The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and the Subaru Outback Wilderness have eight driven wheels and 14 syllables between them. They are both off-road versions of their respective CUV models. Even though nearly all CUVs are marketed for their all-terrain capability, very few can tackle even the slightest trail out of the box due to their low-profile street tires, air dams for fuel efficiency, and open differentials. But a new thing is happening in the world of supposedly off-road vehicles — people are actually taking them off-road!

Ford and Subaru have seen this enthusiast demand for using their CUVs off-road and have responded with the Badlands and the Wilderness, which both come upgraded for trail duty. These aren’t as serious trail-bashers as a Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler, but they’re far more livable in everyday life. In this comparison we’re looking to see not only how they acquit themselves on the weekend trails, but also how livable they are during weekdays running around urban centres.

For the full review, check out Driving.ca