2021 Subaru Forester 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, had 90% new parts. Higher trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly 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 used infrared monitoring to detect and alert sleepy or distracted drivers, and facial recognition to adjust settings between drivers.

The Outback was available in seven trims, starting with the 2.5i at an MSRP of $26,645, offering LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. The Premium trim, starting at $28,895, added an 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone auto climate control, and heated front seats. The Limited trim, at $33,445, included blind-spot monitoring, a power liftgate, and leather upholstery. The Touring trim, priced at $37,345, featured ventilated front seats and a sunroof. The Onyx Edition XT, starting at $34,895, added a more powerful engine and off-road capabilities. The Limited XT and Touring XT trims followed their non-XT counterparts but included the turbocharged engine.

The 2021 Forester, redesigned in 2019, retained a familiar look with a boxy, upright shape and distinctive cross-shaped taillights. The Forester's styling was clean and unpretentious, appealing to SUV shoppers. The Forester Sport model featured orange striping, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels, adding a sporty touch. The Forester shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models, ensuring a rugged yet familiar feel.

Inside, the Forester's no-nonsense mix of materials promised durability. The Sport trim added orange accents, while higher trims offered leather upholstery. The All-Weather Package, standard on Premium and higher trims, included heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield de-icer. The Forester's interior was practical, with a power-adjustable driver's seat available from the Premium trim. The Forester's design prioritized functionality and durability, making it a reliable choice for various activities.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. 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, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. Subaru's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and improved handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback's design ensured less wear on components and better weight balance.

The 2021 Forester came with a single powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Forester's AWD system included X-Mode for different surfaces, with Dual X-Mode on Sport models. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride with noticeable body roll and bounce on uneven pavement. The Forester's AWD system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provided good off-road capability, but it lacked the power and handling finesse of the Outback's turbocharged engine.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to the larger interior space. The Outback's design provided ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was excellent, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The Outback's low load height and lower center of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2021 Forester provided above-average headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its tall, flat roofline. The Forester offered 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Forester's cargo space was competitive, though it lacked a sliding second-row bench. A power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Forester's interior featured practical storage solutions, though the phone-storage cubby was too small for average-sized phones, and wireless charging was not available. The Forester's design emphasized practicality and visibility, with large windows and a spacious feel.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, offering a large, easy-to-navigate interface. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation, app usage, and even volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the Outback's infotainment system had potential, with a user-friendly layout and attractive design.

The 2021 Forester's standard Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and front-row USB ports. Higher trims added an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, navigation, and rear USB ports. The Forester's system was easy to use, with well-designed graphics and physical controls. However, the screen was slow to boot up, and the additional screens for secondary information seemed overly complex.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a standard safety suite with features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was unreliable, frequently issuing false alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off unexpectedly.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the highest "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Forester's standard EyeSight suite included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lead-vehicle start alert. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. The Forester's safety features were comprehensive and effective, though the lane-centering function could be jerky.