2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to justify its cost, especially when compared to more luxurious competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula by focusing on incremental improvements. The exterior changes were subtle, with slight updates to the head- and taillights, but the real enhancements were inside. The Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims, along with innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to adjust settings for different drivers. The Outback offered seven trim levels, starting at an MSRP of $26,645, and included a range of features from LED headlights to adaptive cruise control. The higher trims added luxury touches like leather upholstery and a Harman Kardon stereo, making the Outback a versatile and appealing choice for many buyers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and flat cornering. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and a hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. Towing capacities varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds. The Explorer's seven drive modes allowed for optimized performance in various conditions.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured two engine options: a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower. The turbo engine, available in XT trims, provided a zippy performance, reaching 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system offered consistent power delivery and enhanced safety. The Outback's off-road capabilities were supported by 8.7 inches of ground clearance and features like hill-descent control and X-Mode, making it a versatile performer on and off the road.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. On a road trip, it comfortably accommodated three adults and their gear, with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the second-row experience. The third row was spacious enough for short journeys, although the bench was flat for long-distance comfort. The Explorer offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior featured physical knobs and switches for easy control, although thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created some visibility challenges.

The 2020 Subaru Outback, as a station wagon, offered functional benefits with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious enough for a 6'4" driver to sit comfortably in both the front and rear seats. The Outback's design prioritized visibility, with great sightlines in most directions, although the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The interior's proportions contributed to a comfortable and practical driving experience, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external WiFi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system provided semi-automated driving features, but its performance was not as refined as competitors. The Explorer's tech showed potential but needed software updates for improvement.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen that was visually appealing and easy to navigate. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation, app usage, and even volume control. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall tech experience. Despite these issues, the Outback's infotainment system had potential, and improvements could enhance its appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer included Ford Co-Pilot 360 as standard, offering forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking, although the latter occasionally activated falsely. The Explorer had not been fully tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Acceptable in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety features were a mixed bag. While the standard safety suite impressed, the EyeSight system's optical nature led to frequent deactivation. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often triggered false alerts. Despite these issues, the Outback's standard all-wheel-drive system provided reliable safety in various conditions.