2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a few subtle yet significant updates. 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, 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 minimal, with slight updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims, while the base model had dual 7-inch screens. The innovative DriverFocus system, using infrared monitoring and facial recognition, was a standout feature, enhancing safety and convenience.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased a distinct design as an electric vehicle, departing from the traditional styling of its gasoline counterparts. Built on VW’s MEB platform, it featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners. The interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, using piano black and matte plastic. The ID.4 offered more front headroom than its gasoline rivals, though rear headroom and legroom were average. Cargo space was competitive among EVs, but less than traditional crossovers like the Honda CR-V. The ID.4’s interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick pillars. Unique features included a twist-grip gear selector and a focus on efficient cabin heating with standard heated seats and steering wheel.

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 enabled the Outback to reach 60 mph in about 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety, with a low center of gravity reducing wear and improving handling. The Outback’s off-road capabilities were notable, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 initially launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery. An AWD version, introduced later, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Regenerative braking was minimal, with VW opting for a more traditional driving experience. The ID.4’s RWD configuration offered balanced handling, while the AWD version provided additional traction and power.

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. Subaru prioritized visibility, though the rear quarters presented a blind spot challenge. The Outback’s design balanced exterior compactness with interior roominess, maintaining a low center of gravity for improved handling.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 64.2 cubic feet. While lacking a frunk, the ID.4’s cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility. The interior featured a unique gear selector and efficient heating solutions. Despite its compact dimensions, the ID.4 offered competitive space among EVs, though it fell short compared to traditional crossovers.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, praised for its size and clarity but criticized for lag and buried climate controls. The infotainment system struggled with responsiveness, affecting navigation and audio controls. Camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch upgrade. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the haptic touchpads were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 introduced ID.Light, a light strip for driver communication, and a natural-language voice-control system, though response times were slow. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned and user-friendly.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a comprehensive safety suite, including 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 and often inaccurate, leading to frequent false alerts.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA for its RWD version. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced highway driving safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane-centering and responsive speed adjustments.