2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a few incremental improvements. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, featured 90% new parts, while higher trims offered a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus technology, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at an MSRP of $26,645, with a range of features and options that catered to various preferences and budgets.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The standard model, however, was the focus, featuring a Magnetic Gray exterior and plush Terra leather interior. The Land Cruiser's design was reminiscent of older models, with large headlights and chrome accents. Inside, it combined Toyota parts-bin switchgear with high-quality materials, offering a mix of nostalgia and luxury. Despite its dated appearance, the Land Cruiser provided a commanding view and a sense of opulence, with features like heated and ventilated seats and a four-zone climate control system.

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 reach 60 mph in about 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive 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 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 401 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case ensured robust performance. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a suite of traction control technologies, including Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected maneuverability. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds, showcasing its capability.

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. Its design provided ample passenger space, with impressive headroom and legroom, even for taller individuals. The Outback's proportions enhanced visibility, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. Subaru's focus on visibility and practicality made the Outback a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and a commanding seating position. It featured a three-passenger second-row bench and a third-row seat, accommodating adults with some compromise on leg support. The Land Cruiser offered 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. Its split clamshell-style liftgate provided convenient access, and the lower tailgate served as a practical seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system's camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the Outback's technology had potential, with features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay enhancing connectivity.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was reminiscent of a simpler era, with a 9-inch touchscreen that required tapping rather than swiping. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system was basic. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was outdated, though it offered DVD playback and HDMI connections. A 14-speaker JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, but it fell short of high-end competitors.

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, was prone to deactivation in certain conditions. Despite these issues, the Outback's safety features were commendable for its price range.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a robust safety package, including 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems. However, it lacked advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping. The absence of crash-test ratings left some uncertainty about its safety performance, but its substantial weight and safety features provided reassurance.