2020 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula by focusing on incremental improvements, particularly in utility, safety, and performance. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, featured 90% new parts, while higher trims offered a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen on most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at $26,645, with a range of features and options that catered to various preferences and needs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, in contrast, relied on styling details to differentiate its trim levels, offering a generic SUV design with a tall roof and chunky wheel arches. While it shared a platform with more premium GM models, the Traverse aimed for a more practical, blue-collar appeal. The interior featured a Dual SkyScape sunroof and materials that were decent but not exceptional for its price. The Traverse offered various appearance packages and wheel options, with higher trims featuring more chrome and larger wheels. Despite its restrained styling, the Traverse provided a comfortable ride with good highway manners, though it lacked the agility of some competitors.

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 CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced handling, thanks to the low center of gravity of the boxer engine. 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 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 provided adequate power for highway merging and overtaking, it lacked initial punch. The Traverse's AWD system required manual activation and could distribute torque between individual wheels, though this capability was not particularly noticeable during driving. The Traverse offered off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which was average for its segment.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious enough for a 6'4" driver to sit comfortably in both the front and rear seats. The Outback's design prioritized visibility, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The low load height and ample cargo space made it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. It boasted a significant advantage in cargo space, offering 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Higher trims featured a gesture-activated liftgate and a power-folding third row. Despite its size, the Traverse was limited in interior storage options, a common trait among midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system's camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the infotainment system offered potential with its large display and intuitive layout.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and retained analog controls for volume and climate. The Traverse also offered a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and ease of parking. USB ports were standard across all rows, while wireless charging was reserved for top trims.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite, though the DriverFocus system was criticized for its frequent and inaccurate alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, could be disrupted by environmental factors. Despite these issues, the Outback maintained a strong safety reputation.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though its headlight ratings varied by trim. It offered less standard driver-assist technology compared to competitors, with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking available only on higher trims.