The Subaru Outback is one of the most capable and versatile vehicles on the road. It offers comfortable accommodations, flexible utility, and a broad assortment of amenities and tech, including a suite of advanced driver aids as standard equipment. Plus, with 8.7-inches of ground clearance and standard terrain-tackling features like Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and X-MODE traction control, Outback can go exploring where others can't.
SUVs are the most popular vehicle type in the industry, and there's no shortage of different options for Charleston drivers to choose from. But Outback offers a well-rounded experience that's difficult to beat. As an example, here's a look at how it matches up against another popular crossover, the Ford Escape.
Capability
- Standard power for the Outback comes from a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. XT and Wilderness trims equip a potent 2.4-liter turbo-four (260 hp) if you want more motivation for your Summerville commute. Escape's standard and available powertrains produce 181 and 250, respectively.
- While both models offer evenly matched powertrains, Outback's driving dynamics outclass the Escape. It boasts confident handling and plush ride quality, with a well-tuned suspension that easily soaks up road imperfections and maintains composure while cornering. On the other hand, the Escape suffers from noticeable body roll, vague steering, and equivocal grip.
- Outback excels on and off the road thanks to standard features like Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, X-MODE traction and hill-descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. While Escape offers regular all-wheel drive, it's not standard on any trim.
Tech and Safety
- Outback and Escape both include collision mitigation and lane-keep assist driving aids on all trims. However, Outback also comes standard with Advance Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and steering-adaptive LED headlights. The Escape offers standard adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, but they're only available via a package on the higher trims. LED headlights are only on Escape's highest trim level, and a steering-adaptive feature isn't found anywhere in the lineup.
- Outback comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, providing intuitive access to smartphone features like hands-free calls and messages, Google and Apple Maps, streaming music, and more. The base trim has dual 7-inch touchscreens, while all other tiers get a high-res 11.6-inch display. The Escape's base tier doesn't have a touchscreen or advanced smartphone integration, and the largest display offered is eight inches.
Accommodations and Utility
- Both models are evenly matched for headroom and legroom. However, Outback offers appreciably more shoulder room and hip room—two oft-overlooked measurements that can affect passenger comfort.
- Outback offers many desirable amenities on lower trim levels. For instance, the second-tier Premium trim includes a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. You can get these on the Escape, but only on a higher trim level, and even then, some are only offered as part of a package. Furthermore, Outback offers features that aren't available anywhere in Escape's lineup, including front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats.
- If cargo versatility is a priority, you'll appreciate Outback's max capacity of 76 cubic feet—10.5 more than Escape—standard roof rails and crossbars. The all-new Wilderness model even has a roof-top-tent-compatible ladder-type rack with a 700-pound static load limit. Escape's top-tier Titanium trim is the only one that includes roof rails (crossbars cost extra).
Test Drive the 2022 Subaru Outback near Hanahan and West Ashley
If you'd like to learn more about the 2022 Subaru Outback its available trim levels, options, and financing offers, please feel free to contact Crews Subaru of Charleston at your convenience. And if you'd like to see for yourself what elevates Outback above the competition, we invite you to get behind the wheel for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.
