2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-generation 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 the 2019 model, had 90% new parts and direct injection, offering 182 horsepower. Higher trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, while the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting well with the rest of the Volvo lineup. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, featured a blanked-off grille, unique alloy wheels, and a model-exclusive color. Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, the XC40 had a minimalist interior with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather and Nubuck textile. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower. The 2.5-liter engine provided 26 mpg city and 33 highway, while the turbocharged engine enabled the Outback to hit 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system was active all the time, providing consistent power delivery and better handling. The Outback also had 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road with the upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT trim.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a three-tiered powertrain lineup. The base FWD T4 had a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower, while the AWD T5 had 248 horsepower. The electric Recharge model featured a dual-motor setup with 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The Recharge also offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The gasoline models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Recharge had a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The Outback’s design prioritized visibility, although the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The cargo area was also smaller, and the frunk was limited in size. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was well-designed to hold a phone, and a wireless charging pad was optional. Second-row occupants, however, lacked phone-charging options.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the camera resolution was subpar. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was inconsistent and often triggered false alerts.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge also had OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The gasoline models continued with the previous infotainment system. The Recharge lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for activation.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Subaru’s EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with standard safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model had a safety cage around the battery and a redesigned front crash structure. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system.