2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to incremental improvement while maintaining its winning formula. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the 2020 model boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was 90% new in design, 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 all but the base trim, which featured dual 7-inch screens. The innovative DriverFocus technology, typically seen in luxury brands, was a standout feature, using facial recognition to adjust settings and monitor driver alertness.

The 2021 Subaru Outback continued the legacy of its predecessor with minimal changes, maintaining a familiar and comfortable design. The interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, which featured a dual 7-inch touchscreen setup. The 11.6-inch portrait display, standard on Premium and above trims, was a highlight, offering a modern and polished look. Quality was evident in the materials used, with Limited and Touring trims showcasing two-tone leather upholstery. The Onyx Edition XT introduced StarTex, a durable synthetic material. Externally, the Outback retained its smooth and balanced styling, with adaptive LED headlights becoming standard. The 2021 model offered a new paint option, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, and continued to be a lifted wagon, providing an alternative to typical crossovers and SUVs.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a modest 7-hp increase from the previous year. This engine offered 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, slightly improving fuel efficiency. For those desiring more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced stability, both on and off-road. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback was capable of handling various terrains, although it wasn't designed for extreme off-roading.

In 2021, the Outback's base 2.5-liter engine continued to produce 182 horsepower, but its performance was hindered by the vehicle's weight, making it feel sluggish. The XT trims, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, offered a significant improvement, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine was quieter and more refined, providing better acceleration and overall performance. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower, at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, but it was more efficient when the vehicle was fully loaded. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and high ground clearance allowing it to tackle rough roads. Subaru's AWD system remained proactive, providing excellent traction and stability, especially with the enhanced X-Mode in the Onyx Edition.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increase in width between the rear wheels contributed to the spaciousness. The Outback's design allowed for ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was a strong point, with great sightlines in most directions, although the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The redesign could have addressed this issue, but optional blind-spot monitoring was available.

The 2021 Outback provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of obstructions. The interior offered ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable seating and excellent outward visibility. Storage solutions were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and additional pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only standard on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings. The 11.6-inch touchscreen, while large and responsive, complicated some controls, but overall, it enhanced usability.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen aimed at attracting tech enthusiasts. The screen was large and visually appealing, but some functions, like climate controls, were buried within menus. The system suffered from lag, affecting navigation and other functions, which was a significant drawback. Camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience.

In 2021, the Outback's infotainment system appeared outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. Despite this, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation was more modern. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could be obstructed, affecting performance.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a comprehensive safety suite, including standard AWD and Subaru's EyeSight system. However, the optical nature of EyeSight meant it could be easily obstructed, leading to occasional deactivation. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was unreliable, often issuing false alerts.

The 2021 Outback featured a stronger chassis and additional airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the 2020 model being a "Top Safety Pick+." The driver-attention monitor was standard on select trims, enhancing safety features.