2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru maintained its winning formula with the 2020 Outback, focusing on incremental improvements. The sixth-generation Outback featured Subaru’s Global Platform, enhancing structural rigidity by 70%. The base 2.5-liter engine, although appearing similar to the 2019 model, had 90% new parts and delivered 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, mainly noticeable 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 system used infrared monitoring to detect and alert sleepy or distracted drivers, adding a touch of luxury tech.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 continued to reshape Volvo’s image with its distinctive design, blending traditional styling with modern touches. The XC90 retained Volvo’s boxy profile and rectangular grille but added softer lines, more chrome, and unique LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, tested with optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design offered a sportier look, and the base Momentum trim had a simpler design. The XC90 shared Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other models, ensuring a cohesive design language across the lineup. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials and thoughtful arrangement, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery.

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 and 277 pound-feet of torque. 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, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system was active all the time, ensuring consistent power delivery and better handling. The Outback also boasted 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of handling off-road conditions, although it wasn’t designed for extreme off-roading.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional, while the T6 and T8 had standard all-wheel drive. Despite the power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration on electric power alone, and the gasoline engine often had to assist. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered significant 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 larger interior volume. The Outback provided ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers, and maintained good visibility in most directions. However, the rear quarters had a notable blind spot, which could be mitigated with optional blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power moonroof and the upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 also offered a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing and easy to navigate. However, the system suffered from significant lag, affecting various functions like navigation, radio, and volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the system had potential if the lag and resolution problems were addressed.

The 2021 Volvo XC90’s Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity and functionality. It came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with a tablet-like interface, although the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback. However, the system’s ease of use and minimalist design were strong points.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and Subaru’s EyeSight system. However, the optical nature of EyeSight meant it could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often triggered false alerts, making it more of a distraction than a safety feature.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist was smooth and quick to react, although it struggled with highway curves.