2020 Subaru Outback vs 2021 BMW X5

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-generation Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and offered 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, mainly in the head- and taillights, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system, which used facial recognition to adjust settings and monitor driver alertness.

The 2021 BMW X5 continued BMW’s tradition of high-quality craftsmanship. The X5’s design was unmistakably BMW, from the kidney grille to the body shape. Full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling, added to its upscale appearance. The interior, while familiar to BMW enthusiasts, featured high-quality materials and unique styling elements in M Sport models. The X5 offered a range of wheel sizes and a spacious, comfortable cabin, though some controls were hard to differentiate at night.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the previous year, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, especially in off-road conditions, thanks to 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the upgraded X-Mode in the Onyx XT trim.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i had a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and up to 30 miles of all-electric range. However, the X5’s steering and handling dynamics were less impressive, especially at higher speeds.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was excellent, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The Outback’s design prioritized proportion and visibility, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but could feel hard on longer journeys. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was minimal for most buyers.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system’s lag affected nearly every function, from navigation to 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 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD, but the DriverFocus system was problematic. Subaru’s EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off. The DriverFocus system frequently issued false alerts, making it more of a distraction than a safety feature.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, especially in sunny or rainy conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.