2020 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a slanted tailgate glass and more pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the grille. Higher trims like the Limited and Platinum featured projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, with 20-inch wheels adding to their appeal. Inside, the Highlander boasted a well-crafted cabin with quality fit and finish. The interior was adorned with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash, offering a pleasing color palette. The Limited trim showcased a three-tone interior, with padded surfaces and rich textures, rivaling competitors like the Kia Telluride in terms of interior quality.

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula, focusing on incremental improvements. Built on Subaru's Global Platform, it offered increased structural rigidity. The exterior changes were subtle, with more noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims, with innovative tech like DriverFocus for driver monitoring. The Outback was available in seven trims, with the XT versions featuring a turbocharged engine. Starting at $26,645, the base trim included essential features like LED headlights and automatic climate control. Higher trims added amenities like a power liftgate, leather upholstery, and advanced safety features, making the Outback a versatile choice for various needs.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission complemented the engine's performance, although it required a heavy foot for kickdowns. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, it offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long trips. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the AWD version offered slightly lower figures.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, offering a slight improvement over the previous model. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet 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. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback was capable off-road, although it wasn't designed for extreme conditions. The vehicle's design ensured a low center of gravity, contributing to better handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs on higher trims. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander featured three-zone climate control, with upper trims offering additional amenities like a panoramic moonroof. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior included practical features like multiple cupholders and integrated dash shelves, although the wireless charging pad's placement was inconvenient.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Outback's design prioritized visibility, although the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The vehicle's proportions contributed to its practicality, with a low load height and ample headroom. Subaru's focus on visibility ensured good sightlines, enhancing safety and driving confidence.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, was underutilized due to fixed display elements. However, the Highlander included standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The vehicle's head-up display and instrument cluster provided useful information, while the semi-automated driving system offered reliable assistance. The optional JBL audio system was decent, and the vehicle included various connectivity options and safety features.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag issues. The system's layout was generally intuitive, although some functions were buried in menus. The screen's lag affected navigation and other functions, detracting from the overall experience. Camera resolution was also lacking, highlighting the need for improvements. Despite these drawbacks, the Outback's infotainment system had potential, offering a large display and modern features.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top ratings in crash tests and emergency braking performance.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety suite was impressive, with standard AWD and various safety features. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing unnecessary alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, had limitations in certain conditions. Despite these issues, the Outback offered a solid safety package, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.