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience. The Sienna's interior was designed with families in mind, providing practicality and comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. Despite this, it offered modern features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional navigation system was more visually appealing, but the dual-screen setup on the base model was best avoided. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking, though it relied solely on cameras, limiting its effectiveness in certain conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a wealth of standard and available technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM was standard across all grades. While wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's technology suite was comprehensive, catering to the needs of modern families.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard from the Touring trim, while a driver-attention monitor was exclusive to the Premier trims. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and a rear-seat reminder system were also standard. The Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. With 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors, the Sienna prioritized safety for families.