2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand, much like the Grand Cherokee. It came in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special edition trim upgrades available. Prices started at $22,280 for a Compass Sport with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, while a fully loaded Compass Limited with all-wheel drive could reach up to $39,755. Despite its upscale features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel. The interior was fresher than the smaller Crosstrek, especially with the 11.6-inch portrait display available on Premium and above trims. Quality was evident in the materials and design, with the Onyx Edition XT featuring durable and easy-to-clean StarTex upholstery. The Outback's exterior was practical, with high gray cladding and smooth, plain styling. Changes for 2021 included a new brown paint option and standard adaptive LED headlights.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 175 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. However, the engine was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and an average fuel economy of 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 25 mpg. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly and resisted downshifts, while the suspension allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness. Despite these drawbacks, the Compass excelled in off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim with added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, but struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, making the Outback slow and noisy. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine available in the XT trims offered a significant improvement, with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing better acceleration and refinement. The Outback's ride comfort and handling were excellent, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system was proactive and effective, making the Outback highly capable off-road.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a new-for-2020 Luxury Seat Group, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a memory function for the driver. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded, though the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer housing reduced usable space. Interior storage was limited, with awkwardly positioned cupholders.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance and a spacious interior. It offered 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, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and cost savings.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. The system was intuitive and easy to use, though some features were buried in menus. Voice recognition worked well for most commands, and primary stereo and climate controls were separate from the display. The test vehicle also included a navigation system and an Alpine premium audio system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system looked dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The single large screen available on higher trims was more cohesive and useful than the dual-screen setup on the base model. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation system was more modern-looking.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These features were optional and included in the Safety and Security Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Compass earned Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but had mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Additional driver assists were available on higher trims, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear emergency braking, and a driver-attention monitor. The Outback was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in all crash tests and for headlights. NHTSA awarded the Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and for the rollover test.