2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to incremental improvement while maintaining its core strengths of utility, safety, and performance. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the Outback boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, featured 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower and improved fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims, with the innovative DriverFocus technology enhancing safety by monitoring driver alertness.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover embraced luxury and sophistication, moving far from its rugged origins. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower. The SUV's design, though nearly a decade old, remained timeless with hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while comprehensive, was not entirely intuitive, requiring a learning curve for users.

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. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety, especially in adverse conditions. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT, the Outback was capable off-road, though not as rugged as a Jeep.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The SUV featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD) with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring off-road prowess. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the Terrain Response 2 system managed traction across various conditions. Despite its capabilities, the Range Rover was best enjoyed at a leisurely pace due to its weight and tall center of gravity. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 18.5 mpg.

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, accommodating taller passengers comfortably, with excellent visibility in most directions. Subaru's design prioritized proportion, resulting in a vehicle that appeared smaller from the outside while maximizing interior space. However, the rear quarters presented a blind spot, necessitating optional blind-spot monitoring for added safety.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort, with inadequate thigh support and a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but overall luggage volume was less than expected for a vehicle of its size.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's 11.6-inch touchscreen was visually appealing but suffered from lag, affecting navigation and other functions. While the screen layout was generally intuitive, some controls were buried, leading to user frustration. Camera resolution was subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the system showed potential for improvement.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's digital instrumentation and infotainment system, spread across three displays, offered extensive customization. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring users to familiarize themselves with its functions. The dual 10-inch touchscreens posed a distraction while driving, and the head-up display was ineffective with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app were notable features, enhancing convenience and usability.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite, with standard AWD and EyeSight technology. However, the optical nature of EyeSight led to occasional deactivation in certain conditions. The DriverFocus system, intended to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive, leading to frequent false alerts. Despite these issues, Subaru's commitment to safety remained evident.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with essential safety features, including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added advanced driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations. Overall, the safety features were effective, though some advanced technologies were not assessed.