2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV characterized by its clean styling—a feature that, while sometimes perceived as boring, was anticipated to age well over time. With a considerable price tag, it was expected that buyers would want to keep the vehicle for many years. The Expedition's King Ranch trim added a touch of rugged sophistication, featuring 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and distinct gray-painted lower exterior trim. Special emblems on the front fenders signified the model’s unique status. The test model, adorned in Star White metallic paint, looked remarkably striking, though the taillight design and the color-matched roof C-pillar were minor points of contention.

Inside, the King Ranch trim stood out with Del Rio leather in a Mesa (brown) over Ebony scheme, accompanied by numerous King Ranch logos. While the leather seats were a luxurious touch, the presence of hard plastic, especially evident in the lower-level XLT trim, felt out of place, particularly given the vehicle's high price point. This was less of an issue in the similarly-priced Lincoln Navigator, which shared its platform with the Expedition but offered a more refined interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned in 2020, maintained an air of familiarity akin to that of a longstanding, reliable friend. Although its analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat form remained largely the same, the interior received a fresher look compared to its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The base trim with its dual 7-inch touchscreens housed in matte plastic was less appealing, but higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait display. The single large screen was sleek, flush with polished black plastic, and surrounded by chrome trim, offering a modern and cohesive appearance. Quality was notable, surpassing pre-2015 Outback models, with good materials and construction evident throughout the cabin.

Externally, the Outback featured gray cladding on its wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, emphasizing its practicality. Styling remained understated, with smooth, plain lines, tall stature, and subtle chrome accents. Notable updates for the 2021 model included new Brilliant Bronze Metallic paint and standard adaptive LED headlights.

The 2020 Ford Expedition packed a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a hefty 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. While it didn’t offer the traditional V8 rumble, the V6 emitted a low chuffing exhaust note that was pleasantly distinct. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Expedition boasted impressive towing capacities: 9,300 pounds for the standard model with rear-drive, 9,200 pounds with 4WD, and 9,000 pounds for the MAX versions.

Driving the Expedition was a mostly enjoyable experience. It accelerated enthusiastically for a 5,368-pound SUV, and the 10-speed automatic typically found the right gear efficiently. The vehicle was surprisingly easy to maneuver in urban settings, thanks to a tight turning radius and easily modulated brakes. However, its slow steering required more effort when parking or navigating tight spaces.

The King Ranch trim came with an adaptive damping suspension that performed well in controlling ride motions but struggled slightly on harsh impacts due to the oversized 22-inch wheels. The independent rear suspension had significant advantages, improving ride handling and providing more interior space. In terms of fuel economy, the Expedition's rear-wheel-drive model averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered a standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower, which felt underwhelming given the vehicle's weight. The engine’s 176 pound-feet of torque and continuously variable transmission (CVT) struggled under full loads, resulting in slow and noisy performance. However, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in the XT model was a game-changer, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm, significantly enhancing the vehicle’s performance.

Fuel economy was also a consideration, with the base engine rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT managed 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Overall ride comfort and quietness were strong points for the Outback, making it an excellent long-distance cruiser. Its advanced AWD system was proactive and efficient, particularly with the addition of X-Mode driving modes for challenging conditions. This, combined with Subaru’s rally heritage, made the Outback exceptionally capable off-road.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle, ideal for towing, carrying cargo, and transporting passengers. Its interior was highly accommodating across all seating positions, especially in the King Ranch trim, which featured power running boards for easy access, and heated and ventilated front seats. Interior storage was abundant, with dual glove compartments and a large center bin.

The second-row captain’s chairs in the King Ranch trim provided first-class comfort, with easy access to the third-row bench, which was notably comfortable for adults. The independent rear suspension played a crucial role in maximizing interior space and ride quality. Cargo space varied between the standard and MAX models, offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row for the standard and 34.3 cubic feet for the MAX. With the third row folded, capacity increased to 57.5 cubic feet (73.3 in the MAX) and a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet (121.5 in the MAX) with the second row down.

The 2021 Subaru Outback provided substantial interior space despite its less imposing exterior. Its 33 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 76 cubic feet with them folded was highly versatile. The cargo area was wide and flat, free from intrusive shapes, making it practical for various loads.

Passenger comfort was excellent in all seating positions, with ample headroom and legroom. Visibility was a key strength, aided by thin pillars and an expansive glass area. Interior storage included large door pockets, a center console with side pockets, and a handy dash shelf. Limited and above trims offered additional conveniences, but some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were restricted to higher trims.

A standout feature in the Outback was the integrated roof rails with built-in crossbars, a practical design that was both cost-effective and convenient.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's tech was solid but needed updates. The standard 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system was user-friendly but felt outdated compared to newer systems like the 12-inch Sync 4. Nonetheless, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an optional Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The rear-seat entertainment system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist were valuable additions for families and towing enthusiasts.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated. The graphics and user interface were reminiscent of older systems. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the available 11.6-inch screen, despite its flaws, was preferable to the dual-screen setup of the base trim. Subaru EyeSight, standard across all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking, providing excellent semi-automated control.

The 2020 Ford Expedition benefitted from its substantial size and weight, contributing to superior crash protection. Ford Co-Pilot360, standard across the range, included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. These systems worked seamlessly, enhancing driver safety. The NHTSA awarded the Expedition five stars in all crash tests but four stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not tested the Expedition as of this review.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's stronger chassis added to its safety credentials, featuring standard driver and passenger airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. Advanced driver assists like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking were available on higher trims. The Outback earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" with top ratings across all crash tests and an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA, although it scored four stars for front passenger safety in a frontal crash and for rollover resistance.