2021 Ford Escape vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a handsome profile that saw only incremental improvements. 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. Exterior changes were subtle, focusing on head- and taillights, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at $26,645, with a range of features and options that emphasized safety and convenience.

The 2021 Ford Escape presented a blend of SUV and hatchback styling, with a curved snout and sleek roofline that set it apart from more truck-like competitors. For 2021, it introduced new appearance packages across three trim levels, enhancing its aesthetic appeal with features like 19-inch alloy wheels and upgraded upholstery. However, the interior design lacked cohesion, with some low-quality materials and odd design choices. Despite these drawbacks, the Escape offered a range of trims and options, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, catering to a variety of consumer preferences.

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 latter allowed the Outback to reach 60 mph in about 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 enhanced safety, while the Outback’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT trim made it capable off-road.

The 2021 Ford Escape featured a range of powertrains, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 250 horsepower. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the latter available only with AWD. The Escape also offered hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with a combined output of 200 horsepower. While the three-cylinder engine proved adequate, the Escape’s chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering. The 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 3,500 pounds with the optional Trailer Tow Package.

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. Its design provided ample passenger space, with enough room for a 6’4” driver to sit comfortably in both the front and rear seats. The Outback’s low center of gravity and excellent visibility further enhanced its practicality, though the rear quarters presented a notable blind spot.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered competitive interior space, with a sliding rear seat that allowed for adjustable legroom or cargo space. Non-hybrid models provided 40.7 inches of rear legroom and 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models had slightly reduced space due to battery placement. While the Escape’s cargo capacity was less than some competitors, its flexible seating arrangement was a notable advantage.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, praised for its size and clarity but criticized for lag and buried climate-control functions. The system’s camera resolution was also outdated, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the potential for improvement was evident.

The 2021 Ford Escape used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with a 4.2-inch touchscreen on base models and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, but lacked the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto found in newer systems. The Escape Titanium trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a premium sound system, enhancing its tech offerings.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite, with standard AWD and the EyeSight system. However, the optical nature of EyeSight led to occasional deactivation, and the DriverFocus system was prone to false alerts, detracting from its effectiveness.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and park assist, enhancing its safety credentials.