2020 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Acura RDX

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly similar to the 2019 model, had 90% new parts and added direct injection. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly noticeable in the head- and taillights. Inside, the 2020 Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim, which had dual 7-inch screens. The innovative DriverFocus tech used infrared to detect and alert sleepy or distracted drivers and adjusted settings via facial recognition.

The Outback was offered in seven trims, starting with the 2.5i at an MSRP of $26,645, which included LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. The Premium trim, starting at $28,895, introduced the 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone auto climate control, and heated front seats. The Limited trim, at $33,445, added blind-spot monitoring, a power liftgate, and leather upholstery. The Touring trim, priced at $37,345, featured upgraded leather, ventilated front seats, and a sunroof. The new Onyx Edition XT, starting at $34,895, included the more powerful engine and off-road capabilities. The Limited XT and Touring XT trims followed their non-XT counterparts but added the turbocharged engine.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. The A-Spec’s subtle yet effective styling changes conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura didn’t try to make the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with base prices starting at $38,200. The Technology Package raised the price to $41,100, the A-Spec Package to $44,100, and the Advance Package to $46,000. The SH-AWD system added another $2,000. The A-Spec SH-AWD model, with extra-cost Platinum White paint, totaled $47,625, including the destination charge.

The A-Spec Package added front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, a black headliner, dark brushed aluminum trim, sport pedals, red exposed stitching, red nighttime illumination, red ambient cabin lighting, and unique gauges. The interior delivered a sporty look and feel, with quality materials and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. However, the gauge cluster’s red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read, except at night.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019. This engine had 90% new components, direct injection, and improved fuel efficiency with 26 mpg city and 33 highway. For more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims produced 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the typical CVT drawbacks.

Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system was active all the time, providing consistent power delivery and reducing wear on components. The Outback’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle various terrains, though it wasn’t designed for extreme off-roading. The Onyx XT trim’s upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available for improved handling. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and 100% of that to either rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics.

The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec models featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, though the lack of adaptive dampers resulted in some body motion on uneven roads. Despite this, the RDX A-Spec offered rewarding driving dynamics, with precise steering, fade-resistant brakes, and an engaging engine note in Sport+ mode.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with ample room for passengers and cargo. It provided 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to the larger interior volume. The Outback’s design allowed for excellent visibility, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The spacious interior accommodated tall passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats, especially in A-Spec trim, were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 58.9 cubic feet, though Acura quoted a maximum value of 79.8 cubic feet based on a different measurement methodology.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing and easy to navigate. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting various functions like navigation, radio station changes, and volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the touchscreen had potential if Subaru addressed the lag and resolution problems.

The 2021 Acura RDX used the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which required drivers to use a touch-sensing pad on the center console. While the TTI mirrored the screen, making it more intuitive than Lexus’s approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. Acura included physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, smartphone projection, and integrated voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and Subaru’s EyeSight system. However, the optical nature of EyeSight meant it could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often issued false alerts, making it more of a distraction.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.