2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to refining a winning formula. With its sixth-generation model, Subaru focused on incremental improvements, enhancing utility, safety, and performance while maintaining its handsome profile. The Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was redesigned with 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower. 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 2020 Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims, with the base model featuring dual 7-inch screens. The innovative DriverFocus technology, typically seen in luxury brands, was also introduced, using facial recognition to adjust settings and monitor driver alertness.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embraced the crossover trend by infusing the Impreza hatchback with rugged looks, AWD, and a tall driving position. It featured black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Crosstrek shared its underpinnings with other Subaru models, providing a refined driving experience. The interior remained functional but plain, with the Sport trim adding unique accents. The Crosstrek offered vibrant color options, including Plasma Yellow Pearl. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek maintained the Impreza's interior dimensions, providing competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to other small crossovers.

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 accelerate to 60 mph in about 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and improved handling, thanks to the boxer engine's low center of gravity. 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 enhanced off-road capabilities with upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter engine for the Sport and Limited trims, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on lower trims, while the CVT was available across the lineup. The Crosstrek's AWD system included torque vectoring and X-Mode, with the Sport trim adding Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. While not an off-road powerhouse, these features enhanced its capability in adverse conditions. On-road, the Crosstrek offered predictable handling, though the higher center of gravity resulted in noticeable body roll. The new engine provided adequate acceleration, but the CVT's droning was evident.

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 increased width between the rear wheels contributed to a larger interior, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Outback's design prioritized visibility, with excellent sightlines in most directions, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The low load height and spacious interior made it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, providing ample front and rear legroom. It offered 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. While competitive in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity. The CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder system, though its effectiveness was debatable. The interior included a convenient cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports, but rear-seat passengers had limited access to charging options. The Crosstrek's driving position was higher than the Impreza's, offering good outward visibility.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, appealing to tech enthusiasts. While the screen was large and visually appealing, it suffered from lag across various functions, including navigation and audio controls. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the system had potential, with a user-friendly interface and well-laid-out features.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek utilized Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The Premium and Sport trims added WiFi and SiriusXM satellite radio. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on the Limited trim and optional on others. The system was easy to navigate and responsive, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. A secondary screen displayed additional information, though its redundancy was questionable.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety features were a mixed bag. While the standard safety suite impressed, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Subaru’s EyeSight system, though standard, had limitations due to its optical nature, often deactivating in adverse conditions. Despite these issues, the Outback maintained a strong safety reputation.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS for the 2020 model. EyeSight offered standard adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning on CVT-equipped models. The Limited trim included additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. EyeSight's cameras were well-protected but could be obstructed by wipers or sunlight.