2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Subaru Crosstrek
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
$22,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
$22,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Acura MDX is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek emerges as the more highly rated vehicle, offering a compelling combination of off-road capability, fuel efficiency, and overall value. Therefore, for consumers seeking a versatile and reliable compact crossover with strong performance and advanced safety features, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the recommended choice.

Overview

MSRP

$44,500

MSRP

$22,245

Average price

$29,790

Average price

$24,606

Listings

1223

Listings

1982
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Standard all-wheel drive
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology

2020 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Reviews Summary

The Crosstrek applies the successful formula of the Subaru Outback to a smaller vehicle. Like the Outback, the Crosstrek is an ordinary car that gets a raised ride height and plastic body cladding to make it look like an SUV, plus standard all-wheel drive. But while the Outback is based on the Subaru Legacy, the Crosstrek is a derivative of the Subaru Impreza.

Subaru launched the Crosstrek for the 2013 model year as a replacement for the Outback Sport. The current Crosstrek was introduced for the 2018 model year as the second generation of the model.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the same basic vehicle as before, but gets a handful of notable updates. A new Sport trim level joins the previous base, Premium, and Limited trim levels in a lineup, and a 2.5-liter engine is now available alongside the previous 2.0-liter engine. The 2021 Crosstrek also gets an upgraded version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance system.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 152 hp H4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

29
2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
$22,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
$22,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Acura MDX is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek emerges as the more highly rated vehicle, offering a compelling combination of off-road capability, fuel efficiency, and overall value. Therefore, for consumers seeking a versatile and reliable compact crossover with strong performance and advanced safety features, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the recommended choice.

Overview
MSRP
$44,500
$22,245
Average price
$29,790
$24,606
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.9
Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Standard all-wheel drive
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology
Summary
The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience.

The Crosstrek applies the successful formula of the Subaru Outback to a smaller vehicle. Like the Outback, the Crosstrek is an ordinary car that gets a raised ride height and plastic body cladding to make it look like an SUV, plus standard all-wheel drive. But while the Outback is based on the Subaru Legacy, the Crosstrek is a derivative of the Subaru Impreza.

Subaru launched the Crosstrek for the 2013 model year as a replacement for the Outback Sport. The current Crosstrek was introduced for the 2018 model year as the second generation of the model.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the same basic vehicle as before, but gets a handful of notable updates. A new Sport trim level joins the previous base, Premium, and Limited trim levels in a lineup, and a 2.5-liter engine is now available alongside the previous 2.0-liter engine. The 2021 Crosstrek also gets an upgraded version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance system.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 290 hp V6
2.0L 152 hp H4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
20
22
MPG Highway
27
29
Look and feel
2020 Acura MDX
6/10
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
8/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2020 Acura MDX is rated 6 out of 10, while the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek scores 8 out of 10. The Acura MDX is a sleek and low-slung three-row SUV with chiseled details and a fast roofline. It features Acura's signature Jewel Eye headlights and a trapezoidal grille, giving it a modern and expressive look. On the other hand, the Subaru Crosstrek embodies ruggedness with black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, giving it a more SUV-like appearance.
Performance
2020 Acura MDX
6/10
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Acura MDX 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek 7 out of 10. The MDX offers a choice of two powertrains, including a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a Sport Hybrid variant. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, offers a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine in addition to the previous 2.0-liter engine. Both models provide good performance, with the MDX showcasing nimble handling and the Crosstrek offering standard AWD and off-road capabilities.
Form and function
2020 Acura MDX
7/10
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
7/10
The 2020 Acura MDX and the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek both offer functional and versatile interiors. The MDX provides sliding and reclining second-row seats, ample cargo space, and tri-zone climate control. Meanwhile, the Crosstrek offers competitive passenger space and cargo capacity, along with a rear-seat reminder feature and a user-friendly infotainment system.
Technology
2020 Acura MDX
7/10
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
8/10
The 2020 Acura MDX and the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek come equipped with advanced technology features. The MDX offers a range of tech packages, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and premium audio systems. The Crosstrek features Subaru's Starlink infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Wi-Fi, satellite radio, and navigation.
Safety
2020 Acura MDX
9/10
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
8/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2020 Acura MDX is rated 9 out of 10 for safety, while the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek scores 8 out of 10. Both models offer a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The MDX also boasts a sophisticated body design for crash protection, while the Crosstrek provides standard EyeSight driver-assist features.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 Acura MDX
8/10
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
9/10
The 2020 Acura MDX started at $44,500 when new, offering a range of trim levels and optional packages. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek started at $23,295, providing good fuel economy, AWD capability, and a competitive starting price.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.