2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite reaching the SUV's command seating. The dashboard was simple, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen, and the centre console provided smart storage solutions. The second and third-row seats were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering sliding capabilities for maximum utility.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, resembling more of a Jeep with its increased ground clearance of 23 centimetres. It featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and improved approach and departure angles due to restyled bumpers. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its distinct look. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. While heated seats were standard, the lack of ventilated seats was noticeable in hot weather. The interior offered generous rear seat space and practical storage solutions, including a waterproof cargo tray. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport, with handling improvements thanks to new suspension systems. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder Boxer 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. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.9 on the highway. The Outback's CVT, with eight programmed ratios, offered paddle shifters for manual control but lacked the engagement of a dual-clutch transmission. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, enhanced by its lifted stance and all-terrain tires, providing 23 cm of ground clearance. The redesigned bumpers improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, while the dual function X-Mode traction system and skid plating enhanced off-road capability.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, offering flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to its versatile cargo space. Nominal cargo measurements were 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. Rear seat space was generous, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo area measured 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat, with waterproof materials protecting the space. The Outback's roof rack supported a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a suite of connectivity features. Higher trims included a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on select trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System available on higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. Voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was available on other trims.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim addressed potential issues with modified vehicles affecting EyeSight's efficacy. Additional safety features included steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness had not been crash-tested, but the standard Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.