2021 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Subaru Outback

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, featured 90% new parts. 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 introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim, which had dual 7-inch screens. The innovative DriverFocus tech, using infrared to detect sleepy or distracted drivers, was a standout feature.

The 2021 Ford Explorer maintained a family resemblance with other Ford SUVs, featuring sporty, raked belt lines and distinctive grilles varying by trim. The Explorer offered six trims, from the base model to the luxurious Platinum, with prices ranging from $32,925 to $52,730. Inside, the Explorer provided three rows of seating, with the base model accommodating seven passengers and higher trims offering captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing capacity to six. The dash was clean, featuring an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a center console with a rotary gearshift, freeing up storage space.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. For more power, 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 AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing 4,345 pounds at its lightest, featured a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Limited Hybrid trim offered a V6 hybrid drivetrain with 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims had a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the sport-oriented ST trim offered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All trims used a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Explorer excelled in towing, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the trim and engine.

The 2020 Subaru Outback, a station wagon, offered 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. Subaru’s design prioritized visibility, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2021 Ford Explorer provided seating for seven in the base trim and six in higher trims with captain’s chairs. Second-row passengers enjoyed 39 inches of legroom, competitive with other SUVs in its class. With the third row deployed, the Explorer offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This cargo volume was modest compared to some competitors.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, praised for its size and layout but criticized for lag and buried climate-control functions. The system’s lag affected navigation, app usage, and even volume control. Camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, offering AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Explorer provided multiple charging options, including USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC power outlet available on higher trims.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and Subaru’s EyeSight system. However, the DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was unreliable, frequently issuing false alerts. EyeSight’s optical system also had issues with obstructions like snow and fog.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and an “Acceptable” rating for adaptive headlights. The base Explorer included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and dynamic brake support. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features through the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite.