2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that grew on you with its understated elegance. It wasn't flashy or exotic, but its subtle design choices became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. The dished hood, for instance, was a functional design that improved forward sight lines, making it easier to navigate obstacles. The fenders, slightly bulging from the smooth sides, provided space for wheel travel and a visual cue of 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 black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models but with a fresher interior. The base trim featured two 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT introduced a more adventurous look with gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching. The exterior was practical, with high gray cladding and smooth styling, while the interior offered ample space and comfort. The Outback's design was functional, with thoughtful storage solutions and excellent visibility, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its confidence and capability, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, achieving an EPA-estimated 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Multi-Terrain Select control, and a Torsen limited-slip center differential. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, departure angle of 24 degrees, and 8.9 inches of ground clearance, it was built to conquer diverse terrains. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene and relaxing driving experience, making it a reliable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT, resulting in sluggish performance. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT trims delivered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback's fuel economy was competitive, with the turbo XT achieving 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Its handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system and X-Mode enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a dual personality, with features suited for both commuting and overlanding. It came with standard skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack, while the interior provided a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split tailgate for easy loading. The Land Cruiser's interior was spacious, with four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cabin was designed for comfort, with ample headroom and legroom, and excellent visibility. Storage solutions were abundant, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and a handy pocket on the passenger-side dash. While some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims, the Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers, navigation, and a CD player. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were common in competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a useful addition for off-road and daily driving.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while dated in appearance, offered modern tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The single large screen was more cohesive and user-friendly than the base model's dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, featuring a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had 10 airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and Safety Connect with emergency assistance. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a stronger chassis and additional airbags, earning it a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award. It received top ratings in crash tests and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The Outback offered advanced driver assists, including blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking, enhancing its safety credentials.