2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a good-looking crossover SUV, though it may not have had groundbreaking or breathtaking styling. It wasn't exactly an attention-grabber in parking lots, but it was also not something to be ashamed of. It simply fit in, which sometimes sufficed.

Acura showcased its early adoption of LED headlights with its signature Jewel Eye headlights on the MDX, which added both function and a rich look to the vehicle's front. These headlights featured five LED elements per side in a horizontal array, complementing the turn signals and running lamps within the housing. Flanking a trapezoidal grille with a central Acura logo, they anchored an expressive face.

The MDX, a three-row SUV, boasted a sleek and low-slung appearance with chiseled details and a fast roofline. Paint and chrome accents were flawless, a testament to Acura's long-standing strengths.

Inside, the MDX had a modern and simple look, avoiding the padding and stitching prevalent in other luxury interiors. The center stack stood out with twin infotainment screens: an 8.0-inch LED navigation screen atop an On-Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen, accompanied by three rows of buttons and a central command wheel.

The MDX felt solid and well-built thanks to high-quality materials and superior fit and finish. Knobs and switches exuded authority and materials offered a rewarding tactile feel.

Turning to the 2021 Subaru Outback, it had undergone a redesign for the 2020 model year. Despite the redesign, it maintained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges retained consistent typefaces, colors, and spacing, while the steering wheel maintained its iconic spokes, albeit with more buttons. Seats had a similar form but the dashboard was fresher compared to the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, which retained a dated look from 2009.

Skirting the base trim avoided two lackluster 7-inch touchscreens divided by a row of buttons. Instead, the Premium trim and above featured an 11.6-inch portrait display that was bright, sharp, and neatly integrated. Chrome trim flowed around the screen, while higher trims added contrasting leatherette accents. This setup was stylish and functional, sitting above USB ports and a parking brake switch.

Quality materials were evident, a marked improvement over pre-2015 models. The Outback's Limited and Touring trims sported two-tone leather upholstery that closely resembled luxury cars, while the Onyx Edition XT featured durable, water-resistant StarTex material with lime green stitching, giving it a bold weekend warrior look.

Externally, the Outback wore high gray cladding on wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, prioritizing practical scratch resistance without compromising smooth, plain styling. Despite minor styling tweaks, such as new brown paint and adaptive LED headlights, the 2021 Outback remained true to its identity as a lifted wagon ideal for those seeking an alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain choices. Its standard option featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 with three electric motors, achieving a combined 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque and was mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Drivers experienced the gasoline-only model equipped with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD), which provided excellent straight-line performance and nimble cornering thanks to torque-vectoring technology. This tech directed power to the outside wheels during a turn, ensuring sharp handling and improved driving experience without drama or insecurity.

Under the hood of the 2021 Subaru Outback, the base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the engine struggled to move the Outback, weighing at least 3,635 pounds, effectively when fully loaded. The result was a slow and noisy performance on highways and hills.

Subaru also offered the XT variant with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. This engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful than the older 3.6-liter flat-six it replaced, making it a worthy upgrade despite the higher price. While the turbo XT's fuel economy was slightly lower (23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) compared to the base engine (26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway), it performed more efficiently under load.

The Outback's handling focused on comfort and compliance, making it a long-distance cruiser rather than a performance vehicle. Its high ground clearance of 8.7 inches allowed it to navigate rough roads confidently. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system added to its off-road prowess, making the Outback a versatile and capable vehicle on various terrains.

The 2020 Acura MDX catered well to families, offering sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitating easy third-row access. Headroom was ample across all rows. Cargo capacity was practical with 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet when the third row folded flat. With both the second and third rows folded, the space increased to an impressive 90.9 cubic feet. Additional storage features in the rear included a recessed cubby and underfloor storage for concealed items.

The front cabin boasted a spacious glove box, an overhead sunglass pocket, and a versatile center console. Second-row passengers enjoyed cupholders on the back of the center console, and third-row passengers had their own armrest with a storage bin and cup holder. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers.

In comparison, the 2021 Subaru Outback provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. Its cargo area was wide and flat, devoid of awkward cutouts or wheel arches. Ample headroom and legroom ensured comfort for all passengers, and storage solutions included large map pockets, bottle holders, and additional pockets in the front console and passenger-side dash.

The Outback was built for utility with standard roof rails and integrated crossbars across all trims. However, certain features like rear climate vents and push-button start were standard only on higher trims or as pricey options. Indeed, Subaru's practical design stood out with its clever roof rail system.

The 2020 Acura MDX came well-equipped with standard Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, and an eight-speaker audio system. Buyers could upgrade with the Technology Package, adding features like navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a 10-speaker audio system. Further enhancements were available with the Advance Package, including a surround-view camera system, heated rear seats, and Head-Up Warning. For entertainment, an optional DVD rear entertainment system was available through the Entertainment Package, featuring screens and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, despite its dated graphics, hid competent technology underneath. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and optional navigation looked more modern. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. Nonetheless, the user interface was less intuitive, affecting the ease of accessing features like adaptive cruise settings. Overall, while the Outback's tech was capable, its presentation lagged behind competitors.

The 2020 Acura MDX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features were accessible through optional packages, such as blind-spot monitoring and Head-Up Warning. The MDX's body design, called Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE), aimed to absorb crash impact efficiently, maintaining cabin integrity.

The MDX earned top safety ratings: “good” from the IIHS in all crash-test categories, five stars from NHTSA for overall safety, and “superior” for front crash prevention.

The 2021 Subaru Outback sported a stronger, stiffer chassis and added airbags like the driver’s knee airbag and passenger seat-cushion airbag. More driver assists were available on specific trims. Subaru EyeSight was standard across all trims. The Outback excelled in safety, earning the 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.