2019 INFINITI QX50 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 was wider and taller than its predecessor, offering two extra inches of ground clearance and more interior space. The trunk expanded to 31.4 cubic feet, thanks to modular rear seats that both slid and reclined. Despite these changes, rear legroom remained ample, even for a 6’4” individual, although the panoramic sunroof did bring the headliner uncomfortably close. The redesigned interior was spacious, attractive, and filled with high-quality materials and a new infotainment system. It was also exceptionally quiet, aided by a noise-cancelling system, making highway conversations a breeze.

The 2020 Subaru Outback retained its winning formula, focusing on incremental improvements. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and direct injection, offering 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. Exterior changes were subtle, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim. The innovative DriverFocus system used facial recognition to adjust settings and alert distracted drivers.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the world’s first mass-produced variable-compression engine. It produced 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a letdown, struggling with power delivery and producing unpleasant noises. The QX50’s ride prioritized comfort over sportiness, but the Direct Adaptive Steering system felt inconsistent and disconnected. Fuel efficiency was decent at 24 city and 31 highway mpg, but not groundbreaking.

The 2020 Subaru Outback’s base 2.5-liter engine delivered 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, with fuel efficiency of 26 city and 33 highway mpg. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 time of around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT that mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the typical CVT drawbacks. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system provided consistent power delivery and improved handling, both on and off-road. The Outback’s ground clearance and X-Mode made it capable in various terrains, though it wasn’t a substitute for a Jeep.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s interior was high-quality and spacious, but cluttered with too many controls and screens. The infotainment system suffered from input delays, particularly in the navigation system. The shifter’s unconventional “PARK” button placement was confusing and potentially unsafe.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The interior was spacious enough for a 6’4” driver to sit comfortably in both the front and rear seats. Visibility was excellent, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The Outback’s design balanced exterior proportions with interior space, making it look smaller from the outside while being roomy inside.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered advanced safety tech in the $2,000 ProActive package, but it was only available on the top-tier Essential trim. The base model was well-equipped, but the infotainment system’s lag and input issues were frustrating.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag across various functions. Climate controls were sometimes buried in menus, and the camera resolution was subpar. Despite these issues, the system had potential if Subaru addressed the lag.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s safety tech was limited to higher trims, and it hadn’t been tested by major safety organizations at the time.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including the standard AWD system. However, the DriverFocus system was overly sensitive, frequently alerting drivers unnecessarily. Subaru’s EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off.