2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its class. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall design. The RDX's exterior was further enhanced by its dynamic character lines, creating a sporty and aerodynamic appearance. Inside, the RDX boasted a sharp and modern cabin, highlighted by eye-catching red leather upholstery that contrasted beautifully with the black interior. The vehicle came well-equipped with standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, offering a luxurious experience even at the base level.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models. While the base trim featured a less appealing dual-screen setup, higher trims offered a more modern 11.6-inch portrait display. The Outback's interior quality had improved significantly, with substantial materials and comfortable seating, especially in the Limited and Touring trims. The Onyx Edition XT introduced a unique interior with water-resistant StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching. Externally, the Outback's design was practical, with high ground clearance and protective cladding, making it a versatile option for various terrains. Despite its understated appearance, the Outback offered a spacious and functional interior, with ample cargo space and excellent visibility.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration and a satisfying engine note, making the RDX a lively performer. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, available with front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty nature, the RDX maintained a comfortable ride, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the A-Spec model with SH-AWD.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, which struggled to move the Outback's weight efficiently. The optional 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, available on higher trims, significantly improved performance with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smoother and quieter ride, making it a better choice for those seeking more power. The Outback's handling was geared towards comfort, with long-travel springs and high ground clearance for off-road capability. Subaru's AWD system was proactive, offering excellent traction in various conditions, especially with the X-Mode feature for challenging terrains.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample headroom and legroom. The second row also offered good space, with a fold-down center console and in-door cup holders. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a liftable panel revealing additional storage.

The 2021 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of obstructions. The Outback provided excellent headroom and legroom in all seating positions, with superb outward visibility. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and a handy pocket on the passenger-side dash. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, with a touchpad interface that was less intuitive than competitors. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the touchpad complicated their use. The Technology Package added navigation and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured an impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Advance Package included a head-up display.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation was more modern. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The system relied on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to radar-based systems.

The 2020 Acura RDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, driver-assistance systems, and a rear-view camera. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera. The RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger chassis and additional airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some variations in specific tests.