2020 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Buick Enclave

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 monitoring to detect and alert sleepy or distracted drivers, adding a touch of luxury.

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 climate control, and heated front seats. The Limited trim, priced at $33,445, added blind-spot monitoring, a power liftgate, and leather upholstery. The Touring trim, at $37,345, featured upgraded leather and ventilated front seats. The new Onyx Edition XT, starting at $34,895, included the turbo engine and off-road enhancements. The Limited XT and Touring XT trims followed their non-XT counterparts but added the turbo engine, with prices at $37,745 and $39,695, respectively.

Buick’s Enclave had a storied past, recovering from a period of decline to become a solid SUV offering. The 2021 Enclave was the largest of Buick’s four SUVs, with trims ranging from Preferred to Avenir, priced between $41,000 and $55,000. Competing with higher-priced three-row SUVs, the Enclave had a premium look, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Avenir trim boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather, though the wood trim was not genuine.

The Enclave’s simplicity extended to its powertrain, with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of FWD or AWD. The V6 produced 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The Enclave’s ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The Enclave’s fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the 2019 model. This engine achieved 26 mpg city and 33 highway, a 1 mpg improvement in both categories. For those needing more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims produced 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks.

Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system was a standout feature, providing consistent power delivery and reducing wear on components. The Outback’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle off-road conditions, though it wasn’t a Jeep. The Onyx XT trim’s upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6’s low torque peak at 2,800 rpm contributed to strong acceleration. The Enclave’s nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the FWD model allowed for momentary tire spin before traction control intervened. The Enclave’s premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping offered a comfortable ride across various driving conditions. The Enclave’s fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 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 a 1-cu-ft increase in passenger volume and a 2.4-cu-ft increase in overall volume. The Outback’s interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Subaru’s focus on visibility resulted in excellent sightlines, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample room for six passengers (seven if needed). The Avenir trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and a basic massaging function, while the front passenger seat was 10-way adjustable with matching massage. The Enclave’s interior was quiet and comfortable, thanks to Buick’s QuietTuning, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass. The third-row seat was spacious, and the Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expandable to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

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, including navigation and volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times, good voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors’, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming. The Enclave also lacked smart home digital assistant integration. A notable feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of what’s behind the vehicle.

The 2020 Subaru Outback’s standard safety suite was impressive, including AWD, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s safety features were limited to higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.