2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover lineup, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, featuring a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a unique profile compared to the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end and short overhangs, which not only contributed to its performance car aesthetics but also improved its off-road capabilities. The interior was a departure from its 1969 predecessor, boasting high-quality leather upholstery and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that made occupants feel enveloped rather than perched on top.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback retained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older Subaru models. While the base trim featured dual 7-inch touchscreens, higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait display that was both bright and sharp. The interior quality had improved significantly since pre-2015 models, with substantial window switches, dash padding, and surface materials. The Outback's exterior was practical, with high gray cladding to protect against scratches, and its styling remained smooth and plain. The vehicle's standout feature was its lifted wagon design, offering a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which featured a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar was not the fastest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, both with standard four-wheel drive.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, offered a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, which struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when fully loaded. The XT trim addressed this issue with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. While the Outback was not designed for speed, its turbocharged engine provided a better driving experience. The Outback's handling was more suited for long-distance cruising, with a comfortable ride and excellent off-road capabilities, thanks to its high ground clearance and Subaru's electronically-variable all-wheel drive system.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was an in-betweener in terms of size, larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar did not offer more interior space, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3 providing more legroom and headroom. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design, while stylish, created a cramped feeling, and visibility was limited due to the chopped roof and tall hood. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, in contrast, offered ample interior space, with 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 intrusive wheel arches. The Outback provided excellent headroom and legroom in all seating positions, and its outward visibility was superb, thanks to thin pillars and a low shoulder height. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and additional storage compartments. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims, and the moonroof was bundled with expensive options.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a built-in WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone, navigation, and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. While the system offered high-quality graphics and a well-organized menu layout, it suffered from slow response times. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The optional navigation system was more modern-looking, but the base model's dual-screen setup was less cohesive. Subaru EyeSight was standard across all trims, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. While the system offered good semi-automated control, it relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were a low priority for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. However, Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in all crash tests and for its forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded the Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test. The Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with additional airbags and driver assists available on specific trims. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking were available on higher trims, while a driver-attention monitor was standard on the Limited XT and Touring models.