2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to incremental improvement while maintaining its core strengths of utility, safety, and performance. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the sixth-generation Outback boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was 90% new in design, offering 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim, alongside innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at an MSRP of $26,645, with features like LED headlights, keyless entry, and a suite of safety features standard.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover continued its legacy of luxury and capability, rooted in its origins as a rugged off-roader. The current generation, introduced in 2012, offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with its dual 10-inch screens, provided connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional features enhanced comfort and entertainment, such as a rear-seat entertainment system and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system. The Autobiography trim added luxury touches like semi-aniline leather and massaging front seats, while the SVAutobiography offered unique styling and nearly every available feature.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine allowed the Outback to reach 60 mph in about 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel drive system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety by eliminating wheel slip. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback was capable off-road, though not as rugged as a Jeep. The Onyx XT trim offered additional off-road features like hill-descent control and an upgraded X-Mode.

The 2020 Range Rover featured a diverse range of powertrains. The base engine was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim offered a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The SVAutobiography Dynamic trim featured a performance-tuned V8 with 557 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System provided exceptional comfort and off-road capability.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably, and the design prioritized visibility. However, the rear quarters had a significant blind spot, which could be mitigated with optional blind-spot monitoring. The Outback's proportions contributed to its stability and handling, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2020 Range Rover was available in Standard and Long Wheelbase versions, with seating for five or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover's two-piece power liftgate facilitated loading large items and created a convenient tailgate setup. The interior featured a center-console compartment and ample storage in the doors, enhancing its practicality for luxury SUV buyers.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag issues across various functions, including navigation and radio controls. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall tech experience. Despite these drawbacks, the system had potential, and Subaru aimed to address these issues in future updates.

The 2020 Range Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo system consisted of two touchscreens, with the top screen handling navigation and media, and the lower screen managing climate and vehicle settings. The system's integrated dials adapted to different functions, offering a unique user experience. While the system had a learning curve and occasional lag, it provided comprehensive control over the vehicle's features. The Range Rover also included a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a standard safety suite with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, the EyeSight system, which relied on optical sensors, could be disrupted by environmental factors. The DriverFocus system, intended to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often triggered false alarms, leading to frustration.

The 2020 Range Rover offered standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While some competitors offered more standard safety features, the Range Rover's available options provided comprehensive protection for its occupants.