2019 Acura MDX vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2019 Acura MDX had long been a dominant force in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment, largely due to a lack of competitive alternatives. While other luxury automakers like Audi, Infiniti, and Volvo offered options, they were either more expensive or had notable drawbacks. However, the landscape was changing with new entrants like the BMW X7, Cadillac XT6, Genesis GX80, and Lincoln Aviator, along with improved offerings from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Despite this, Acura continued to refine the MDX, introducing the Sport Hybrid version in 2017 and making continuous improvements, including a new A-Spec Package trim level in 2019.

The A-Spec trim brought a sportier look with unique front and rear bumpers, Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, and a mix of dark chrome and gloss black trim elements. Inside, the A-Spec featured heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in red leather and black Alcantara suede, along with a special A-Spec steering wheel and red instrument panel illumination. The dual-cowl dashboard design with dual infotainment screens and quality materials throughout the cabin added to the MDX's appeal. The A-Spec treatment managed to avoid the overly blacked-out look, instead offering a stylish and aggressive appearance.

Subaru aimed for incremental improvements with the 2020 Outback, building on its winning formula of utility, safety, and performance. The sixth-generation Outback was underpinned by Subaru's Global Platform, which increased structural rigidity by 70%. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly the same as the 2019 model, had 90% new parts and direct injection, resulting in 182 horsepower and improved fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Externally, the 2020 Outback looked similar to its predecessor, with subtle changes to the head- and taillights. Inside, the most notable update was the introduction of an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim, which had dual 7-inch screens. The new DriverFocus system used infrared monitoring to detect and alert sleepy or distracted drivers, and it also featured facial recognition for personalized settings. The Outback was available in seven trim levels, with the XT trims featuring the turbo engine. The Onyx Edition XT, in particular, stood out with its off-road capabilities and unique exterior cladding.

The 2019 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The A-Spec and Advance Package versions featured 20-inch wheels with 265/45 tires. The optional SH-AWD system, required for the A-Spec Package, offered torque-vectoring AWD, thicker stabilizer bars, and improved weight distribution, enhancing the driving experience. The MDX Sport Hybrid model, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivered 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, along with better city fuel economy.

During testing, the MDX A-Spec proved quick and enjoyable to drive, with improved transmission performance and a nicely weighted steering system. The brakes, though prone to rumbling when heated, provided effective stopping power. The ride quality was firm but comfortable, with some dive, squat, and body roll. The MDX A-Spec returned 19.7 mpg on the testing loop, close to its EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. The Sport Hybrid model, however, offered superior fuel efficiency, achieving 23.2 mpg on the same route.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's upgraded 2.5-liter engine produced 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the 2019 model, with 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, enabling the Outback to reach 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks.

Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system provided consistent power delivery and improved handling, thanks to the low center of gravity of the boxer engine. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle various terrains, though it wasn't designed for extreme off-roading. The Onyx XT trim, with its upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control, offered enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2019 Acura MDX offered a comfortable and practical interior, with supportive front seats and a GPS-linked triple-zone climate control system. The second-row seats were spacious and suitable for both adults and children, with ample storage throughout the cabin. However, the third-row seats were cramped and best suited for occasional use. With the third-row seats folded, the MDX provided 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. With all seats in use, cargo space was limited to 15 cubic feet.

The 2020 Subaru Outback, as a station wagon, offered significant functional benefits, including ample passenger and cargo space, a low load height, and a lower center of gravity. The Outback provided 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to the overall volume. The interior was spacious enough to accommodate taller passengers comfortably, with excellent headroom and legroom. Subaru's focus on visibility ensured good sightlines in most directions, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot.

The 2019 Acura MDX featured an upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the dual-screen setup was cumbersome. The top display screen handled navigation, smartphone projection, and vehicle settings, while the bottom touchscreen managed the radio and secondary climate functions. The voice-recognition system was unreliable, and the screens were small with outdated resolution. The next redesign was expected to include Acura's True Touchpad Interface, which would be a significant improvement.

The 2020 Subaru Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing and easy to navigate. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation, app usage, and even volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar. Despite these issues, the screen layout was generally user-friendly, with most functions easily accessible.

The 2019 Acura MDX boasted impressive crash-test ratings and came standard with the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ due to headlight performance and child safety seat anchor accessibility. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and AcuraWatch systems, while not perfect, provided a good level of safety.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety suite included Subaru's EyeSight system, which was standard but had limitations due to its optical nature. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was unreliable and often triggered false alerts. Despite these issues, the Outback's standard AWD system and overall safety features were commendable.