2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that grew on you with its understated elegance. It wasn't flashy, but its design choices were practical and purposeful. The dished hood improved forward visibility, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The fenders, slightly bulging, provided space for wheel travel and hinted at the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, while the interior offered a near-luxury experience with leather-trimmed seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula with subtle exterior changes and significant interior upgrades. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted increased structural rigidity and a choice between a 2.5-liter engine and a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged option. The interior featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, except for the base trim, and innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to enhance safety. The Outback offered seven trim levels, each with a range of features, from basic safety equipment to luxury touches like leather upholstery and a Harman Kardon stereo.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, achieving an EPA-estimated 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Its off-road capabilities were impressive, with a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control, allowing it to tackle various terrains with ease. The Land Cruiser's approach, departure, and breakover angles, along with its ground clearance, made it a formidable off-road vehicle.

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. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and features like X-Mode and hill-descent control, the Outback was capable of handling light off-road adventures, though it wasn't designed for extreme terrains.

The Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its features, such as skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack. The standard model offered a three-row configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers, while the Heritage Edition had two rows. The interior boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box. The split tailgate design was both practical and charming, making loading and unloading a breeze.

The 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 spacious interior accommodated tall passengers comfortably, and the low load height made it easy to access the trunk and roof. Visibility was a strong point, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The Outback's design prioritized passenger comfort and cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were standard in many competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a useful addition for off-road and daily driving.

The Subaru Outback's 11.6-inch touchscreen was visually impressive but suffered from lag issues. While the layout was generally intuitive, some functions were buried in menus. The camera resolution was subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the system had potential, and Subaru's commitment to technology was evident.

The Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision detection and adaptive cruise control. It also had the Star Safety System and 10 airbags, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Its robust build and safety features provided peace of mind.

The Subaru Outback's safety suite included EyeSight and DriverFocus, though the latter was criticized for its frequent alerts. EyeSight's optical system had limitations in adverse conditions, but the standard AWD system enhanced safety. Despite some issues, Subaru's dedication to safety was clear.